Kyle wookery

Thanks for the advice I agree with the idea of radio maybe it would be cheaper to use some sort of base station we stash near the trap with the ability to alert when it triggers and just have the trap relay the info to it I've seen a company on line who makes something but it's ridiculously priced and I know I could make one with a little help from the right people with knowledge of microcontrollers I myself have studied electronics and worked with all kind of stuff while going for my degree in electronics technology but the vast amount of products out there is intimidating and I'm no expert either i do appreciate all the information shared.and will share my progress one I settle on a build

Hi my name is Kyle I'm a volunteer for a cat rescue that serves northern California I have taken it upon my self to help my fellow animal lovers as I am the most technically advance in the group. So what I'm here asking for is some guidance on where and what I should get for my project here is my goal. : We trap feral cats in many different locations some areas have scces to open Wi-Fi some don't as they are in fields. Im looking to design and build a small self reliant box to attach to the trap that when the trap closes it sends a text / email to a specified person/s. My first Idea is to use a dev board with a alarm feature but I'm unsure what one is good and where to get it from also cost is a concern as well as we run on grants and donations. This device would allow us to leave traps longer periods of time without worry of the animal being in it all night and hurting itself. Also I have ideas on added features if anyone has a good place to get boards with gsm. I am knowledgeable but not too much into coding.