Animal Services guarantees health of adopted pets

Lee County Animal Services just made it even more attractive to adopt one of the thousands of homeless pets that arrive daily, by guaranteeing that animal's health for 10 days after you bring it home.

There are already advantages to shelter adoption - the variety, lower adoption fees, free sterilization and vaccination. But some fear they might face unexpected veterinary bills within the first few days of adopting an animal with an unknown medical history. (Pets with serious and long-term issues are usually easily identified).

The 10 day guarantee covers minor illness common to pets who have been kept in multiple housing situations, like upper respiratory infection or kennel cough; also, new owners may contact the shelter and bring their pet in for a visit with an Animal Services' veterinarian during that time. It may save pet owners veterinary bills that add up to a hundred dollars or more.

Any treatment or medication administered at the shelter will be free.

However, Animal Services will not be able to reimburse pet owners for treatment or services outside the shelter.

The new 10 day health guarantee is just one way Animal Services is working to place more animals and reduce euthanasia. For more information please contact Lee County Animal Services at (239) 533-7387 (LEE-PETS).

Lost pets and pets for adoption may be viewed online at www.leelostpets.com. The adoption fee for dogs is $65, cats are $50. The fee includes spay/ neuter surgery, vaccinations appropriate for the pets age, rabies vaccination and county license if three months or older, heartworm test for dogs 6 months or older, feline leukemia and aids test for cats, worming, flea treatment, nationally registered microchip ID, collar, training DVD, and 10 day health guarantee.

The shelter is open for adoptions and claiming lost pets from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday; and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.