Training Tomorrow's Trappers with Bryan Kortis, Programs Director at Neighborhood Cats

"There's still a disconnect between the grassroots groups (that are primarily doing trap-neuter-return) and the larger shelters (that are involved in return-to-field) and we need to get to a point where those two parts of the system are working together." This episode is sponsored in part by TevraPet and Maddie's Fund. On this episode, Stacy chats with Bryan Kortis, Programs Director at Neighborhood Cats, who frequently collaborates with the CCP in running the Neighborhood Cats TNR Certification Workshops. In his discussion with Stacy, Bryan talks about the rise of the community cat coordinator position in shelters. He provides a preview of the 6th Annual Online Cat Conference, which will take place from January 27th through January 29th, 2023. This conference, Bryan explains, will further explore the community cat coordinator position. Bryan discusses the increasingly popular return-to-field programs. He describes the differences between these programs and trap-neuter-return programs and discusses the collaborative efforts and interaction between those running the programs. Bryan also talks about Cat Stats, a TNR program management tool developed and offered by Neighborhood Cats, which allows non-profit organizations to track colonies and caretakers in their service area. He discusses his partnership with Tomahawk Live Trap and the collaborative efforts in developing traps. Additionally, Bryan touches on the DC Cat Count and the upcoming Maui Cat Count. To learn more about Neighborhood Cats, visit their website. To learn more about or register for the 6th Annual Online Cat Conference, click here. If you enjoyed this episode, you might also be interested in listening to Stacy's interview with Mary Howard, Community Cat Coordinator at McKamey Animal Center, in episode 356.