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.   

 

CATS IN THE GARDEN January 24, 2011

 

 Lovegrove Gallery & Garden helps out local animal shelter on Pine Island.

photo: “Lois”. Lovegrove’s rescued cat now 7 years old.
Matlacha. January 21, 2010. Come and meet some of the lovable and playful cats who currently live at Helping Paws Sanctuary on Sunday, January 30 from 1:00 until 4:00 PM at Lovegrove Gallery and Gardens, 4637 Pine Island Road, Matlacha, Florida.

Helping Paws is home to over 100 cats which are looking for homes. Some were found huddling along the side of a road, or had to be given up when their humans could no longer keep them.  Some were injured and some abused, but each will give years of happiness to the family who takes them home.   
 
In addition to adoption, you can find out how you can volunteer and support Helping Paws. While financial help is always gratefully accepted, the shelter also needs food, bedding, toys and people who can give up an hour now and then to visit and play with the cats until they are adopted.   
 
Gallery owner, Leoma Lovegrove’s cat and dog prints will be available for sale and a portion of the sales proceeds will be donated to Helping Paws. Leoma’s cat and dog prints hang on the walls of pet lovers and veterinarians throughout the country

For More information contact Leoma Lovegrove at 239-822-4109 or Kathy Jones at 239- 283-2074

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

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.

October 21, 2010

The Shelter for Abused Women & Children

MEDIA ALERT: Strut Your Mutt WHO: The Shelter for Abused Women & Children and The Humane Society Naples WHAT: The third annual Strut Your Mutt!, Naples’ Premier Halloween Pet Costume Contest, featuring pet-related vendors, Ben & Jerry’s, adoptable pets and a costume contest complete with prizes for winners in the following categories: Most original Best homemade Cutest Celebrity Look-A-Like  Best Owner/Pet Best Group (two or more pets) WHERE: Germain BMW of Naples 11286 Tamiami Trail North, Naples WHEN: Saturday, October 23, 2010 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The Humane Society Naples is Southwest Florida’s premier no-kill pet shelter, adoption center and humane animal clinic. For more information on Strut Your Mutt, please call 239.643.1880, ext. 18.     To Prevent. To Protect. To Prevail. The Shelter for Abused Women & Children. For more information on The Shelter, please call 239-775-3862, or visit www.naplesshelter.org

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!

HAPPY LABOR DAY FROM LAUNDRY DOG DAISY! September 6, 2010

GCHS PAINT PARTY August 18, 2010

 

 

 The Gulf Coast Humane Society (GCHS) is proud to host a “Paint Party” on Friday, August 20^th from noon to 5:00pm, featuring 25 incoming freshmen students from Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU). With the volunteer help from the students, along with a generous donation of paint and supplies from Sherwin-Williams, a 24-dog-run kennel which has long been closed and in need of repair is being renovated and will soon reopen. The Paint Party is a highlight of the overall refurbishment of the kennel, which also includes new air conditioning units, new doors, kennel gates and more.

            “Getting this kennel back on line means more unwanted and abandoned dogs can be saved and adopted into forever homes,” says GCHS Executive Director David Stroud. “Twenty-four more dog runs can make possible 150-200 additional adoptions each year. This could not have happened without the charitable donation from our corporate partner Sherwin-Williams, and most especially from the compassionate giving by every individual Kennel Club member who adopted a dog run with their generous gift. And we are grateful and honored to have our cherished community partner – Florida Gulf Coast University – to help make this project a reality to help save the lives of more animals in southwest Florida.”

           Established in 1947, the Gulf Coast Humane Society provides humane care for surrendered animals in Southwest Florida by offering safe refuge, quality medical care, and facilitating adoption into a loving, forever home. The Gulf Coast Humane Society is a private 501(c)(3) not-for-profit animal welfare organization that receives no federal, state, or county funding and no funding from the Humane Society of the United States, and relies solely on donations, grants, bequests and fundraising events to further its mission of caring for the unwanted, neglected and abandoned animals of southwest Florida. The GCHS shelter takes in more than 1,200 animals each year in need of compassionate care. GCHS does not euthanize any animal for lack of space or length of time that they are in the shelter.

The Gulf Coast Humane Society adoption center is located at 2010 Arcadia Street, just off Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. in Fort Myers. For more information, call (239) 332-0364 or visit www.gulfcoasthumanesociety.org.

RAWR! August 12, 2010