The Lee Board of County Commissioners will conduct a public hearing to repeal and replace the Lee County Animal Control Ordinance at the regularly scheduled board meeting at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 2. The vote to set that hearing date occurred at Tuesday’s meeting.
The proposed ordinance repeals and replaces the existing ordinance and provides comprehensive changes to rules related to Animal Control and Services, including adding a mandatory one-day hold for cats, ferrets and other small mammals lacking identification.
The one-day hold was implemented operationally in June 2025 and remains in effect. The Lee County Domestic Animal Services webpage (www.leegov.com/animalservices/lostpet) has been updated to reflect this operational change. The ordinance change would codify the operational change.
Amending any Lee County Ordinance involves a structured procedure, including public hearings and review by public advisory committees.
As part of this process, a draft of Ordinance 14-22 was presented by staff to the Board of County Commissioners’ Executive Regulatory Oversight Committee (EROC) on Sept. 10, as required. Meeting documentation, an audio recording and proof of publication are available at: https://www.leegov.com/dcd/committees/committeesearch
Among the changes to the ordinance:
- Adds the ability for law enforcement officers to take custody of an animal. Provides clearer basis to take custody after arrest, other law enforcement actions or medical emergencies.
- Allows an animal to not have to wear a tag if microchipped with the required information.
- Prohibits selling animals on the roadside or in parking lots without a permit and establishes the process for obtaining a permit.
- Makes other changes to definitions and requirements.
Coming soon, the county will roll out details about another community engagement tool so that residents can “self-help” with stray animals. The soon-to-be published website portal will allow Lee County residents using computers or cell phones to post photos of found strays in hopes that owners seeking their lost pets can connect – even before a stray is brought to Animal Services. Think of it as neighbors helping neighbors, similar to some popular neighborhood apps that communities use today. One of the language changes in the ordinance facilitates adding this portal and service.
A second hearing of the ordinance will be scheduled after the Dec. 2 hearing.
Lee County Domestic Animal Services serves as the county’s only stray intake facility, providing care, shelter and second chances for thousands of animals each year. With community support, more pets can find their way to loving homes.
Adoptions take place at the shelter, 5600 Banner Drive, Fort Myers. Adoption hours are 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Adoption applications can be submitted electronically at www.leegov.com/animalservices/adopt. They can also be printed and faxed or brought to the shelter. Or they can be completed in person.
Every adoption includes a complete package valued at more than $600, which features:
- Spay or neuter surgery
- Up-to-date vaccinations
- County license and rabies vaccination
- Microchip with registration
- A 10-day health guarantee
You can view adoptable animals at www.LeeLostPets.com. Follow Lee County Domestic Animal Services’ social media sites:
- Lee County Domestic Animal Services | Fort Myers FL | Facebook
- Lee County Animal Services (@leeanimalservices) • Instagram photos and videos
Not ready to adopt? The county has additional options for the community to help the shelter:
- A robust fostering program; learn more at www.leegov.com/animalservices/foster
- The Weekend Warrior program. This program lets community members give a shelter pet a break by fostering for a weekend or week. Learn more at www.leegov.com/animalservices/weekendwarrior
Lee County encourages the community to play an active role in the welfare of domestic animals. Responsible pet ownership is the key to reducing the number of animals in the county shelter. Pet owners must ensure the animal is identified and chipped, is properly vaccinated, is spayed or neutered, and is licensed.
The county would like to remind pet owners that licensing can be done online from a cell phone or computer; residents do not need to visit Animal Services in person. It’s a convenient, easy way to obtain a license and pay for it in one stop. Visit www.leegov.com/animalservices/licensing.
