Collier County, FL

Collier County Animal Control Ordinance Chapter 14, Article II Sec. 14-33 requires that the owner of any dog(s) and/or cat(s) over four months obtain a Collier County license and a current rabies vaccination (administered by a licensed vet). Proof of a current rabies vaccination is required to purchase a Collier County License.  

How to Purchase a License Online or In-Person?

If you would like to purchase a license for your dog or cat online, please visit PetData.

To purchase a license for your pet in-person please have proof of current rabies vaccination and visit or call Collier County Domestic Animal Services at 7610 Davis Blvd.  We are open daily 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Closed Thursdays).

Licensing your dog or cat gives Domestic Animal Services and the Collier County Health Department the ability to ensure that domestic pets are vaccinated against Rabies to prevent the spread of the deadly virus. A dog/cat license also provides owner information immediately, should your pet arrive at the shelter wearing its current license.

Additionally, licensing your pet you can actually save money, should your pet become lost and end up at our facility! If you claim your currently licensed and sterilized pet by the end of the legal stray hold, your pet can go home without you having to pay impound and board fees; this is available for one impoundment only.  Other fees, such as microchipping or sterilization, may still be sustained.  

Your pet's current license replaces the need to pre-register for the Pet Friendly Shelter.  Admission to the shelter is on a first-come, first serve basis for Collier County residents. Only cats and dogs are accepted at this time.

Cost

Domestic Animal Services offers one-year or three-year Rabies/License Tags that coincide with your rabies vaccinations.

The cost to license pets varies, depending on the age of the pet, whether the animal is spayed or neutered and if you are purchasing a one-year or a three-year tag.  Prices are as follows: 

If you choose to sterilize your pet within 30 days of purchase of a $60 license, Domestic Animal Services will issue you a $45 refund if you provide proof of sterilization to Domestic Animal Services within 30 calendar days of purchase.

If you find injured or orphaned native wildlife, contact the von Arx Wildlife Hospital at Conservancy of Southwest Florida at 239-262-2273. 

1495 Smith Preserve Way
Naples, FL 34102

Collier County Domestic Animal Services cares for thousands of animal each and every year.  Some are adopted, others are returned to their owners. Unfortunately, some are euthanized for health or behavioral reasons. 

Please email DAS with any questions you might have. 

Keeping animals out of the shelter through direct home placement.

Home To Home™ is an online pet placement platform that helps pet owners find new homes (permanent or temporary) for their pets. Home To Home™ believes pets that need a new home do best if they can be transitioned directly from their current home to a new, loving home and avoid the stress of a stay at an animal shelter.  To learn more, visit home-home.org.

Owners who need to surrender their pets are encouraged to reach out to the following adoption organizations:

Domestic Animal Services (DAS) only accepts animals owned by Collier County residents.  Our goal is to help you keep your pet in your home by providing you with options and alternatives to surrendering your pet.  We encourage you to contact friends, family, neighbors, co-workers, Humane Society Naples, local rescue organizations and try social media networking, to try to re-home your pet.  We also suggest that you try posting your pet on rehome.adoptapet.com, since no one will be able to find a better match for your pet than you.

Pets owned by Collier County residents may be surrendered for a $25.00 owner surrender fee, per pet, for dogs, cats and rabbits.  Please bring any relevant vaccination records and medical documents with you at the time of surrender; if your pet is not currently vaccinated or you fail to provide your pet's records, there will be additional fees for vaccinations.  DAS accepts approximately 5,000 animals each year and cannot guarantee that your animal will be adopted.  DAS is unable to accept animals for adoptions that are aggressive, have unprovoked bite histories or are medically unfit for adoptions; if there is no alternative to surrender, these animals would only be accepted as surrender for Humane Euthanasia – please reference “End of Life Services” for more information about this service.

DAS only accepts surrendered animals between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, by appointment only.  Appointments are typically scheduled one to two weeks in advance.  This allows DAS to plan for incoming animals and allows us to provide the best possible care, without becoming overcrowded.  Overcrowding in animal shelters is the number one cause of illness and spread of disease, by preventing overcrowding, we are able to reduce illness in the shelter and get animals adopted even quicker. 

To discuss other possible options or to schedule an appointment for surrender, please contact DAS at 239-252-7387 and ask to speak with our Admissions Coordinator.  If they are unavailable at the moment, they may be helping another customer, please leave them a message and they will call you back as soon as possible.

