A multi-year donation from Robbie’s Fund Foundation is allowing the Nova Scotia SPCA to bring its Trap, Neuter, Return program back sooner than originally planned.
The SPCA announced August 7 that the donation will fund a new mobile surgery unit and five years of operational costs, allowing the program to resume in a limited capacity in 2026.
“This wonderful donation from Robbie’s Fund Foundation will cover the cost of a new mobile surgery unit and five years of operational funding,” says Heather Woodin, Chief, Animal Operations with the Nova Scotia SPCA.
“We are grateful for this support, which will allow us to bring the program back in 2026, in a limited capacity, and then more fully in the next few years” added Woodin.
The program started in 2016. Unowned outdoor cats. Cats are humanely trapped, examined by veterinary professionals, spayed or neutered, ear-tipped for identification and then returned to their outdoor territory.
It was paused in May due to lack of funding.
For 2026, the SPCA plans to work with rescue and community organizations to fill six TNR sessions. The program will continue to be offered free of charge to participating organizations.
Support needed
While Robbie’s Fund Foundation will cover major program costs, including the mobile surgery vehicle, medical supplies and veterinary medical staff, the SPCA says community support will still be required.
Volunteers will be needed to help bring the program to communities across Nova Scotia. The organization is also seeking registered veterinary technicians and veterinarians.
The foundation says its multi-year commitment is intended not only to help bring the program back, but also to provide stability as the SPCA works to build its volunteer and donor base.
“Robbie’s Fund Foundation is thrilled to make this gift to ensure the Trap, Neuter, Return program comes back from hiatus in 2026, and continues for the next few years,” the foundation says.
The foundation says it hopes the donation will also raise awareness about the need for greater support for animal welfare, including programs and veterinary medicine.
The SPCA says working with local rescue groups across the province will be an important part of improving the welfare of feral and unowned outdoor cats through spay and neuter services.
With the new funding in place, the organization expects the program to expand beyond the six planned sessions in 2026 and operate more fully in the coming years.
