Independent rescuers are individuals — unaffiliated with any non-profit or other organization — working to rescue cats through TNR projects and adoptable friendly cats in their own building, block, or neighborhood. Often these rescuers are working out-of-pocket at their own cost to provide care to their rescues —including medical cost such as wellness exams, vaccines, and spay/neuter surgeries, food, litter, and enrichment. Rescue clinics are a lifeline to these rescuers, however simple cases can still cost hundreds of dollars and more complicated cases or dental issues will quickly cost thousands. They usually operate without a separate holding space, designating room in their own personal living space for rescues and fosters.

While independent rescuers cannot provide a tax deductible donation, their efforts are essential and very deserving of support. Please consider donating to these individual who are working to tirelessly to reduce the overpopulation of outdoor cats in New York City. In some cases, a non-profit that has helped a rescuer is requested to be the recipient of donations in lieu of the rescuer themselves.