Lee Animal Shelter & Control: Pet Adoption Hours 2026
If you searched for Lee animal shelter Florida, the official county shelter is Lee County Domestic Animal Services, often shortened to LCDAS. The shelter is located at 5600 Banner Drive, Fort Myers, FL 33912.
This guide separates pet adoption, lost-pet reclaim, found-animal reporting, field-service calls, rabies/bite reporting, licensing, surrender, foster care and veterinary-department help. It is built for one practical purpose: helping you contact the right official service before you drive, pay a fee or move an animal.
Official County Shelter
Lee County Domestic Animal Services is the county government animal services agency for stray domestic animals, adoption, lost-and-found pets, field-service calls, licensing, foster support and related shelter services.
Fort Myers Location
The public shelter campus is at 5600 Banner Drive in Fort Myers. Use this address for adoption visits, lost/found visits, licensing help, microchipping and many in-person shelter services.
Independent Guide
Animal-Shelter.org is not Lee County Government, Lee County Domestic Animal Services, the Florida Department of Health, a veterinary hospital, law enforcement or emergency dispatch.
Start With the Right Lee County Animal Help Route
The fastest route depends on what you need. Adoption is not the same as lost-pet reclaim. A bite report is not the same as a regular shelter question. And an after-hours animal-control call should not be treated like a routine visit to the adoption desk.
Lee Animal Shelter Florida Adoption Hours 2026
LCDAS has different service windows for adoption, lost/found and veterinary services. For adoption, start early: front doors open for paperwork before pet viewing, and the official adoption page gives a narrower pet-viewing window than the general adoption-center hours.
| Service | Current listed hours | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Pet Adoption Center | Monday–Saturday, 9:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m. | General adoption-center public window from the official hours page. |
| Adoption pet viewing / staff assistance | Monday–Saturday, 9:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. | The adoption page says staff or volunteers assist visitors with pets during this viewing adoption window. |
| Application paperwork | Front doors open at 8:00 a.m. for paperwork | You may be able to complete or process adoption paperwork before the adoption floor opens. |
| Lost & Found Pet Center | Monday–Saturday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.; Tuesday 8:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m. | Use for reclaiming or identifying lost pets, not regular adoption browsing. |
| Veterinary Services Center | Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. | Veterinary-department hours are separate from adoption browsing. |
| Sunday | Closed | Do not plan a normal shelter visit or adoption visit on Sunday. |
How Adoption Works at Lee County Domestic Animal Services
LCDAS requires an adoption application before visiting the animal. Adoptions are handled first come, first served with an approved application. That means a pet can move quickly, especially during adoption promotions.
Search current adoptable pets
Use the official LCDAS adoption page or pet search before driving. Save the animal ID, species, name and location details.
Submit or complete an application
LCDAS allows electronic, fax/in-person, or in-person adoption applications. Doors open at 8:00 a.m. for paperwork.
Visit during the adoption viewing window
Plan for Monday through Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. if you want staff or volunteer help visiting with a pet.
Ask fit questions before choosing
Ask about health notes, known behavior, unknown background, home fit, other pets, children, rental rules and long-term care.
Understand the first-come rule
Approval matters, but it does not guarantee the pet will still be available later. Call or email before a long drive for one animal.
Prepare ID, payment and safe transport
Bring photo ID, proof of address if needed, payment, a carrier for cats, and a secure leash/collar or transport plan for dogs.
Lee County Domestic Animal Services Adoption Fees
LCDAS publishes regular adoption fees and also asks visitors to check current monthly promotions for reduced or special fees. Use the regular fees below for planning, then confirm the live amount before payment.
| Animal / category | Regular listed fee | Planning note |
|---|---|---|
| Puppies | $95 | The adoption page lists puppies separately from adult dogs. |
| Adult dogs | $75 | Ask about current monthly promotions before payment. |
| Senior dogs, age 6+ | $25 | Senior/military discounts may reduce qualifying senior-pet fees. |
| Kittens | $75, listed as 2-for-1 | Confirm whether the 2-for-1 offer is active for your visit. |
| Adult cats | $50, listed as 2-for-1 | Ask staff about promotions and any required supplies. |
| Senior cats, age 6+ | $25, listed as 2-for-1 | Senior-to-senior discounts may make qualifying senior pets no-fee. |
What the Adoption Fee Includes
The official FAQ explains that the adoption fee includes important health basics, but the exact care can depend on the animal’s age, species and medical status.
