Lee County Domestic Animal Services has rolled out a new ‘
Find My Pet Portal’ to help residents bring lost pets home. The portal is a tool for residents to “self-help” with stray animals.
The portal allows Lee County residents to use computers or cell phones to post photos of found strays in hopes that owners seeking their lost pets can connect – even before a stray is brought to Domestic Animal Services.
Watch a video about the new tool HERE.
The approved ordinance repeals and replaces the existing ordinance and provides comprehensive changes to rules, including adding a mandatory one-day hold for cats, ferrets and other small mammals lacking identification. The one-day hold was implemented operationally in June 2025 and remains in effect.
The change was made after a local resident lost her cat, which was not chipped, and dropped off at the shelter. Unfortunately the kitten was euthanized before she could be located and picked up by the owner. There was also some confusion at the front desk of the shelter as to whether the kitten was in fact at the shelter. Residents have been speaking at public comment at the county board meetings for months pushing for longer hold times for stray pets. Those pushing for change believe the hold should be for longer than one day. Part of the challenge is the shelter is extremely overcrowded.
The county says amending an ordinance involves a structured procedure, including public hearings and review by public advisory committees. As part of this process, a draft of Ordinance 14-22 was presented by staff to the Board of County Commissioners’ Executive Regulatory Oversight Committee, as required. Meeting documentation, an audio recording and proof of publication are available
HERE.
Among the changes to the ordinance:
- Adds the ability for law enforcement officers to take custody of an animal. Provides clearer basis to take custody after arrest, other law enforcement actions or medical emergencies.
- Allows an animal to not have to wear a tag if microchipped with the required information.
- Prohibits selling animals on the roadside or in parking lots without a permit and establishes the process for obtaining a permit.
- Makes other changes to definitions and requirements.
