The Feral Shelter Program was started to address the problem of homeless cats without shelter from the elements, and to provide colony feeders and anyone caring for a homeless cat sturdy, differently-sized Styrofoam shelters to fit 1-4 cats. These are available at no cost, although donations are always welcome.
feral shelter faq
Q:How do I contact the program?
A: Send an email to feralshelters@sanantonioferalcats.org
Please include your name, phone number and need. Your phone number is crucial, as we need to contact you to make an appointment. We are a volunteer organization, so schedules need to be coordinated. If you don’t have a cell phone, please indicate that in your email. You’ll usually get a response the same day, depending on what time the email is received.
Q:How do I get a shelter?
A:When we contact you, we’ll set up a time and date to meet you at our storage facility to pick out your shelters. You can have up to 2 at a time, although we may be able to work out something for exceptionally large colonies. The Styrofoam shelters and straw are free of charge, but donations are always welcome.
Q:Do you have tote shelters?
A: We are currently not providing totes. Should this change, we will inform the community through our website, social media, or emails.
Q:Where is your storage area located?
A: We are in Leon Valley.
Q: What if I want to donate items?
A: Great! But if donating Styrofoam boxes, they need to have an interior measurement of at least 17 1/2” L x 14 ½” W x 14 ½” H. In addition, they should be in good condition and clean with any identifying address labels removed.
Q:Where does all your stuff come from?
A:Primarily, donations. The majority of our Styrofoam boxes come from different vendors such as medical clinics, businesses and veterinary hospitals. We prefer these boxes because they are sturdy, thick, larger than you get in the store and are meant for industrial use. We also get donations from the public who order food through companies like Omaha Steaks and NutriSystem and want a way to recycle them. Most of our straw is largely provided by a SAFCC volunteer who gets bales from a farm and delivers them to us a couple of times a year.
Q:Is Styrofoam waterproof?
A:No. The inexpensive type that’s used as coolers with very thin material wears down quickly. However, the industrial strength-type Styrofoam we are able to procure can last at least 3 years in winter weather.
Q:What if I have more questions?
A:Contact Program Manager Tom Janes at email feralshelters@sanantonioferalcats.org or contact the Helpline at (210)877-9067.
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