Dog adoption basics
Dog adoption care includes at minimum first-round vaccinations, a general dewormer, heartworm test when old enough, topical flea treatment, microchip, rabies vaccination when old enough and spay/neuter surgery.
Cat adoption basics
Cat adoption vaccination care includes at minimum FVRCP, general dewormer, FELV testing for kittens under six months, and FELV/FIV testing for cats six months and older.
Rabies requirement
The FAQ notes that dogs, cats and ferrets four months and older must be vaccinated against rabies under Florida law.
Emergency & Important Lee County Animal Contacts
Use the number that matches the actual situation. A regular adoption question should not go to emergency dispatch. A bite or possible rabies exposure should not be treated as only a shelter-hours question.
| Contact | Number / route | Use this for |
|---|---|---|
| Lee County Domestic Animal Services | 239-533-7387 | Shelter questions, adoption, field-service calls, lost/found pets, found-animal reports, surrender appointments and general LCDAS routing. |
| After-hours / weekend emergency animal routing | 239-533-7387, option / extension 2 | Field Operations says the answering service relays emergency calls to officers during weekends and night shifts. |
| Immediate public-safety emergency | 911 | Active attack, serious injury, immediate danger, urgent public-safety emergency or another situation requiring emergency responders. |
| Florida Department of Health in Lee County — Epidemiology | 239-332-9580 | Animal bite reporting, possible rabies exposure and public-health reporting questions. |
| DOH-Lee after-hours epidemiology | 239-872-0349 | After-hours public-health guidance for reportable disease or rabies-related concerns when normal routing is unavailable. |
| DOH-Lee animal bite report fax | 239-332-9553 | Faxing the official animal bite report form when directed by the health department or reporting process. |
| Lee County Sheriff’s Office Agricultural Deputy | 239-477-1000 | Livestock-related issues listed on the County nuisance/injured/ dead animal guidance. |
| FWC wildlife / alligators |
866-392-4286 alligators 888-404-3922 other wildlife |
Wildlife situations that are not ordinary domestic dog or cat shelter matters. |
| CROW Wildlife Hospital | 239-472-3644 | Injured birds and injured wildlife rehabilitation guidance where appropriate. |
Lee County Animal Control Field Services
Field Operations is the animal-control side of LCDAS. It is different from the adoption counter. Field-service calls may involve stray animals, bite investigations, cruelty or neglect concerns, injured strays, welfare checks and other domestic animal-related incidents.
Service operates every day
Lee County says Field Operations provides animal-control service 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with different response levels depending on time and urgency.
Full service window
Field Operations lists full service from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Sunday through Saturday.
Late night emergency-only
From 11:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m., Field Operations lists emergency calls only. During weekends and night shifts, an answering service relays emergency calls to officers.
Animal Bites and Rabies Reporting in Lee County
An animal bite is not just a shelter question. It can become a public-health issue because rabies is usually spread through bites or scratches from mammals that break the skin.
Report human bites
DOH-Lee says Disease Control staff investigate animal bites to humans and that animal bite reports can be submitted through its bite reporting process.
DOH-Lee number
If you need to report an animal bite or ask rabies-related questions, DOH-Lee lists Epidemiology at 239-332-9580 and an after-hours number at 239-872-0349.
If a pet or livestock animal was bitten
DOH-Lee tells residents to seek veterinary help immediately and contact Lee County Domestic Animal Services at 239-533-7387.
Lost or Found Pet in Lee County
If your pet is missing, move quickly. LCDAS says lost pets should be looked for in person, because photos, tags and descriptions are not always enough. If you found an animal, Lee County rules also matter: the found animal must be handled through the official process.
If your pet is missing
- Visit Animal Services in person if your pet may have been impounded.
- Search the in-shelter lost pets list and the Find My Pet Portal.
- If you see a possible match online, call 239-533-7387 with the animal ID number.
- Bring current veterinary records, rabies certificate, county tag and/or registered microchip information.
- Expect boarding or reclaim-related fees if your pet is at the shelter.
