Canine Parvo-Virus on the Rise in Lee County April 21, 2011

 

 Lee County Domestic Animal Services (LCDAS) is urging all pet owners to vaccinate their dogs for parvo-virus.  The shelter has seen a rise in parvo cases among stray dogs and puppies in the community.  “The parvo-virus is highly contagious, expensive to treat, and often fatal despite treatment,” warns LCDAS veterinarian, Suzanne Vazzana.

Whitney Whitford, D.V.M. of Animal Medical Center of Lehigh and president of the Calusa Veterinary Medical Society urges owners with new puppies to see their veterinarian for vaccinations beginning at six to eight weeks of age with boosters given every three weeks until puppies are 16 weeks old.  Owners should continue to follow their veterinarian’s recommended schedule for vaccines to ensure protection against this deadly virus and limit their pet’s exposure to questionable areas.

Parvo-virus is spread from dog to dog by direct or indirect contact with their feces. It can be especially severe in puppies that are not protected by maternal antibodies or vaccination. The common signs are severe vomiting and diarrhea.  The virus can live in organic matter, such as soil, for over a year.  Victims of this virus die of dehydration as the virus attacks the intestinal lining. 

It is extremely important to animal shelters that the public vaccinate their pets, as these are the same pets that might end up at the shelter if they get lost.  LCDAS has taken a proactive role in the community and, as always, vaccinates all dogs entering the shelter against the parvo-virus. More information about proper pet care and a list of local veterinary, emergency, and low-cost clinics, is available at http://www.leelostpets.com.

Lee County Holds Special Events to Kick-Off Grand-Re-Opening of Pet Shelter April 18, 2011

 

Following a year of new construction and renovations, Lee County Domestic Animal Services (LCDAS) will celebrate the shelter’s Grand Re-Opening by offering half off the regular adoption fee during the entire month of May!  Special May events will kick-off with a “Ribbon Chewing Ceremony” May 18^th at 11:00 am with Lee County Commissioners marking the official opening of the agency’s new Spay and Neuter, Lost and Found Pets, and Adoption Centers.  Continuing the festivities, the shelter also will host a May Madness Pet Adoption Day on May 21^stwhen all pets may be adopted for only $25!  Guided shelter tours of the new facility will be offered both days.

LCDAS invites the public to visit all the pets available for adoption and consider adding a new member to their family.  “Despite the economy, people are still adding new pets to their family yet the shelter has experienced a 20% decline in adoptions since January,” reports Donna Ward, LCDAS Director.   “We’d like everyone to see the wonderful pets we have here at the shelter before purchasing a new dog or cat from a pet store, she adds.”  

May’s reduced adoption fees will still include the complete package of services consisting of sterilization, age appropriate vaccinations, county license, microchip ID, worming, flea treatment, a heartworm test for dogs, feline aids and leukemia test for cats, 10 Day Health Guarantee, and a bag of Hill’s Science Diet dog or cat food.  The adoption package is valued at over $500!

View the variety of pets waiting to be adopted at www.LeeLostPets.comor head to the shelter at 5600 Banner Drive, Fort Myers next to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office off Six Mile Cypress Parkway.  Adoption hours are Monday through Saturday from 11:30 am to 3:30 pm. 

For more information about pets for adoption go to www.LeeLostPets.comor call (239) 533-7387 (LEE-PETS).  The website updates hourly so current information is always available.  If you are inquiring about a pet you have seen online, please have the animal ID number ready for faster assistance.

Pet Sterilization Options Available for All Income Levels in Lee County February 16, 2011

 

  

Kitten Season, the time of year when most cats give birth, is almost here.  The season begins in May and lasts through November.   During this time, thousands of cats will give birth and shelters and concerned citizens will try desperately to find homes for the kittens.  While they may be able to place some, ultimately the number of kittens will far exceed the number of available homes.  This is why Lee County is urging cat owners to sterilize their pets now before they breed again.  

Lee County Domestic Animal Services (LCDAS) is pleased to report that low-cost and even no-cost spaying and neutering options are now available to pet owners. “With options available for all income levels, please do not wait until your cat is pregnant before deciding to do something,” urges Donna Ward, LCDAS Director.  

