Doylestown Rescue and TNR has a safe landing for unwanted cats
During the pandemic Tiffany Caruth founded Doylestown Rescue and TNR to address the growing issue of stray and unwanted cats through a trap-neuter-release program and a rescue shelter in Wooster. Pictured is Uno, available for adoption at the shelter.
At the height of the pandemic in 2020, Tiffany Caruth saw a desperate need to help solve the growing problem of unwanted stray cats in her community.
Many communities struggle with cats that have no home, are uncared for and increase the cat population with multiple litters of kittens because the cats are never neutered. Caruth set out to find a solution to both problems.
“The organization I started is called Doylestown Rescue and TNR,” Caruth said. “TNR stands for trap, neuter and release. We trap the stray cat, then work with a vet to neuter and vaccinate, and we also check for a microchip of the cat. Once vaccinated and neutered, the cat is then released. The idea is that while it doesn’t necessarily get the stray cat off the street, it does ensure the cat can’t produce any more kittens and is vaccinated.”
The rescue portion of the mission involves a much bigger and longer commitment to the animals. For a cat that is sick, injured or otherwise can’t be released and needs housing, the organization can house up to 20 cats at a time at a facility it manages on Cleveland Road in Wooster.
“When we get a referral for a cat, we evaluate the circumstances of the cat, its temperament, whether it’s feral, et cetera, and decide what the next step is,” Caruth said. “If the cat is injured or sick, it may need to go immediately to a veterinary hospital. We also check cats and kittens (once they have reached an age where they can be tested) for feline leukemia, which can be contagious to other cats. From there we determine the next steps, which could include being housed at our facility or going to a foster home.”
Caruth tries to ensure that whether the cat goes to a foster home or a new owner, the caregiver is going to provide the cat with a good, safe home. Her methodology includes conducting a background check and also checking to make sure the prospective owner’s lease (if applicable) allows pets.
Caruth has seen some disturbing things in working to rescue cats, including a cat that was shot multiple times (nicknamed St. Patrick) and a litter of kittens that were wrapped in bubble wrap and dumped in a trash can. If legal action is necessary, Caruth does not shy away from reporting suspected animal cruelty to relevant law enforcement.
The organization is a 501(c)(3) organization, which means donations may be tax-deductible to individual donors.
“We currently have about 15-20 volunteers,” Caruth said. “We can always use more including foster homes for kittens and cats. We have an Amazon wish list that changes weekly based on our needs. That list can be found on our Facebook page. You can message us through Facebook Messenger or text or call 330-241-9087.”
Anyone wanting to volunteer with the group or donate to it can visit its Facebook page at Doylestown Rescue and TNR.