- Keep searching your neighborhood, especially shaded areas, garages, porches, canals, sheds and quiet hiding spots.
If you found an animal
- If safe, check for a visible tag and ask nearby homes before moving the animal far from the found location.
- Call 239-533-7387 for official found-animal guidance.
- Have a veterinarian or the shelter scan for a microchip when safe.
- Use the Find My Pet Portal if appropriate, but do not privately rehome the animal without following official rules.
- Use emergency routing for aggressive, injured, traffic-endangered or bite/rabies-related situations.
Reclaim Rules and Proof of Ownership
Reclaiming a pet is time-sensitive. If the shelter is closed and you see your missing pet online, the hours page says to call 239-533-7387 and press option #2 with the animal ID number ready.
Bring proof
LCDAS lost-pet guidance lists current veterinary records, rabies certificate, county tag and/or registered microchip as proper proof.
Ask about reclaim fees
The lost-pet page says fees are associated with boarding and must be paid to reclaim a pet. Call before arriving so you know the total and accepted payment method.
After-hours online match
If you identify your pet online after hours, the answering service can notify the on-call officer until midnight to place a hold through closing on the next open business day.
Found Animal Rules: Do Not Guess the Next Step
Lee County’s FAQ says found animals in Lee County are required to be turned in to Animal Services within 24 hours so owners have one central place to search. The current FAQ also says using the Find My Pet Portal can give an additional 72 hours to locate the owner.
Surrendering or Rehoming a Pet
LCDAS describes itself as a government tax-funded stray domestic animal control facility responsible for stray animal control services. Because of that role, it accepts owner-surrendered pets only on a very limited basis.
Limited owner surrender
Do not arrive expecting automatic intake. Call first and ask whether any owner-surrender option applies to your pet and situation.
If adopted from LCDAS
The surrender page says a pet originally adopted from LCDAS may be returned only under specific conditions, such as age, health, temperament, adoptability, space and applicable fees.
Try safe rehoming first
LCDAS recommends contacting family, friends, responsible adopters, private shelters, breed rescues and other safe placement options before surrender.
Lee County Pet Licensing
Lee County licensing applies to cats, dogs and ferrets four months of age or older that live in Lee County for at least 30 days per year. Licensing is tied to rabies vaccination and helps return lost pets.
| License type | One-year fee | Three-year fee / note |
|---|---|---|
| Juvenile license, pets younger than 12 months | $15 | N/A |
| Sterilized and microchipped pet | $15 | $25 |
| Unsterilized pet or sterilized pet without microchip | $35 | $65 |
| Ferret | $15 | N/A |
| Duplicate license / change of ownership | — | $5 miscellaneous fee |
| Late registration / renewal 30+ days past due | License fee applies | $25 late fee added |
Microchip Clinic for Lee County Residents
LCDAS lists a microchip clinic for Lee County residents with no appointment needed Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.
When
Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., excluding holidays.
Cost
The licensing page lists the microchip clinic cost as $10 for Lee County residents.
Bring pets safely
Dogs must be leashed, with no retractable leashes in the lobby, and cats must be in approved carriers.
Foster Program: Temporary Homes That Save Time and Space
Foster homes help vulnerable animals get out of the shelter environment while they grow, heal or wait for placement. LCDAS specifically lists underage kittens and puppies, nursing mothers with litters, and sick or injured pets as foster needs.
Foster email
For more information, LCDAS lists fostering@leegov.com.
Foster coordinator
The foster page lists Foster Coordinator Alexus Acevedo at 239-533-9223.
Who needs foster
Foster homes may be needed for underage pets, nursing mothers, sick animals and injured pets.
Rescue Partners
LCDAS works with approved rescue partners to help animals leave the shelter safely. Rescue partners must meet eligibility requirements, maintain current documentation and follow LCDAS policies.
Veterinary Department: What Is Verified
Lee County has an official Veterinary Department within Domestic Animal Services. This is real veterinary support, but it should not be confused with a private full-service emergency hospital for owned pets.
In-house shelter care
LCDAS says its veterinary clinic provides comprehensive in-house care for thousands of pets annually and vaccinates animals entering the facility.
Spay and neuter
The Veterinary Department page lists spay/neuter surgeries for pets returned to owners, transferred to rescue partners and adopted from the facility.