LCDAS offers free spay/neuter surgery for cats and dogs of Lee County residents who receive public assistance – their only cost is $8.00 for a one-year pet license.  For owners experiencing financial problems who do not qualify for the public assistance program, there are several private low-cost spay/neuter clinics in Lee County.  

Free spay/neuter surgery is also offered by LCDAS for feral cats through a Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) Program.  Caretakers now may have feral and free-roaming community cats sterilized so they no longer breed.  Proponents of TNR advise that feeding feral cats without spaying and neutering isn’t the answer and contributes to thousands of unnecessary deaths each year.  

Veterinarians from the University of Florida estimate there are 98,000 free-roaming feral and community cats in Lee County.  These cats breed prolifically and the pattern of birth and ultimate death for thousands of cats continues.  Kittens that don’t die from starvation or predation end up in shelters where there aren’t enough homes to go around.   

For more information about Lee County Domestic Animal Services programs call (239) 533-7387 (LEE-PETS) or go online to www.LeeLostPets.com.   

 

MAKE PET ADOPTION A NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION December 22, 2010

  

Millions of New Year’s resolutions are made every January.  Lee County Domestic Animal Services (LCDAS) invites you to make pets a part of your New Year’s plan and consider that a new pet can help you achieve many of the most popular resolutions made each year. 

Get Fit/Lose Weight/Be Healthy.  In 2011 you can make this resolution finally stick by adopting a dog as a work out partner.  Many dogs at the shelter are waiting for new owners that want to walk, jog, or run every day.  

Reduce Stress.  There’s no better stress reducer than the companionship of a devoted pet.  Research has shown that contact with animals has many health benefits.   

Spend More Time with Friends and Family.  Pets are an excellent way to bring families together and dog walking is a great way to meet new people.   

Help Others.  By adopting you won’t just be helping, you’ll be saving a life.  Most pet owners report that they actually benefit more from the relationship than their pet.  

Enjoy Life More.  With all the benefits of pet adoption, this one is a no-brainer!  

You will also get more return on your investment by adopting than any purchase you may make during the year.  Adoption fees range from $25 to $95.  Special offers are available on a variety of pets each month.   

At LCDAS the adoption fee includes spay or neuter surgery, age-appropriate vaccinations, de-worming, flea treatment, heartworm test for dogs six months and older, feline aids and leukemia test for cats, Lee County pet license for pets three months and older, microchip ID, a 10-day health guarantee, and a bag of Science Diet pet food.  The adoption package is a $500 value.  

For more information about Lee County Domestic Animal Services’ pets for adoption go to www.LeeLostPets.com or call (239) 533-7387 (LEE-PETS).  If you are inquiring about a pet you have seen online, please have the animal ID number ready for faster assistance.

NEW HOURS FOR LEE COUNTY PET MICROCHIP ID CLINICS December 15, 2010

 

Lee County Domestic Animal Services (LCDAS) announces new hours for Pet Microchip ID Clinics for Lee County residents.  Staff Veterinarian, Suzanne Vazanna, DVM, will be available from 9 am to 11 am the first Friday of each month (excluding holidays) beginning January 7, 2011.  The cost is $15 or $5 with proof of public assistance.  Owners’ whose pets are both microchipped and sterilized qualify for a reduction in Lee County pet license fees.  

A list of private veterinarians and low-cost clinics is available online at www.LeeLostPets.com for anyone who wants their pets sterilized and microchipped.  All pet owners, therefore, have affordable options for both procedures.  

A microchip ID is a small computer chip implanted by injection under the pet’s skin between the shoulder blades.  When scanned, the chip’s unique number will identify the owner.  Because microchips cannot be removed or lost like collars and tags they are the best means to insure your pet will be returned if lost.  

While microchips and sterilization are not mandatory for pets, the county hopes to encourage more pet owners to do both by offering discounted license fees for pets that are.  Just like sterilization reduces the number of pets that enter shelters, microchips reduce the amount of time pets spend in shelters because their owners can be immediately identified.  Only 13% of pets entering Lee County’s shelter are claimed by owners due to lack of identification.  Microchips not only save lives but also taxpayer dollars that would be spent caring for these pets during their stay.  

