Kitty’s Haven Helpers
Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) Service
Terms and Conditions
These Terms and Conditions govern participation in the Kitty’s Haven Helpers Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) service. By requesting or participating in TNR services, the caretaker (“Caretaker”) agrees to comply fully with the terms outlined below.
1. Purpose of TNR Services
Kitty’s Haven Helpers provides humane Trap-Neuter-Return services for free-roaming, community, and feral cats. The goal of TNR is to humanely reduce colony size, improve the health and welfare of community cats, and stabilize colonies through sterilization and vaccination.
2. Eligibility of Cats (South Carolina / Oconee County)
To qualify for TNR services under South Carolina standards and local Oconee County partnerships:
Cats must be free-roaming, community, or feral cats as defined under South Carolina animal welfare practices.
Cats must appear generally healthy at the time of trapping.
Cats must weigh a minimum of 3 pounds at the time of surgery, as required by participating veterinary clinics.
Cats showing signs of severe illness, injury, or distress may be declined for surgery at the discretion of the attending veterinarian, clinic, or Kitty’s Haven Helpers.
Acceptance for surgery is subject to clinic policies and capacity. Kitty’s Haven Helpers makes no guarantee that all trapped cats will be accepted for surgery.
3. Humane Trapping Requirements (South Carolina Standards)
Only humane live traps designed specifically for cats are permitted, consistent with South Carolina animal welfare standards.
Traps must be sized appropriately and constructed to safely contain cats without causing injury.
The use of homemade, inhumane, damaged, or modified traps is strictly prohibited.
Traps must be checked regularly and may not be left unattended for extended periods, in accordance with best practices recognized throughout South Carolina.
Kitty’s Haven Helpers reserves the right to refuse service if trapping practices are deemed unsafe, negligent, or inhumane.
4. Trap Care, Responsibility, and Replacement
All traps must be kept clean, dry, secure, and protected from weather while in the Caretaker’s possession.
Caretakers assume full responsibility for any traps issued or used through Kitty’s Haven Helpers.
Lost, stolen, or damaged traps must be replaced by the Caretaker at full replacement cost.
Traps may not be loaned, transferred, altered, or used for any purpose outside of approved TNR activities within Oconee County or approved service areas.
5. Caretaker Responsibilities – Post-Surgery Housing
The Caretaker agrees to:
Provide safe, secure, and weather-appropriate housing for all cats following surgery.
Confine cats in their traps or appropriate recovery enclosures during the post-operative period.
Monitor cats for signs of distress, bleeding, or complications.
Follow all post-operative instructions provided by the clinic or Kitty’s Haven Helpers.
Ensure cats are held for the recommended recovery period before release:
Typically 24 hours for males
Typically 48 hours for females (or as directed by the clinic)
Cats must not be released until they are fully alert and stable.
6. Return to Colony (South Carolina TNR Principles)
All cats will be returned to their original colony location within Oconee County following recovery.
Relocation of cats is not permitted unless approved in writing by Kitty’s Haven Helpers and consistent with South Carolina community cat guidelines.
Returning cats to their colony is a core principle of humane TNR and must be strictly followed.
7. Exception for Young Kittens
Young kittens determined to be of a socialization-appropriate age may be evaluated for intake into Kitty’s Kitten Rescue.
Intake of kittens is not guaranteed and is dependent upon available space, foster capacity, and resources.
If intake is not possible, kittens may be returned to their colony or managed in accordance with South Carolina community cat best-practice guidelines.
8. Medical Decisions
The attending veterinarian and clinic retain sole authority over all medical decisions, including whether surgery may safely be performed.
Kitty’s Haven Helpers follows South Carolina veterinary and animal welfare standards but does not provide medical diagnosis or treatment beyond coordination of TNR services.
Kitty’s Haven Helpers is not responsible for complications arising from surgery, anesthesia, or recovery.
Emergency or advanced medical treatment beyond routine TNR procedures may not be available.
9. Liability Waiver
The Caretaker understands that working with feral and community cats involves inherent risks. By participating in TNR services, the Caretaker:
Assumes full responsibility for their actions during trapping, transport, housing, and release.
Releases and holds harmless Kitty’s Haven Helpers, Kitty’s Kitten Rescue, volunteers, veterinarians, and partners from any liability for injury, loss, or damages related to participation in TNR services.
10. Compliance and Termination of Services
Failure to comply with these Terms and Conditions, clinic rules, or applicable South Carolina or Oconee County ordinances may result in:
Denial of current or future TNR services
Immediate termination of participation
Kitty’s Haven Helpers reserves the right to modify these Terms and Conditions at any time to remain compliant with South Carolina law, Oconee County policies, and clinic requirements.
11. Oconee County Residency & Fee Policy
Free TNR services are available only to Oconee County, South Carolina residents, subject to clinic availability and current clinic policy.
Proof of Oconee County residency may be required.
This free service remains in effect only while the participating clinic maintains this policy.
Residents of all other counties are required to pay a $60 fee per cat for TNR services.
Fees are subject to change based on clinic policy and availability.
12. Acknowledgment
By requesting or participating in Kitty’s Haven Helpers TNR services, the Caretaker acknowledges that they have read, understand, and agree to these Terms and Conditions, including residency and fee requirements.