Fort Myers, Florida, January 7, 2002— Lee County Animal Services joined 1,000 animal shelters throughout the country for Home 4 the Holidays 2001. From November 13 through January 6 the shelter began an eight-week campaign to bring hundreds of homeless dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens together with loving adoptive families.

During the same period last year, Animal Services adopted out 227 pets. A grand total of 420 pets found homes this year as a result of the adoption campaign. Two hundred eighty four dogs, 128 cats, three rabbits, two guinea pigs, two reptiles and a bird will spend all future holidays in new homes.

The campaign kicked off with a variety of events to boost adoptions that included taking pets to various offsite locations for additional adoption opportunities. All pets adopted during Home 4 the Holidays received a free Microchip ID as well as spaying/neutering and vaccinations.

The campaign was a departure from the traditional practice of shelters suspending pet adoptions during the holidays. In the past it was considered a bad time to introduce a new pet into the household. However, many shelters euthanize more animals during this period due to overcrowding. In 2001 Animal Services took in over 11,000 animals so finding as many available homes as possible is crucial.