Surrender Fees:

 Pocket Pet Surrender  $10.00 (excludes rabbits) 

 *Rabies vaccines applies to dogs and cats four months of age and older

To expedite the surrender process, please print and complete the appropriate questionnaire and the Owner Surrender form.

Cat Questionnaire Form                      Dog Questionnaire                                      Owner Surrender   

Keeping animals out of the shelters through direct home placement.

Home To Home™ is an online pet placement platform that helps pet owners find new homes (permanent or temporary) for their pets. Home To Home™ believes pets that need a new home do best if they can be transitioned directly from their current home to a new, loving home and avoid the stress of a stay at an animal shelter.  To learn more, visit home-home.org.

In accordance with Chapter 119 Florida Statutes, every person has the right to access pubic records unless a record is exempted by law from disclosure.  The requester may be responsible for any fees associated with processing the request, which may include labor costs and/or the cost of copies, disks or other means to transfer the record to the requester. 

To request records, contact DAS by clicking here or call us at 311. 

Under Florida Law, e-mail addresses are public records. If you do not want your e-mail address released in response to a public records request, do not send electronic mail to this entity. Instead, contact this office by telephone or in writing.

• Dogs, cats and ferrets over four months old must have a current rabies vaccination. 
• Dogs and cats over four months old must have a valid County license, licenses must be renewed annually.  
• The licenses must be affixed to the collar or harness, unless the animal is confined.

• Pets and livestock must be provided with adequate shelter, a sufficient quantity of good and wholesome food and water, exercise, and fresh air. 
• Pets may not be confined in an unattended motor vehicle under conditions or for lengths of time that may endanger the health and/or physical well-being of the animal.

• Pets must be confined to the owner’s property or walked on a leash. 
• Pets may not run at large.
• Pets may not chase, run after, or jump at vehicles or bicycles using the right-of-way; and may not snap, growl, snarl, jump upon, or threaten persons using the right-of-way. 
• Pet feces must be immediately removed and properly disposed of. 
• Pets may not create a sanitary nuisance on public or private property. 
• Pets may not make noise that is offensive and of such a continuous duration of time that it creates a nuisance.

• Any enclosure used as a primary means of confinement for a dog must meet the size and structural integrity requirements as defined in the Animal Control Ordinance. 
• A dog may not be tethered outdoors, except when in visual range of a responsible party located outside with the dog. Additional specific conditions as defined in the Animal Control Ordinance must also be met. 
• Owners must confine a female dog in heat so that she cannot be bred, unless the breeding is specific and intentional.

Dog and Cat Breeding

• Any owner that breeds any dog(s) or cat(s) must be first permitted and inspected by DAS.

Failure to comply with any of these regulations could result in fines up to $500.

ARTICLE II. ANIMAL CONTROL

DAS offers affordable end of life services for Collier County pet owners for animals with verifiable, untreatable medical conditions, or aggressive animals that pose a public safety risk.  Please note that end of life services are by appointment, please call DAS at 239-252-7387 to schedule.   Acceptance of animals for euthanasia is pursuant to Collier County Animal Control Ordinance:    

Sec. 14-41. - Disposition of impounded animals.

C. Person(s) wishing to surrender an animal with the request for euthanasia shall be allowed to do so at the discretion of animal services. It is not the policy or practice of animal services to supply "on-demand" euthanasia procedures, but in the interest of relieving a suffering animal, or for aggressive animals that pose a safety risk, animal services may provide the service for a fee, at the Director's or designee's sole discretion.

Animals will not be accepted as an owner requested euthanasia for any other reason.  Owners who request euthanasia for an animal that does not meet the above criteria will be referred to their private-practice veterinarian. 

Animals other than dogs or cats will only be accepted at the discretion of management.

Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate requests to be with your animal during the procedure.  If you wish to be with your pet during euthanasia, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with your private-practice veterinarian when the time comes.  

End of life Services and Fees

• Euthanasia services are offered Monday through Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; please call DAS at 239-252-7387 to schedule.   
• Fees for all services are due when you bring your pet to DAS.   
• Valid ID and proof of ownership is required.  Please note that DAS cannot proceed with Humane Euthanasia if your pet is microchipped and the microchip is registered to someone else that is not present or available via phone.
• In home pick-up is available with 24-48 hours advanced notice, additional fees apply. This service is not available on weekends or observed county holidays.
• Communal cremation is available at a reduced cost for owners who do not wish to keep their pet’s remains.  
• The remains may also be taken home for burial, immediately following the procedure; no additional fees sustained.

