The Feral Freedom Model

Feral Freedom Northern California (FFNC) is a non-profit dedicated to lowering shelter euthanasia rates for feral and community cats in Northern California. We work with shelters to create RTF (Return-To-Field) and TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) programs by implement- ing the “Feral Freedom” program first introduced by Rick DuCharme at First Coast No More Homeless Pets in Jacksonville, Florida.

Variants of the program were started in the California Bay Area over ten years ago and are currently running self-sufficiently at the Humane Society of Silicon Valley, the San Jose Animal Care Center, and the Silicon Valley Animal Control Authority. The Feral Freedom Program at these shelters TNR’ed over 1700 cats in 2021.

Rather than continually “recreating the wheel” at each shelter, FFNC provides shelters with a predesigned and proven program and works directly with shelter staff to implement the program, find and train volunteers, secure funding and veterinary resources, and provide community education.