FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:  Ria Brown, Lee County Animal Services

               (239) 432-2090 Ext. 241 

3^rd Annual Home 4 the Holidays Pet Adoption Campaign Kicks Off!

Lee County Animal Services Offers Special Adoption Package for the Holidays

Fort Myers, Florida, November 24, 2003— The Lee County Board of County Commissioners will kick off Lee County Animal Services’ 3^rd Annual Home 4 the Holidays Campaign at the County Commission Meeting on December 2^nd with a resolution encouraging responsible pet ownership and animal adoptions from shelters during the holidays.  During the month of December Animal Services will join more than 1200 shelters across the country to bring hundreds of homeless dogs and cats together with loving adoptive families.  Last year Animal Services’ Home 4 The Holidays promotion set new records for the highest number of pets ever adopted at the shelter in a single month!

The event is a departure from the traditional practice of shelters suspending pet adoptions during the holidays, which are normally very hectic.  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 while missing out on the season when most people seek to add a companion animal to their family.  

To capitalize on this opportunity, Animal Services will offer a special holiday package to all adopters during the month of December in addition to the valuable services normally provided with adoption.  This special package, courtesy of Lee County Animal Services and the Animal Care Trust Fund, is intended to promote responsible pet ownership.  The adoption fee of only $65 for dogs and $50 for cats includes nearly $400 worth of services and supplies.

Adoption package normally includes:                                         Holiday adoption package also includes:

Spay/neuter surgery                                                                         Collar

Vaccinations appropriate for the pet’s age                                        Leash

Rabies vaccination & county license (pets 4 mo. or older)                 Bowls

Flea treatment                                                                                  Toys

Worming                                                                                          Pet care book

Heartworm Test (dogs 6 mo. or older)

Feline Leukemia & Aids Test (cats)

Nationally registered Microchip ID 

For more information about Animal Services’ Home 4 the Holidays promotion call 432-2083 or visit Animal Services’ website at www.LeeLostPets.com for adoption hours and to view pets online that are currently available for adoption.