Picture Perfect Pets!
Oct 31, 2025 07:00AM ● By Ann Marie O’Phelan
Good news for pet lovers! The Lee County Domestic Animal Services annual Pet Fest and photos with Santa are from 10 am to 2 pm on Saturday, November 15, at Lee County Domestic Animal Services, 5600 Banner Drive in Fort Myers, 239-533-7387. This event is great fun for the whole family with a chance to learn about adoptable pets, pick up a few crafts, partake in a silent auction, get a picture with a pet and Santa, and more. Call to reserve a spot for a picture spot.
What’s great about adopting a pet from a shelter is that it “does more than change one animal’s life, it helps the entire community. Each adoption makes resources available for another pet in need, while giving families a loving and grateful companion,” says Karen Hoel, Lee County’s Public Information Specialist. Shelter pets are typically spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and health-checked, making adoption an affordable option compared to buying elsewhere.
The LCDAS adoptions package includes spay or neuter, microchip, up-to-date vaccinations, county license, and a 10-day health guarantee. This is a $600 package. The fees vary from puppies to adult to senior pets. Plus, there are discounts for seniors and active or retired military personnel to adopt shelter pets. Check online for adoption fees. Adoption applications must be completed beforehand. The adoption center is open Monday through Saturday at 8 am to complete an application and process it. Applications can also be completed and submitted electronically. You may visit an adoptable pet during adoption hours from Monday through Saturday, 9:30 am to 3:30 pm.
“With dogs and cats of all ages, sizes, and personalities, shelters can help match the right pet to the right home,” explains Hoel. In addition to dogs and cats, other types of adoptable animals are available, such as rabbits.
“Beyond the joy of gaining a loyal friend, adoption supports local shelters, reduces pet overpopulation, and saves lives. For anyone considering a new four-legged family member, the shelter is the perfect place to begin,” adds Hoel.
With the holidays ahead, there’s no better time to consider adding a pet to your household.
Besides offering adoptable pets, the shelter is always looking for pet foster families. Donations of gift items are also helpful to the shelter, find out more at Shelter Donations. There’s also a veterinary clinic on-site that cares for more than 8,000 pets annually with vaccines, microchipping, spay and neuter surgeries, and many other procedures. A temporary Community Pet Food Panty is also available. Find out more at Lee County Domestic Animal Services, 5600 Banner Drive in Fort Myers, 239-533-7387.
Other area pet shelters:
Cape Coral Shelter & Animal Hospital
325 SE 2nd Avenue
Cape Coral
239-573-2002
Gulf Coast Humane Society
2010 Arcadia Street
Fort Myers
239-332-0364
