Collier County Domestic Animal Services Temporarily Suspends Public Feline Intake July 14–30 to Ensure Animal Welfare

Collier County Domestic Animal Services Temporarily Suspends Public Feline Intake July 14-30 to Ensure Animal WelfarePost Date:07/11/2025 11:23 AM Collier County Domestic Animal Services Temporarily Suspends Public Feline Intake July 14-30 to Ensure Animal Welfare Naples, FL (July 11, 2025) - Collier County Domestic Animal Services (DAS) today announced a temporary closure to feline intake from Monday, July 14, through Wednesday, July 30, citing a recent increase in communicable diseases for cats in the shelter. Effective immediately, DAS will suspend the intake of cats during this period, except for critical cases involving sick, injured, or otherwise vulnerable animals requiring immediate medical care. "We do not take this decision lightly," said Meredith McLean, DAS Division Director. "Despite the best efforts of our staff and volunteers, we're currently dealing with an increase in communicable diseases in cats, such as upper respiratory infections and panleukopenia. Temporarily pausing intake will help us reduce our feline census, protect the health of animals already in our care, and allow us to focus our resources on urgent, critical cases." Compared to June 2024, DAS has seen a 60% increase in cats entering the shelter during June 2025. This surge mirrors a troublesome national trend of more pets arriving than leaving shelters, leading to severe population imbalances and a strain on resources. This is the first intake closure Collier County DAS has enacted in 2025. The decision was made with careful consideration for animal welfare and in consultation with animal welfare experts. By pausing intake, DAS will be able to stabilize the current shelter population, ensure animals already in the facility receive necessary medical care and attention, and mitigate the risk of disease spread. Earlier this week, the Collier County Board of County Commissioners approved waiving adoption fees through September 9, 2025. DAS is urgently calling on the community to consider adopting or fostering animals during this intake suspension period. "Fostering is one of the most impactful ways people can help right now," McLean emphasized. "We provide all veterinary care, supplies, and support; you just provide the space and love. Even a short-term foster can make a life-saving difference for these animals and help us reduce our feline population." During the closure: The DAS Adoption Center will remain open for pet adoptions, with all adoption fees waived. Essential services, including emergency response and animal control, will continue without interruption. The department will continue to focus on placing animals already in its care through adoption events, partnerships with rescue organizations, and foster programs. Collier County Domestic Animal Services expresses deep gratitude for the support from the community during this stabilization period. Individuals interested in helping are encouraged to adopt, foster, volunteer, or donate supplies. For more information and updates, please visit https://www.collierpets.com or call (239) 252-7387 (PETS). Media Contact: Meredith McLean, Division Director - Domestic Animal Services - (239) 877-8186Return to full list >>