For more information about pet licensing, microchip clinics, or pet sterilization call Lee County Domestic Animal Services at (239) 533-7387 (LEE-PETS) or visit the agency’s website at www.LeeLostPets.com.

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Please note: Florida has a very broad public records law. Most written

HOME 4 THE HOLIDAYS November 30, 2010

 

Lee County Domestic Animal Services (LCDAS) will join more than 3,500 pet shelters and adoption centers across the U.S, Canada, Mexico, and Puerto Rico during Home 4 the Holidays 2010, a national event organized to raise awareness of the joys of owning shelter-adopted pets.  Organizers hope to match more than 1.5 million dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens with loving, adoptive families.  LCDAS will launch its local campaign on December 1^st and by December 31^st hopes to place 300 pets from its facility into life-long homes.  

In the past some shelters have actually gone so far as to discourage families from adopting pets during the holidays. This did not stop them from getting new pets. It just took away the adoption option and forced them to support the puppy mill industry. As always, the shelter works to match the needs of the pets with the desires of the families.  

The adoption fee for all pets includes spay/neuter surgery, age-appropriate vaccinations, flea treatment, worming, heartworm test for dogs six months or older, feline aids and leukemia test for cats, a Lee County license for pets three months or older, training DVD, Behavior Hotline, Microchip Pet ID, Hill’s Science Diet pet food, and 10-day Health Guarantee.  The total adoption package is valued at more than $500.  

Each week during December adopters also will be entered for a prize drawing.  With all that is offered with each adoption there is no better time to add a new companion to your family.  

Adoption hours at Lee County Domestic Animal Services are 11:30 am to 3:30 pm Monday through Saturday.  For more information call 533-7387 (LEE-PETS).  Pictures of pets available for adoption can be viewed online at www.LeeLostPets.com.  The website updates hourly.  

More information about the Animal Care Trust Fund (ACTF) is also available at www.LeeLostPets.com.  Please remember the ACTF for tax-deductible year-end giving.  This fund assisted over 1,200 pets during 2009 requiring veterinary care for illness or injury.  Donations can be made online or mailed to:  

Animal Care Trust Fund  

c/o Lee County Domestic Animal Services  

5600 Banner Drive  

Fort Myers, FL  33912  

BLACK SATURDAY PET ADOPTION SPECIAL November 18, 2010

The day after Thanksgiving may be the busiest shopping day of the year but Lee County Domestic Animal Services hopes the Saturday following the holiday will be the busiest pet adoption day.  On November 27^th all pets that are black or predominantly black in color will be free.

Potential adopters are encouraged to check the agency’s website at http://www.leelostpets.com for a peek at which pets might be available the Saturday after Thanksgiving.  The site updates hourly.  Now would be a great time to select a pet before the December holidays.  New pets enter the shelter daily so inventory also changes daily but currently there are Labs, Shepherds, hounds, Chihuahuas, and Dalmatian mixes available for those looking to add a canine to the family.  For those who would prefer a new feline companion, the variety includes everything from black shorthaired kittens to black and white tuxedo cats and cats with tortoise shell coats.

All pets adopted are sterilized and receive age appropriate vaccinations, flea treatment, deworming, microchip ID, heartworm test for dogs over 6 months old, feline aids and leukemia test for cats, and county license for pets three months and older.  The adoption package is valued at over $500 making it an even better opportunity to add a new pet to your family.

The shelter is located at 5600 Banner Drive, Fort Myers, next to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.  Regular adoption hours are Monday through Saturday from 11:30 am to 3:30 pm including Black Saturday, November 27th.

For more information about pets available for adoption or lost pets go to http://www.leelostpets.com or call (239) 533-7387.

