Lee County Sets Public Hearing To Change Animal Control Rules

The Lee Board of County Commissioners will hold a public hearing on Dec. 2 at 9:30 a.m. to repeal and replace the county's Animal Control Ordinance. Commissioners voted Tuesday to set the hearing date.

The proposed ordinance would repeal and replace existing rules with changes to Animal Control and Services operations. Changes include a mandatory one-day hold for cats, ferrets, and other small mammals that don't have identification.

Staff put the one-day hold in place in June 2025. The ordinance change would make official what already happens at the shelter.

Staff presented a draft of Ordinance 14-22 to the Board of County Commissioners' Executive Regulatory Oversight Committee on Sept. 10, 2025. 

The new rules will give law enforcement officers the ability to take custody of an animal. The ordinance provides a clearer basis to take custody after arrest, other law enforcement actions, or medical emergencies.

Pets won't have to wear a tag if they are microchipped with the required information. Changes also prohibit selling animals on the roadside or in parking lots without a permit. They establish the process for getting a permit.

Officials will schedule a second hearing after the Dec. 2 meeting.

The county plans to launch a website portal that will let residents post photos of found strays. Owners looking for lost pets can connect with those who found them before the animal arrives at Animal Services. 

Lee County Domestic Animal Services serves as the county's only stray intake facility. The shelter provides care for thousands of animals each year.

Pet owners can get licenses online from a cell phone or computer without visiting the facility in person. Residents must make sure their pet is identified and chipped, vaccinated, spayed or neutered, and licensed.

Adoptions take place at the shelter at 5600 Banner Drive, Fort Myers. Hours are 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Each adoption includes a package valued at more than $600. The package features spay or neuter surgery, up-to-date vaccinations, a license and rabies vaccination, a microchip with registration, and a 10-day health guarantee.