Animals will not be accepted for euthanasia without completion of the appropriate forms, including valid reason for euthanasia, and payment of applicable fees for euthanasia and disposal, pursuant to the established fee policy. 

Fees

Prices are subject to change.

If you have any questions, or need additional information, please call DAS at (239) 252-7387

Domestic Animal Services (DAS) offers several educational programs for schools, community groups, associations, and other interested groups. 

If you would like a DAS Animal Control Officer or other staff member as a guest speaker in your school, club, or organization, call DAS at 252-PETS (7387) and ask for the Field Operations Manager.

For information on our Responsible Pet Ownership classes call 239-252-7387.

What is a Community Cat?

• Any un-owned free-roaming cat that is sterilized, vaccinated against rabies, ear-tipped or ear-notched, implanted with a microchip or Radio Frequency Identification Device (RFID), and returned to their community.  This cat may be cared for by one or more residents of the immediate area who are known or unknown. They may be friendly, or they may be unsocialized with people and prefer to keep their distance. These cats can live in backyards, parking lots, under sheds, in barns/warehouses, and lots of other places.

What is TNR (TNVR or SNR)?

• TNR is a universal term that can mean Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR), Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return (TNVR) or Shelter-Neuter-Return (SNR). TNR is the most effective, and humane, method of controlling feral cat population growth.  TNR should not be used to create cat colonies but should instead be used as cat colony prevention, reducing overall numbers over time.

What is Collier County Doing?

Collier  County  Domestic  Animal  Services (DAS) is participating in a progressive SNR program for Community Cats. Any healthy, stray and/or outdoor, cat that comes to DAS may be a Community Cat candidate.

• These cats will be sterilized, vaccinated, ear-tipped, implanted with an RFID, and returned to the area that they originated.

Why?

• Healthy outdoor cats are home, and they are doing well in their environment.  Even though you may not think so, several of your neighbors are most likely feeding and/or caring for them.

Why not trap and remove?

• Trapping and removing cats creates a phenomenon known as the “vacuum effect”; this means that when cats are removed from an area, other cats are just going to move in to fill the void.  The new cats continue to reproduce and call for additional trap and removal, continuing the cycle.  Trap and remove, usually resulting in the cat’s euthanasia, has been the most common method to control feral cats for several decades; if it was going to be successful, it would have been by now.

What if I don’t want cats on my property?

• We understand that not everyone wants cats hanging around.  There are several ways that you can keep cats, and other wildlife, from frequenting your property. The easiest and most effective method is to ensure that trash is secured and pet food isn’t left out. 
• Please visit www.alleycat.org/community-cat-care/humane-deterrents for more tips.

I found young kittens, what should I do?

• Mother knows best! Please don’t kit-nap! See Wait Until 8
• Keep an eye out for mom, she is most likely out hunting or looking for food.
• If mom returns, she’ll do what’s best for them. Kittens are extremely vulnerable at this stage and their best chance at survival is to stay with mom.
• If you are absolutely positive that mom hasn’t returned after several hours, or you found mom deceased, please contact us (239) 252-7387 and inquire about how to care for the kittens until they are big enough to be sterilized (2 lbs).  You may also visit Kittenlady.org for some great information and tips on how to care for underaged kittens.

Why shouldn’t I just bring kittens to the shelter?

• Kittens are the population most susceptible to disease in an animal shelter; your local shelter, no matter how clean and great, is too stressful of an environment for them.  The best chance that any kitten has is if you are able to look out or care for them until they are old enough to be sterilized too.

What if I found older kittens?

• Healthy, friendly, kittens that are over 2 lbs are big enough to be sterilized.  You can call DAS to schedule an appointment to have them sterilized and vaccinated, and you can keep or rehome your new pet!  You may also bring them to DAS as strays, and they will be evaluated for the adoption program.
• Healthy, un-socialized, kittens that are old enough to receive a rabies vaccination (minimum 3 months) can be sterilized and returned through a TNR program, just like adult cats.

What are the benefits of TNR and community cats?

