Spay Our Strays (SOS) was founded in 2008 by Dr. Carrie Caccamise. SOS is an all-volunteer group that provides fundamental humane services for feral and barn cats in the greater Genesee County, NY area. This group of volunteers and veterinarians work to address the plight of feral (wild) cats in this area. There are many dedicated volunteers in the area that have been quietly caring for these forgotten animals by providing food and shelter. The volunteers of SOS are dedicated to making a difference, and together we are breaking the cycle of suffering. By becoming educated, and helping out where you can, you too will make a difference!

Many people have strays that show up at their door. They feed them but do not get them spayed for a variety of reasons - many times because they can’t afford to neuter a cat that they didn’t ask for or expect to be caring for. SOS offers very affordable spay and neuter surgery by organizing monthly spay/neuter clinics. Fees are minimal for this service, although discounts are available to those in need. Because of the generous alliance between local veterinarians, volunteers, and members of the public dedicated to keeping a watchful eye on the feral cat population, SOS has been able to collectively neuter hundreds of animals since its origination. Once we start with a feral colony, we will work with the caretaker until all of the cats are spayed and neutered. To learn more about these clinics, our Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return strategy, which cats qualify, or the actual trap-to-clinic process, please visit our Clinics page. If you have any questions at all, please don’t hesitate to call or e-mail us.

The typical response to feral cats in the past was to euthanize. But studies show that extermination does not solve the actual problem. New cats inevitably move into the area and continue to reproduce. Stopping the reproduction and thus the over-population is the only solution. Spaying and neutering feral cats stops the growth of the colony. Being proactive is far easier than waiting until a stray gets pregnant. With one female capable of having up to three litters a year, the population can get out of control very quickly. All it takes is one cat to start an entire colony. We might not be able to completely stop unwanted kittens but we can certainly make a difference. For each and every cat that comes through SOS, we have cumulatively lessened the suffering of thousands.