Investigative exams
Veterinary staff support cruelty investigations at the request of LCDAS Animal Control Officers and law-enforcement agencies.
Heartworm-positive adopted dogs
The Veterinary Department page says every heartworm-positive dog adopted receives full heartworm treatment as part of adoption care.
End-of-life services
LCDAS says its clinic offers compassionate end-of-life services at a minimal cost. Call first to confirm current availability, process and fees.
Public Staff Listing
Pablo Adorno — Director
Lee County’s Animal Services homepage and staff directory list Pablo Adorno as Director. This is an administrative listing, not a veterinarian appointment schedule.
No invented doctor names
This page does not invent veterinarian names, appointment slots or medical fees beyond what official Lee County pages publish.
Before You Visit 5600 Banner Drive
Adoption checklist
- Check current adoptable pets before leaving home.
- Submit the adoption application online when possible.
- Bring valid photo ID and proof of current address.
- Bring landlord or association approval if your housing has pet rules.
- Confirm current pet rabies vaccinations and county licenses if you already own pets.
- Bring safe transport: carrier for cats, leash/collar or secure vehicle plan for dogs.
- Ask about promotions before assuming the regular fee applies.
Lost / reclaim checklist
- Visit in person if your pet may be at the shelter.
- Bring current veterinary records, rabies certificate, county tag and microchip details.
- Write down the animal ID number if you see your pet online.
- Call after hours with option #2 if you identify your pet online while the shelter is closed.
- Ask about boarding and reclaim fees before arriving.
- Continue searching locally even after filing a report.
Simple Call Scripts
A clear call saves time, especially when you are worried about a pet. Use the exact location, animal ID and urgency level whenever you can.
Adoption
Hi, I am interested in animal ID [A-number/name] at Lee County
Domestic Animal Services. Is the pet still available, what is the
current adoption fee or promotion, and should I complete the
application before visiting?
Lost pet
Hi, my [dog/cat] is missing from [street/city/neighborhood].
The pet is [description], has [tag/microchip/rabies certificate],
and may match animal ID [A-number]. What should I bring to identify
and reclaim?
Found animal
Hi, I found a [dog/cat] at [exact location]. The animal is
[safe/injured/aggressive]. Should I file a found report, use the
portal, bring the animal in, or request field-service help?
Bite / rabies concern
Hi, I need to report an animal bite or possible rabies exposure at
[location]. The animal is [owned/stray/wild/unknown], the person
bitten is [adult/child], and medical care is [needed/underway/not yet].
Which official report route should I use now?
Map: Lee County Domestic Animal Services
Use this map for the official shelter campus at 5600 Banner Drive, Fort Myers, FL 33912. Check the correct service hours before driving, especially for adoption viewing, reclaim, licensing, microchipping or veterinary-department help.
Official Lee County Resources
Use these official sources for current animal availability, forms, holiday closures, fees, licensing, bite reporting and field-service instructions.
Lee Animal Shelter Florida FAQ
What is the official Lee animal shelter in Florida?
The official county shelter is Lee County Domestic Animal Services, located at 5600 Banner Drive, Fort Myers, FL 33912.
What is the Lee County Domestic Animal Services phone number?
The main LCDAS phone number is 239-533-7387.
What are Lee County animal shelter adoption hours?
The Pet Adoption Center is listed Monday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The adoption page says pet viewing/adoption assistance is Monday through Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Is the shelter open on Sunday?
No. The official hours page says the shelter is not open on Sundays.
When do doors open for adoption paperwork?
LCDAS says front doors open at 8:00 a.m. for adoption paperwork.
Are Lee County adoptions first come, first served?
Yes. LCDAS says adoptions are first come, first served with an approved application.
How much does it cost to adopt a dog from LCDAS?
Regular listed dog adoption fees are $95 for puppies, $75 for adult dogs and $25 for senior dogs age six or older. Monthly promotions may change the amount due.
How much does it cost to adopt a cat from LCDAS?
Regular listed cat adoption fees are $75 for kittens, $50 for adult cats and $25 for senior cats age six or older. The adoption page lists 2-for-1 wording for cat categories, but you should confirm current promotions before payment.
What is included in the adoption fee?
