When first elected to office, many local government officials expect to focus on high profile tasks, such as developing a master plan, recruiting major industries, or crafting cutting edge programs to fight crime. Few anticipate that some of the most emotionally charged, time consuming, and vexing issues to face them will relate to animal services. Having spent much of her professional career working for federal, state, or local government agencies, the author has a unique perspective on this issue, as she's also managed a feral cat colony for nearly a decade. Using that personal and professional expertise, the author has developed this comprehensive set of cost-effective, efficient strategies for addressing animal services issues within communities.