Flores Island

The project on Flores Island was launched in 2023 in response to requests from the island’s municipalities for assistance in developing a Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programme to manage the cat population.

The programme was developed and implemented in collaboration with the two municipalities, the association Animais de Rua , Veterinarians Without Borders Portugal (VSF-PT), and CoVets and with the support of the Regional Government and association Amor pelos Animais Flores e Corvo. Both VSF-PT and CoVets were responsible for planning and carrying out the medical aspects of the TNR campaign.

The first phase of the TNR programme was concluded in June 2024 after the third campaign. During the three campaigns, every location on the island was visited multiple times to ensure that new litters and previously unaccounted-for animals were included. All animals registered by the city councils to participate in the programme were neutered. Additionally, the official veterinarian received training in High-Quality, High-Volume Spay & Neuter (HQHVSN) methods, to assure the sustainability of the programme in the future.

The local authorities and associations are now responsible for monitoring the cat colonies and continuing the TNR efforts as needed. However, our team remains available to assist should a new mission become necessary.