What is S.A.M.?

Stray Animals Matter (SAM) is a state-licensed, nonprofit cat rescue that was founded in July 2018 by two women who wanted to help the communities they live in. They saw a need and wanted to fill that need after attempts by others failed.

Because there is such a big need in our area and our local animal controls do not deal with animals other than dogs, SAM was founded to offer the only state-licensed, nonprofit, and TNR-certified program within our area. As our resources have expanded, we have grown to be able to offer regular rescue/sheltering services as well.

 

TNR

SAM's most popular offering is a TNR (Trap-Neuter-Release/Return) program. To learn more about TNR, see our What is TNR? page.

To be honest, most communities need a TNR program -- it is estimated that there are over 70 million stray and feral cats in the United States. Without TNR, that number would be much higher and would continue to grow.

Here is how fast an unchecked cat population can grow:

If one female cat has four kittens (two male, two female), in eight months, you will have an additional 12 kittens. In eight more months, you will have an additional 36 kittens -- and the cycle just keeps going. The number can be higher if there are more then two females in the litters, and siblings will mate. 

SAM has TNR-certified teams in Marionville, Mount Vernon, Monett, and Aurora, MO. Our short-term goal is to find other animal lovers to join our established teams, along with looking to help build TNR-certified teams in the surrounding areas of Monett, Billings, and Republic. If you are interested in joining a team or starting a team in your area, let us know and fill out a volunteer application!

When SAM was started, the founders knew it would take a while to make a big difference, but with each spay and neuter, there are fewer homeless and feral cats that will suffer for years to come. In just in a view months, we will start to see a small impact and, over time, that impact will grow.

 

REHABILITATION PROGRAM

SAM provides a state-licensed shelter for the stray, friendly cats and kittens that are inevitably found while teams are performing TNR. Space is very limited and is primarily foster-based, so SAM is always seeking foster homes. If you have space and time, fill out a foster application.

Our goal is for there to be no homeless stray cats. We know this is a BIG goal and it will take time, patience, and many animal lovers to achieve it. We believe in time, and with the help of the community, it can be accomplished.

From August 1, 2018 to October 1, 2018, SAM helped 15+ cats and kittens with food, vaccinations, testing for FeLV and FIV, medicine, sterilization, and emergency vet care. In 2019, that number more than doubled, and in 2020, more than a hundred cats will be helped!

 

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

SAM receives NO money or support from any government agency. SAM is run by volunteers, and is strictly funded by donations from individual animal lovers, businesses, fundraisers, and the occasional grant we apply for externally.

You can donate directly on our website through our Donations pages, check out our supplies wish list, or sign up to be a volunteer or foster.

If you are in the position to adopt a new cat, check out some of the graduates from our rehabilitation program on our Adoptable Meows page!

Order your Pet Food at Chewy.com and Stray Animals Matter will get a $20 donation!

life is better with a cat