Island Paws Annual Howl-O-Ween Party October 15, 2010

 

Island Paws on Sanibel Island will hold its Annual Howl-O-Ween Party October 29^th from 5 to 7 pm on the patio of the Over Easy Café, Olde Sanibel Shoppes, 630 Tarpon Bay Road.  For a $10 donation owners and their dogs can mingle during Yappy Hour and sniff among friends while consuming puptails, yappetizers, and of course, enjoy the Annual Island Paws Howl-O-Ween Costume Contest.  Judging will take place around 6:30 pm.  Other fun activities for pets and their people include a silent auction, raffle, and pet food drive.  All proceeds will benefit the Animal Care Trust Fund and the Lee County Domestic Animal Services Community Pet Pantry.

More information is available at Island Paws, 239-395-1464 or at www.IslandPaws.com and www.LeeLostPets.com.

ADOPT A SHELTER DOG-ENRICH YOUR LIFE September 24, 2010

 

Adopting a Shelter Dog will not only save the life of the special dog you take home, but it will also enrich your life!  Adopt-A-Shelter Dog Month is observed nationally during the month of October to bring awareness of the many dogs waiting desperately in shelters to find a life-long loving home.  Lee County Domestic Animal Services (LCDAS) will celebrate by offering adopters $25 off the regular adoption fee which means they can adopt a dog for $50 or a puppy for $70.  The adoption package includes spay or neuter surgery, age-appropriate vaccinations, microchip ID, and many other veterinary services.

Dogs save lives, protect people, are used to fight crime, and become service dogs for the handicapped, yet shelters are full of so many unwanted dogs.  LCDAS takes in approximately 5,000 dogs each year.  People may not realize that abandoned, unwanted and neglected dogs and puppies can make wonderful companions and family pets.  “These dogs have the potential to enrich people’s lives in so many ways,” says Donna Ward, Animal Services Director.  “Our goal is to match each dog with a person or family for the benefit of both,” she adds.

The health benefits of pet ownership have been long established. Statistics show dog owners on average have lower blood pressure, fewer bouts of depressions and often exercise more. Children who have dogs generally learn at a young age the responsibility and the life-long commitment that comes with owning a pet. Dogs also encourage people to exercise, enhance family and social relationships, promote laughter and act as a nonjudgmental audience and sounding board.

During Adopt-A-Dog Month, potential adopters may visit Lee County Domestic Animal Services located off Six Mile Cypress Pkwy next to the Sheriff’s Office to meet potential companions and discover the many benefits of having a dog: happiness, companionship, improved physical and emotional health, and unconditional love.

For more information about Adopt-A-Shelter Dog Month, call 239-533-7387 (LEE-PETS) or visit www.LeeLostPets.com.  Also visit the website to view a current list of pets for adoption and lost pets.  The website updates hourly!

FALL FOR A FELINE September 24, 2010

From now until the end of October is the best time to fall for a new feline friend!  Lee County Domestic Animal Services (LCDAS) is waiving the adoption fee on all felines six months and over.  In addition to the free adoption, every Friday weekly feline adopters will be entered into a drawing for prizes for their new friend.  The adoption package includes spaying or neutering, age appropriate vaccinations, and much more.  The entire adoption package is valued at over $500.

So could there be a new feline in your family’s future?  There are still more than a hundred shelter cats waiting for a new friend or family at LCDAS.  Consider the facts—felines come with a variety of personalities to suit any person, family, or home.  Many are frisky and funny; some are mellow lap cats; and others are highly intellectual.  The adopter can choose the one that suits them best. 

For those who just can’t adopt a feline this fall there are additional ways to help.  Fostering is one of the shelters’ foremost needs as it gives young kittens a temporary home until they are old enough for adoption and gives adult cats a place to recuperate from illness or injury.  Anyone wishing to be a foster parent can download an application at http://www.LeeLostPets.com or call 533-7387 (LEE-PETS) for more information. 

Another option for those who can’t adopt a feline or foster, is to donate food to the LCDAS Community Pet Pantry.  The Pet Pantry helps pet owners in financial need by providing food so pets may stay in their current loving homes rather than being surrendered to shelters simply because their owners cannot afford to feed them.  Cat food is the Pet Pantry’s greatest need at this time.

More information about the Pet Pantry, pet adoptions, and fostering pets is available online at 533-7387 (LEE-PETS) and at http://www.LeeLostPets.com .  The photos and information about pets on the website is updated hourly.