The FAQ lists vaccinations, dewormer, flea treatment, microchip, spay/neuter surgery and age/species-appropriate testing or rabies vaccination details. Exact care depends on the animal’s age and status.
What should I do if my pet is missing in Lee County?
Visit Animal Services in person, search the official lost-pet listings, use the Find My Pet Portal and bring proof such as veterinary records, rabies certificate, county tag and microchip information.
What should I do if I see my pet online after hours?
Call 239-533-7387 and press option #2 with the animal ID number ready. LCDAS says the answering service can notify the on-call officer until midnight to place a hold through closing on the next open business day.
How long are stray animals held?
LCDAS lost-pet guidance lists three days for dogs without ID, five days for dogs with ID, 24 hours/one day for cats without ID and five days for cats with ID.
What should I do if I found an animal?
Call LCDAS at 239-533-7387 and follow the official found-animal route. Lee County FAQ guidance says found animals must be turned in to Animal Services within 24 hours, with additional portal-related time when the Find My Pet Portal is used.
Who handles animal-control field calls?
Lee County Domestic Animal Services Field Operations handles domestic animal-related incidents through its field-service system.
What is the after-hours animal emergency route?
Field Operations says weekend and night-shift emergency animal calls are relayed through the answering service at 239-533-7387, option or extension 2. Use 911 for immediate public-safety emergencies.
Who handles animal bite and rabies reporting in Lee County?
The Florida Department of Health in Lee County investigates animal bites to humans. DOH-Lee Epidemiology lists 239-332-9580, with 239-872-0349 for after-hours public-health reporting.
Does Lee County require pet licenses?
Yes. Cats, dogs and ferrets four months or older that live in Lee County at least 30 days per year must be vaccinated against rabies and licensed by Lee County.
Does LCDAS offer microchipping?
Yes. The licensing page lists a microchip clinic for Lee County residents, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., excluding holidays, at a listed cost of $10.
Can I surrender my owned pet to LCDAS?
LCDAS accepts owner-surrendered pets only on a very limited basis. Call first and ask about official surrender, rehome and support options.
Does Lee County Domestic Animal Services have a veterinary department?
Yes. LCDAS has an official Veterinary Department providing in-house shelter care, spay/neuter services, investigative exams, lifesaving care for stray animals and listed end-of-life services. It should not be treated as a general emergency hospital for owned pets.
Who is the director of Lee County Domestic Animal Services?
Lee County’s official pages list Pablo Adorno as Director of Animal Services.
Is Animal-Shelter.org the official Lee County shelter website?
No. Animal-Shelter.org is an independent informational guide. Use official Lee County and Florida Department of Health pages for live instructions, current fees, closures and reporting rules.
Animal Shelter Action Planner: Lost Pet, Found Pet, Adoption, Reclaim & Surrender Helper
Use this free tool to create a practical next-step plan before visiting or contacting an animal shelter, humane society, rescue, or animal control agency. It does not search a live shelter database, but it helps you prepare the right documents, questions, safety steps, and official-source searches.
Build a USA-wide shelter action plan
Select your situation and location. The tool will create a general action plan, search links, call questions, and a copyable checklist.
Lost pet recovery checklist
Check the steps you have completed. This helps you stay organized during the first urgent hours and days.
Found pet safety decision helper
Use this when you find a stray or loose pet and need a safe next step.
Adoption readiness checker
This helps adopters prepare before visiting a shelter or rescue. It is not a guarantee of approval.
Pet reclaim document checklist
If your pet may be at a shelter, prepare proof before visiting. Exact requirements and fees vary by agency.
Owner surrender preparation helper
Surrender rules vary. Many shelters require appointments, proof of residence, behavior/medical information, and may offer alternatives.
Animal control contact decision helper
Choose the situation and get a general USA-wide contact path. Local rules may differ.
Adoption and first-month budget planner
This is a planning guide, not a shelter fee database. Always confirm adoption fees and included services with the shelter.
Your generated shelter plan
Your action plan, search links, call script, checklist, or budget guide will appear here.
Start with the Planner tab
Select your state, city/county/ZIP, pet type, and goal. The tool will create a practical USA-wide shelter action plan.
Privacy note: this tool runs in your browser. It does not send your entries to animal-shelter.org.