• TNR immediately stabilizes the number of cats in an area, or colony, by eliminating new litters.
• The community can be more comfortable knowing that these cats are vaccinated and much less likely to spread any dangerous diseases.
• Nuisance behaviors typically associated with feral cats, such as yowling, fighting, and spraying or marking, are dramatically reduced once they are sterilized.
• Sterilized cats continue to hold their territory, preventing new and unsterilized cats from coming in to fill the void and creating new litters.
• Reduces euthanasia in local animal shelters, since we are also reducing the numbers of cats that are reproducing and those that need to come in to the shelters for care.
• Community cats provide an organic pest control service as well; even if they don’t actively hunt rodents, their presence is usually enough to keep them away.
• It costs Collier County tax payers much less to sterilize and return community cats, as opposed to keeping and caring for them in shelters.

What do I do if I find a community cat (already ear-tipped or ear-notched)?

• Nothing, they’re already home!

"Cat myths continue to perpetuate cat deaths in shelters in the United States and divide animal welfare advocates. What are the facts? What are the myths? What do we still seek to learn more about?

Listen to Monica Frenden Maddie's Director of Feline Lifesaving for American Pets Alive! and Peter J. Wolf, research and policy analyst for Best Friends Animal Society, in this webinar. Learn about research and the history of the plight of cats in the United States. Get answers to some of the greatest myths out there about our feline friends. How can we understand cats better and their unique needs? How can we embrace Return To Field, TNR, and other progressive alternatives to traditional shelter intake while meeting our communities' needs?"   - Human Animal Support Services

Want to help community cats?

Attend one of our Free workshops!

The best way to help community cats is through Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return (TNVR) programs. TNVR ensures no new kittens are born, stabilizes cat populations, protects from transmitting rabies and other potentially life-threatening feline viruses,  and helps reduce unwanted behaviors such as yowling, spraying, and fighting.

Collier County Domestic Animal Services, Humane Society Naples, and Camp Many Paws have joined forces to initiate a county wide TNVR program but we can't do it without the support and help of the community!  Attend one of our FREE Community Cats Workshops to learn how to safely trap cats in your neighborhood to help us get the problem of cat overpopulation under control.

Call 239-252-7387 to learn more.

What is Kitten Season?

• Kitten season, or feline breeding season, is a time of year when thousands of kittens are born all across the country and shelters everywhere experience an extremely high influx of neonatal kittens and nursing moms.
• Kitten season usually occurs during the warmer months, starting in March and tapering off in October/November, but varies across the country.
• Due to our temperate climate, kitten season in Florida can last ALL YEAR LONG.
• Cats can reach sexual maturity and come into heat starting as early as 4 months of age.
• A cat can go into heat as often as every 2-3 weeks.
• A cat's pregnancy lasts about 9 weeks.  They can get pregnant again very quickly after giving birth; nursing does not prevent pregnancy.
• The average litter size is 3-6 kittens but can be as many as 10+.

Found kittens? What should you do?

Before taking any action, please consider the following:

• Mother knows best! Please don’t kit-nap! See Wait Until 8
• Keep an eye out for mom, she is most likely out hunting or looking for food.
• If mom returns, she’ll do what’s best for them. Kittens are extremely vulnerable at this stage and their best chance at survival is to stay with mom.
• If you are absolutely positive that mom hasn’t returned after several consecutive hours, or you found mom deceased, please contact us (239) 252-7387 and inquire about how to care for the kittens until they are big enough to be sterilized (2 lbs). 

How can you help?

• Make sure your pets are spayed and neutered.
• Sign up to foster or volunteer.
• Donate much needed supplies, see our Amazon Wishlist, or make an online monetary donation to our Donation Trust Fund.
• Attend one of our Community Cats Workshops and work with us to help get our cat population under control.

Wait Till 8 

Every year during kitten season, Collier County Domestic Animal Services (DAS) is flooded with neonatal
(less than four-weeks-old) kittens.  When kittens this young come into the shelter without a mother
they need the help of a caregiver to survive.

Collier DAS is participating in the Wait Until 8 program, which gives finders the necessary tools and
skills to care for kittens until they reach the age of 8-weeks-old or 2 lbs, at which point they can return
to the shelter and go up for adoption. 

Our staff will do an exam to determine the health and age of the kitten(s), council finders on providing care, and then provide all age-appropriate supplies for caring for the kitten(s) until 8 weeks of age or 2 lbs. is reached, all for FREE.  Should you fall in love with your kitten(s) you have the option to adopt!

Participants must be at least 18 years old and must be a residents of Collier County.

