Is Return-to-Field the Future? Insights from Expo, Featuring Karen Little of Alley Cat Advocates and Bryan Kortis of Neighborhood Cats

“They’re not homeless. They know exactly where their home is, and they’ve chosen to be there. We’re literally returning them home—vaccinated and spayed—so it’s a win for the cat, the shelter, and the neighborhood.” - Karen Little

This episode is sponsored-in-part by Maddie’s Fund and the Rescue Cleaners and Disinfectants.

In this special on-location episode of the Community Cats Podcast, Stacy LeBaron brings you to the bustling Humane World for Animals Expo in Las Vegas for a candid, practical conversation on the future of Return-to-Field (RTF) and community cats. Joined by Karen Little of Alley Cat Advocates and Bryan Kortis of Neighborhood Cats, this episode breaks down what RTF really means, why it remains one of the field’s most pressing challenges, and how shelters of all sizes can adapt best practices while navigating real-world limitations.

Karen and Bryan, each with decades of frontline TNR and shelter collaboration experience, explore the tension between “gold standard” individual cat assessments and the operational realities of crowded shelters. They emphasize the importance of gathering quality intake information, partnering with communities, and maintaining flexibility during kitten seasons, all while ensuring the welfare of cats remains central.

The episode also unpacks the misconceptions around RTF, the critical difference between TNR and RTF, and the complexities of assessing “friendly” cats in the shelter environment. Whether you’re a large urban shelter manager or a small grassroots TNR organizer, this conversation will leave you with a clearer, practical understanding of how RTF can reduce euthanasia, manage overpopulation, and align with your community’s needs.

Tune in for insights, humor, and a real-time feel of Expo energy as you learn actionable strategies to strengthen your community cat programs and advocate effectively for cats wherever you are.

Press Play Now For:

• The clear difference between Return-to-Field and TNR you must understand
• How to make case-by-case decisions under real shelter constraints
• Why “friendly cats” are the most controversial aspect of RTF
• The critical role of community collaboration in cat management
• Strategies for small TNR groups attending their first big expo
• Why RTF is not “abandonment”—and how to explain it to your community
• Insights on the upcoming updated Return-to-Field Handbook
• Tips for managing seasonal intake and aligning outcomes with resources

Resources & Links:

• Alley Cat Advocates (https://alleycatadvocates.org/)
• Neighborhood Cats (https://www.neighborhoodcats.org/)
• Community Cats Podcast TNR Certification Workshops (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/community-cat-care-training-education/)
• Community Cats Podcast “Cat Cycling” Blog (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/cat-cycling-how-to-make-your-spay-neuter-programs-most-impactful-and-not-overwhelm-your-staff/)

Sponsor Links:

• Maddie's Fund (https://www.communitycatspodcast.com/maddies621)
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