DAS Temporarily Suspends General Feline Intake

Published on June 18, 2026

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Collier County Domestic Animal Services Temporarily Suspends General Feline Intake to Protect Animal Welfare and Support Disease Management

Collier County Domestic Animal Services (DAS) has announced a temporary suspension of general feline intake effective Thursday, June 18, 2026, due to current shelter capacity challenges and an increase in communicable diseases affecting cats in the shelter population.

During this temporary suspension, DAS will continue to accept sick, injured, medically compromised, or otherwise vulnerable cats and kittens requiring immediate care, as well as emergency cases, public safety concerns, and other situations requiring intervention. Dog intake operations will remain unaffected.

The decision follows a significant increase in the shelter's feline population and ongoing disease management concerns, including cases of upper respiratory infection and panleukopenia. The shelter is currently caring for approximately 302 cats and 78 dogs onsite, in addition to 293 animals in foster care. More than 120 kittens are currently being cared for in foster homes.

"We do not make this decision lightly," said Meredith McLean, Division Director for Domestic Animal Services. "Our responsibility is to ensure the health and welfare of the animals already in our care. Temporarily pausing general feline intake allows us to reduce population pressures, focus resources on medically vulnerable animals, and help limit the spread of disease within the shelter."

The current feline population is more than double the shelter's ideal operating capacity. Many of the cats currently in care are neonatal kittens, young kittens, and animals requiring medical treatment or monitoring. These populations are especially susceptible to illness and require additional medical oversight, specialized housing, sanitation measures, and foster support.

DAS has continued to expand efforts to reduce shelter populations through adoptions, foster placements, rescue partnerships, and transport opportunities. The shelter has also increased coordination with community partners and community cat programs to improve animal flow and disease prevention efforts. Despite these measures, the number of cats requiring care remains above sustainable levels.

Community members can help by adopting or fostering animals during this period. Foster caregivers provide temporary homes while DAS supplies veterinary care, guidance, and support.

"Fostering remains one of the most impactful ways the community can help right now," McLean said. "Even providing a temporary home for a few weeks can make a significant difference for animals in need and help create space for critical cases."

The suspension of general feline intake will remain in effect while DAS evaluates shelter population levels and disease management progress. The situation will be reassessed regularly to determine when normal intake operations can safely resume.

For information about fostering, adoption, or available resources, visit the Domestic Animal Services website at Pets.Collier.Gov or call (239) 252-7387.

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 Pets.Collier.Gov or call (239) 252-7387 (PETS).

Media Contact:

Meredith McLean, Division Director – Domestic Animal Services – (239) 877-8186

 

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