Animal bite reporting, and rabies quarantine are the number one priority at Animal Control.  Although we seldom hear of people contracting this fatal disease, rabies is a very real problem in many areas.  Most recently, rabies has been reported at epidemic levels in wildlife in the North Eastern States.  Rabies is fatal, and all mammals are susceptible to the disease.  Even indoor pets can come in contact with rabid bats, one of the most likely carriers.  By vaccinating domestic pets, we establish a barrier between possibly rabid wildlife and our families.  You can help Lee County be "rabies free".  Report any animal bite or sick wild animal, avoid handling wild animals, and keep domestic pets up to date with preventive rabies inoculations.  Contact your veterinarian for your dog or cats rabies inoculation and other preventive vaccinations for your pets good health.  All dogs four months or older, must be vaccinated against rabies.  Rabies can be transmitted to humans and is fatal unless a series of anti-rabies shots are taken.  Therefore, the law protects both humans and pets from this disease.

The Lee County Animal Control warden investigates animal related complaints and requests five days a week all year round in all areas of the County.  This includes animal bite reports and rabies control, response to straying, dangerous and nuisance animals, as well as, emergency care for sick and injured animals and animal welfare checks.  The warden enforces the County's animal related ordinances to insure improved public protection and animal welfare.

Lee County has a sheltering facility that house and cares for hundreds of stray, abandoned, injured and unwanted animals each year.  Our staff veterinarian oversees the care and sanitation procedures, as well as, preventive health care needs for animals during their stay.\

Health stray dogs are held for seven days.  Animals that are surrendered by their owners have no set holding time.  Animals are retained for adoption based on health, permanent adoptability, and space available.

Emergency medical care is provided for injured animals day or night.  Untagged strays are given limited care to alleviate suffering until an owner can be found.  Tagged animals or those wearing identification are afforded extended emergency care while attempting to contact the owner.

Many unwanted animals are given a second chance through the pet adoption program.  Adopting a pet from the Lee County Animal Facility is often an excellent alternative for those looking to acquire a companion.

In an effort to return lost and straying pets to their owners, Animal Control maintains a lost and found network.  Current rabies tags can be traced through the office or law enforcement and animals can be returned to the owners without being impounded. Owners are requested to visit the facility after losing their pet, bring a picture of the animal if possible and continue to visit or call the facility every day or two until the pet is safely returned home.

All dogs over the age of four months, are required to be registered and have a County tag.  To obtain an identification tag and to be registered there must be proof in the form of a current rabies certificate.  Shelters are full of animals with no identification because " my pet never leaves the house." A license tag is a call home for a pet.

Please, for your health and your pet's health, have it neutered or spayed by your veterinarian.  You and your pet will both be happier if you do.  You will also help reduce the number of unwanted kittens and puppies that have to be destroyed each year.

last updated: 10/09/07