‘Empty the Shelters’ under way at Lee County Domestic Animal Services
The Lee County Domestic Animal Services is partnering with BISSELL Pet Foundation this month to help end pet homelessness and find forever loving homes for animals at the facility.
Shelter spokesperson Karen Hoel said this is the fourth time animal services has partnered with the foundation for the Empty the Shelters event.
It has been very successful in the past because they are partnering with a national organization that is able to really spread the word, she added,
The foundation will run Empty the Shelters two to four times a year and, if the county shelter does not have anything else going on, they definitely jump on the event.
She said the event focuses more on adoption, rather than going to a pet store or buying.
“Word gets out much more when you are partnering with a national organization,” Hoel said.
The year marks the 10th anniversary Empty the Shelters for BISSELL Pet Foundation, a national animal welfare organization. The nationwide event has more than 335 shelters across 39 states participating in the event to find animals a home.
From May 1, through May 17, the foundation will sponsor waived adoption fees for cats and dogs. All animals are spayed/neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped.
As of Wednesday afternoon, Lee County Domestic Animal Services reported having 20 dogs available for adoption, along with more than 200 cats on-site including strays, fosters, and those ready for adoption.
“Our numbers change every day. Our dogs get evaluated, spayed and neutered and moved to the floor. We have a couple dogs that have been here for six weeks,” Hoel said, which is a long time for them, as dogs are adopted quickly. “Events like this do very well for them because they get overlooked.”
One of those dogs is Garrett, a 65-pound, 4-year-old social American Bulldog that was brought in on Feb. 24. She said he came in with some skin issues, but received the care he needed and now looks completely different.
Those interested in adopting are asked to complete the adoption application online at LeeLostPets.com.
“It’s a waived adoption fee with an approved application,” she said.
Hoel said those interested in adopting can look at the adoptable section to see who is available on the website.
“Keep an eye on them every day,” she said, as dogs are adopted and added to the list. “Your dog might be showing up tomorrow.”
Individuals can bring their own dogs to do a meet-and-greet. Hoel encourages every member of the family to come and meet the dog, as it is a family decision to welcome a pet into the home.
In addition to cats and dogs, she said they even have rabbits for adoption. Hoel said in the two-week timeframe, they may have guinea pigs, snakes, and birds available as well.
The adoption center is open 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Those interested in adoption can come in at any time during that time slot.
Adoptable pets may be searched at leegov.com.
Lee County Domestic Animal Services is at 5600 Banner Drive, Fort Myers.