Community Cat / Trap-Neuter-Release (TNR) Program & Services
Media Contact: Samantha Lara, Community Engagement Program Manager
ONTARIO, Calif. — Since opening in July 2025, the Animal Resource Center (ARC) has grown into a regional resource for animals and the people who care for them. Serving its member communities, ARC has expanded animal sheltering, adoptions, reunification, foster care, volunteer opportunities, veterinary support, community-cat services, and public education.
In its first year, ARC has launched adoption and foster initiatives, including Doggy Day Out; supported animal reunification and placement through adoption and rescue partnerships; developed a Community Cat Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) Program; established a website and expanded direct communication through social media and e-newsletter updates; and continued building the animal-care, veterinary, and operational capacity needed to serve the region.
“ARC was created to provide compassionate, accountable care for animals while being a reliable resource for residents, caregivers, volunteers, and our member agencies,” said Clint Thacker. “We are proud of the progress made in our first year, and we remain focused on strengthening services where the community needs them most as we move into our second.”
Continued TNR and Free Spay/Neuter Services
ARC offers the only shelter operated in-house Spay and Neuter Services for Community Cats 100% FREE in the Inland Empire and surrounding counties. ARC recognizes the importance of uninterrupted access to free spay/neuter services for community cats. In response to Ontario Spay & Neuter's closure, ARC is continuing these services directly through its facility at 1630 Shearwater Street in Ontario for service area residents.
Previously issued non-expired ARC TNR vouchers remain valid and will be honored at ARC. Vouchers with an expiration date between 10/17 and 10/27 will be extended for an additional 30 days. While ARC manages services directly during this transition, it is not issuing new paper vouchers. Residents and community-cat caregivers seeking assistance may contact ARC at (909) 321-1080 for current intake instructions and eligibility information. Traps remain available for two-week loans, subject to availability.
ARC has added six TNR surgery spaces per day on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Intake begins at 8:30 a.m. and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Caregivers are encouraged to call ARC during operating hours with questions about the current process.
Community cats receiving surgery at ARC will receive professional pre-operative and post-operative care in a clean, newer facility under ARC’s direct veterinary oversight. ARC has also identified an additional veterinary provider that is completing the vendor process and will supplement ARC’s in-house surgery days once confirmed.
Looking ahead, ARC will continue evaluating additional capacity, including routine, high-volume mobile TNR services. A mobile option could expand access, reduce transportation barriers, provide geographic flexibility, and help maintain continuity when regular services are interrupted.
“Our priority is to ensure that community cats receive safe, humane, professionally supported care,” Clint Thacker said. “We will continue to communicate directly with caregivers and the public as services and capacity expand.”
See a video of the facility operations here.
For current TNR information, visit ARCInlandEmpire.org/TNR.
The Animal Resource Center of the Inland Empire (ARC) is located at 1630 Shearwater St, Ontario, CA 91761 and can be reached by phone at (909) 321-1080.
About ARC
The Animal Resource Center serves the communities of Ontario, Chino, Montclair, and unincorporated areas of San Bernardino County by providing animal sheltering, adoption, field and animal-care services, foster and volunteer opportunities, community education, and programs that support animal welfare and responsible pet ownership.
Comments