Nicosia, Cyprus. Local authorities, animal welfare groups and veterinarians have until June 26 to express interest in participating in the 2026 islandwide stray cat sterilisation scheme, the Veterinary Services said on Friday. Applications must be submitted through district veterinary offices.
Application process
The Veterinary Services said individuals and unregistered volunteer groups caring for large numbers of stray cats cannot apply directly. They must submit applications through a local authority or a registered animal welfare organisation.
A list of participating organisations and local authorities will be published on the Veterinary Services website after the application period ends.
Veterinary participation
Private sector veterinarians are also being invited to join the scheme. Participation is limited to registered veterinarians operating properly equipped clinics that can carry out surgeries and provide post-operative care for cats.
The Veterinary Services said the aim is to distribute sterilisation procedures fairly among participating clinics, regardless of the number of veterinarians working in each facility.
Veterinarians who do not own a clinic may still take part, provided they declare the clinic where procedures will be carried out and submit a cooperation agreement with that facility.
Programme objective
The sterilisation programme is part of ongoing efforts to manage Cyprus’ stray cat population through humane and organised measures.
