Buffalo, NY Animal Ordinances: Cat Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- TNVR legal status
- Legal in Buffalo
- Citizen participation
- Encouraged but voluntary
- Ear-tipped cats at shelters
- Returned to trap location unless veterinary care needed
- Kittens/socialized cats
- May be offered for adoption
- Leaving colonies alone
- Not a violation of this section
Summary
Buffalo legally authorizes Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate, and Return (TNVR) programs for feral and community cats. Citizens are encouraged to participate voluntarily. Ear-tipped cats received at shelters are returned to where they were trapped.
TRAP, NEUTER, VACCINATE, AND RETURN PROGRAM or TNVR — A program in which community cats are humanely trapped, evaluated, vaccinated, sterilized, and ear tipped by a veterinarian and returned to the trap location with the intent of controlling or reducing feline population and reproduction. § 78-35. Trap, neuter, vaccinate, and return program policy. TNVR of community cats shall be legal in the City of Buffalo, and interested citizens are encouraged to participate in and support TNVR activities on a voluntary basis. Socialized cats and all kittens subject to TNVR shall be eligible to be, but not mandated to be, re-socialized and put up for adoption. An ear-tipped cat received by local shelters shall be returned to the location where trapped unless veterinary care is required. It shall not be a violation of this section to determine that the best course of action for a particular cat, or cat colony, is to be left alone.
Full Breakdown
Community cats include homeless, stray, feral, or free-roaming cats. TNVR participation by residents is voluntary, not mandatory. Socialized cats and kittens may be re-socialized and offered for adoption. Animal control officers are directed to implement this policy in consultation with feral-cat welfare organizations such as Alley Cat Allies and Best Friends Animal Society. Leaving a feral cat colony alone is explicitly not a violation.
Violations & Fines
No specific penalty provisions in this article. The TNVR policy is facilitative rather than punitive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I TNVR feral cats in Buffalo?
What happens if an ear-tipped cat is taken to the shelter?
Am I required to do anything about a feral cat colony on my street?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Buffalo
New York rules heatmap·Compare Buffalo to another location·View the New York animal ordinances overview
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