About Us

P.A.N.T., a 501(c)(3) grass roots, all-volunteer organization that was formed in 2001, is committed to resolving the stray and feral cat overpopulation crisis in Dutchess County through education, trap/neuter/return (TNR) practices, and adoption programs.

The three major animal adoption shelters in Dutchess County (Dutchess County SPCA, Animal Aid Foundation, and Animal Rescue Foundation) are overwhelmed with homeless cats. Dozens are turned away every week; and consequently, the plight of these voiceless, disenfranchised animals is often a cruel life on the street. Because unspayed and unneutered cats often mate, kittens are produced at an alarming rate. This endless cycle is now rampant in Dutchess County, and it needs to be recognized and addressed.

P.A.N.T.’s new mission, adopted in September 2009, is to drastically reduce the number of feral and stray cats in Dutchess County through spay/neuter programs, education, networking with veterinarians, volunteer groups and the community, and placing adoptable cats and kittens into loving foster homes.

P.A.N.T. has started model programs in the City of Beacon and the Village of Rhinebeck where we expect to spay and neuter over 300 cats in 2010. Assuming one-half of these cats are female, P.A.N.T. will be preventing the birth of approximately 1500 kittens in our first year. There are future plans to start similar programs in every community in Dutchess County. We are currently offering education, trap loans, and referrals in these communities. Low-cost spay/neuter certificates will also be offered soon.

Attracting new volunteers and donors will be a key component of P.A.N.T.’s success.
To learn more about P.A.N.T.’s recent activities, see our Featured News section of our web site.