Have questions?  Give us a call at 239-252-7387

Did you know that in Collier County, if you intentionally or unintentionally cause or allow the breeding or studding of your dog or cat, that you are considered a breeder? To help you determine which type of permit you need, carefully review the definitions of a Hobby Breeder and a Commercial Breeder:

Hobby Breeder: means any person who intentionally or unintentionally causes or allows the breeding or studding of one (1) or more domestic cat(s) or dog(s), producing one (1) to two (2) litters per household or premises per a one-year period, excepting service dog organizations that are members of Assistance Dogs International.

Commercial Breeder: means any person or business required to hold a business tax receipt who engages in the sale or breeding of three (3) or more litters of dogs or cats, per a one-year period or offers one (1) or more domestic cat(s) or dog(s) for breeding or stud purposes, producing three (3) or more litters per year, excepting service dog organizations that are members of Assistance Dogs International. Commercial breeders are subject to agricultural zoning requirements of the Land Development Code.

To register as a Hobby Breeder or Commercial Breeder you will need:

Hobby Breeders:

• DAS Breeder’s Permit

Commercial Breeders:

• DAS Breeder's Permit
• Business tax receipt
• Proper zoning. You may only produce three or more litters per year on land that is zoned AG and is 20 acres or more, or you must get a Conditional Use permit if the land is less than 20 acres. 
  
  

To obtain your DAS Breeder’s Permit, pay your fee and secure the other needed licenses. We will inspect the premises where the animals are kept to assure compliance with Proper Animal Husbandry, Breeder Regulations, and verify all animals in the home have a valid Rabies Vaccination and current County Rabies/License Tag. Once you are permitted, DAS will re-inspect quarterly to ensure continued compliance.  As a breeder, you are also responsible for sending quarterly disposition reports to DAS.

If the premises where the animals are kept are used primarily for a residence, we will give you 24-hour notice prior to our inspection. However, once noticed, you must allow us access to the premises. No duty to notify exists should animal services receive a complaint alleging a violation of the county ordinance.

If we find that you are not in compliance with Proper Animal Husbandry, Breeder Regulations, valid Rabies Vaccination or County Rabies/License Tag, we will issue you a Notice to Comply, giving you 1 to 15 days to correct the problem, depending on its severity. We will follow up at the indicated time. If you are not in compliance at that time, you could receive one or more citations of up to $500.

DAS is proud to partner with many local animal welfare organizations to help you access low-cost or free spay/ neuter. Call 252-7387 for more information.

Benefits of Spaying (females):

• No heat cycles, therefore males will not be attracted
• Less desire to roam
• Risk of mammary gland tumors, ovarian and/ or uterine cancer is reduced or eliminated, especially if done before the first heat cycle
• Reduces number of unwanted cats/kittens/ dogs/puppies
• Helps dogs and cats live longer, healthier lives

           Benefits of Neutering (males):

• Reduces or eliminates risk of spraying and marking
• Less desire to roam, therefore less likely to be injured in fights or auto accidents
• Risk of testicular cancer is eliminated, and decreases incidence of prostate disease
• Reduces number of unwanted cats/kittens/ dogs/puppies
• Decreases aggressive behavior, including dog bites
• Helps dogs and cats live longer, healthier lives

DAS is forced to care for thousands of animals each year that have been abandoned by the community. Don’t let your dog or cat’s puppies or kittens end up in the shelter. Do your part to help Domestic Animal Services with their life saving mission by ending the community problem of pet overpopulation. If you breed, breed responsibly or help save lives by spaying and neutering your dogs and cats.

STILL DETERMINED TO BREED?

Hobby Breeder:

1. Come to DAS, provide photo ID with your completed breeder application, pay the applicable permit fee, and schedule an inspection for your permit.

Commercial Breeder:

1. Come to DAS, provide photo ID with your completed breeder application, pay the applicable permit fee, and obtain your provisional permit.
2. Go to the Tax Collector’s Office and apply for a Business Tax Receipt.
3. The Tax Collector’s Office will send you to Collier County Zoning to verify appropriate zoning.
4. Return to the Tax Collector’s Office to complete your Business Tax Receipt.
5. Return to DAS to provide a copy of your Business Tax Receipt, zoning approval, and schedule an inspection for your permit.

Application for Hobby Breeder and Commercial Breeder:

Breeder Application

Additional forms and requirements for Commercial Breeder:

Business Tax Receipt Application

Zoning - Commercial

Zoning - Home Location