What Makes This Program Groundbreaking

Unlike informal or ad-hoc feeding efforts, the Certified Community Cat Caretaker Program:

• Establishes formal training and certification

• Aligns cat care with environmental stewardship and wildlife protection

• Creates clear roles, communication pathways, and data tracking software with accountability

• Provides visible identification and safety gear for caretakers

• Recognizes caretakers as part of an approved community cat management program

The result is a system that supports cats, caretakers, communities, and ecosystems—rather than pitting them against one another.

How Certification Works

Becoming certified requires completing two required courses, followed by activation and orientation with Aloha Animal Alliance.

Step 1 — National Community Cat Care Training (Trap Neuter Return Certification)

Caretakers first complete a nationally respected TNR Certification Workshop taught by Brian Kortis, Co-Founder and National Programs Director of Neighborhood Cats.

This course is hosted by the Community Cats Podcast and emphasizes:

• Precision and accountability

• Data-driven colony assessment

• Strategic, targeted trapping

• Caretaker engagement

• Long-term population stabilization and reduction

• Ecological responsibility

Participants may enroll in either a live or on-demand class and can use the ALOHA coupon code (donation-based enrollment is accepted).

Step 2 — Hawaiʻi-Specific Local Certification Course

The second course is a locally developed training provided by Aloha Animal Alliance, focused on the environmental stewardship role of colony caretakers on Hawaiʻi Island designed to protect native birds.

This course applies best-practice colony management to:

• Reduce environmental impacts

• Avoid harm to native and endangered species

• Align humane cat care with Hawaiʻi’s unique ecosystems

The course is hosted via Google Classroom and includes required materials and a final quiz.
Quiz completion is automatically recorded in AAA’s system.

Step 3 — Documentation Submission

After completing both courses, caretakers submit their certificates and contact information to:

📧 [email protected]

Step 4 — Official Certified Caretaker Kit

Once verified, caretakers receive an Official Caretaker Kit, including:

• Caretaker identification

• Hat, safety vest, and T-shirt

• Physical ID badge

• Digital certification (coming soon)

Certified caretakers are required to display identification while feeding, improving transparency, safety, and public recognition.

Step 5 — Activation & Orientation

Before becoming active, caretakers complete a short orientation covering:

• Feeding guidelines and expectations

• Communication pathways

• Colony information sharing using MeowMetrics cat tracking software

• What data is tracked (cats, sterilization status, feeding times, veterinary needs)

AAA may also provide guidance or assistance with feeding stations, sand or litter box placement, and layouts designed to minimize environmental impact and neighborhood conflict.

A “Chain of Care” Model

Not every caretaker is required to enter data into cat tracking software.

Each managed colony has at least one Colony Data Lead, ensuring accuracy and consistency.

This structure—called a Chain of Care—recognizes that:

• Every role matters

• Responsibilities are shared

• Collaboration improves outcomes

Once orientation is complete, participants are officially activated as Certified Community Cat Caretakers.

Why This Matters for Hawaiʻi

Hawaiʻi faces unique challenges at the intersection of animal welfare, environmental protection, and community coexistence.

This program creates a science-based, humane alternative to unregulated feeding bans or punitive enforcement—one that emphasizes responsibility, training, and measurable outcomes.

By professionalizing community cat care, the program protects:

• Cats, through humane management and sterilization

• Wildlife, through stewardship-focused practices

• Communities, through structure, visibility, and communication

Learn More and Get Started Now

To begin the certification process, visit:
👉 www.alohaanimals.org → Resources → Community Cats →
“Become a Certified Community Cat Caretaker”

For questions or support:
📧 [email protected]