MEDIA CONTACT:
Ria Brown
Lee County Animal Services
(239) 432-2090 Ext. 241
Fort Myers, Florida, 9/17/02—Lee County Animal Services, the Humane Society of Lee County, and the Animal Refuge Center are teaming up to host the second annual Fall Pet Fest! The event will be held October 19, 2002 at Lee County Animal Services, 5600 Banner Drive, Fort Myers, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Lee County’s three shelters are partnering once again for this event to bring the pet community together. The goal is to increase awareness for the need to find homes for Lee County’s orphaned pets and to educate pet owners on proper pet ownership including the importance of spaying and neutering. In the process, a fun day of activities and camaraderie will be provided. In 2001 over 16,000 pets ended up in local shelters. Due to pet overpopulation, more than 9,000 of these animals were euthanized. It is the agencies’ hope to have every available home filled by a shelter pet. Many wonderful pets in a variety of breeds, colors, and sizes from the shelters will be available for adoption.
In addition, pet owners can bring their own pets out for a day of fun and activities. Highlights include a pet fashion show and contests with prizes for the best costume, smallest and biggest dog, pet and owner look-a-like, and best trick. Fly ball, agility, dog training, search and rescue dog demonstrations, pet portraits, a “doggy wash,” petting zoo and exotic pets will also be featured. Pet owner’s will receive expert advice from veterinarians, dog trainers, pet sitters, and groomers. Microchip IDs will be offered for only $10.00 and plenty of accessories and products for pampered pets will be available.
As a special feature, the U.S. Postal Service will present an exhibit of the new Spay/Neuter Commemorative Stamp. Winners of the children’s stamp design contest from local elementary schools will be announced and kids can learn more about the hobby of stamp collecting.
For more information about the Fall Pet Fest call Lee County Animal Services at (239) 432-2083 or visit www.LeeLostPets.com.