Information & Resources

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. (Wednesday by appointment).

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, by 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-served 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 whether you are purchasing a one-year or a three-year tag. Prices are as follows:

One Year Tag

• $15 Rabies/License Tag fee for spayed or neutered pets
• $15 Rabies/License Tag fee for pets less than a year old
• $100 Rabies/License Tag fee for unaltered pets older than one year

Three-Year Tag

• $35 Rabies/License Tag fee for spayed or neutered pets

Other Fees

• $5 Late Fee (30 days past due)
• $5 Replacement Tag Fee

View our approved fee policy as adopted by Resolution No. 2025-202 below.

Fee Policy Document(PDF, 5MB)

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

von Arx Wildlife Hospital
1495 Smith Preserve Way
Naples, FL 34102

Collier County Domestic Animal Services cares for thousands of animals 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:

Collier and Lee County adoption organizations

• Humane Society Naples - (239) 643-1555
• Gulf Coast Humane Society - (239) 332-0364
• Cape Coral Animal Shelter - (239) 573-2002
• Animal Refuge Center - (239) 731-3535

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 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 more quickly.

To discuss other possible options or to schedule an appointment for surrender, please contact DAS at DAS-Admissions@Collier.gov or call 239-252-7387 and ask to speak with an Admissions team member. If they are unavailable at the moment, they may be helping another customer. Please leave a message, and your call will be returned as soon as possible.

Surrender Fees:

• Cat Surrender $25.00
• Dog Surrender $25.00
• Cat vaccine $10.00
• Dog vaccine $10.00
• *Rabies vaccine $10.00
• Bordatella $10.00
• *Rabies vaccine$10.00
• Pocket Pet Surrender $10.00 (excludes rabbits)
• *Rabies vaccines apply 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(PDF, 281KB)
• Dog Questionnaire(PDF, 351KB)
• Owner Surrender(PDF, 319KB)

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 public 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 emailing PublicRecordRequest@collier.gov or calling 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.

Alternatives to Surrendering Your Pet

This page contains general advice on those animal-related matters which, in Collier County Domestic Animal Service's experience, affect animal lovers and pet owners most often.

Unfortunately, it is not possible to take into account individual situations or consider unusual problems or circumstances. Accordingly, Collier County and its representatives are not liable for any claims or damages which may result from the access and use of these protocols and of the information contained therein.

If you are concerned about the welfare of a particular animal, you should seek further advice and assistance from your veterinarian or other appropriate expert.

Welcome to the Collier County DAS Pet Retention Program. The goal of this program is to help pet owners find alternatives to surrendering their pets when experiencing behavior issues. We know the happiness a pet can bring to your life, but sometimes there are challenges that each pet owner may experience. It can be frustrating when you have problems with the pet you love and have made a part of your family. Before you decide to surrender your pet, we encourage you to use this program as a learning tool for finding alternatives so that you can keep your furry friend in the family.

Whether it is financial burdens or behavior problems, this program will guide you through your hardships. Each link will offer guidance to your challenges.

• Baby Training Your Dog(PDF, 22KB)
• New Cat Introduction(PDF, 27KB)
• DoorBell Response Training(PDF, 18KB)
• Shy Dog Protocol(PDF, 19KB)
• Inappropriate Attention Seeking(PDF, 20KB)
• Visitors and Pet Stress(PDF, 18KB)
• House Training Your Dog(PDF, 27KB)
• Antianxiety Medications(PDF, 74KB)

License and Vaccinate Your Pet

• 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.

Proper Animal Care

• 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.

Be a Good Neighbor

• 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.

For the Dog Owner

• 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 first be permitted and inspected by Code Enforcement.

Failure to comply with any of these regulations could result in fines up to $1000.

Article II. Animal Control(PDF, 11MB)

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 email or call DAS at DAS-Admissions@Collier.gov or 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 email or call DAS at DAS-Admissions@Collier.gov or 239-252-7387 to schedule.
• Fees for all services are due when you bring your pet to DAS.
• Valid ID and proof of ownership are required. Please note that DAS cannot proceed with Humane Euthanasia if your pet is microchipped and the microchip is registered to someone else who 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 on 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 are sustained.

Animals will not be accepted for euthanasia without completion of the appropriate forms, including a 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 email DAS-Admissions@Collier.gov or call DAS at (239) 252-7387

Regulations & Information

The Animal Control Ordinance provides definitions and procedures by which a dog can officially be declared dangerous in Collier County. Declared dangerous dogs may be kept by their owners; however, the owners must follow strict rules to ensure public safety.

Definition of Dangerous Dog per Collier County Animal Control Ordinance Chapter 14, Article II, Section 14-38:

1. Dangerous Dog means any dog that, according to the records of the appropriate authority:
   • Has aggressively bitten, attacked, or endangered, or has inflicted severe injury on a human being on public or private property;
   • Has more than once severely injured or killed a domestic animal while off the owner's property
2. Unprovoked means that the victim, who has been conducting himself or herself peacefully and lawfully, has been bitten or chased in a menacing fashion or attacked by a dog.
3. Severe injury means any physical injury that results in broken bones, multiple bites, or disfiguring lacerations requiring sutures or reconstructive surgery.

What if you are bitten?

If you have been bitten by any warm-blooded animal, contact DAS at (239) 252-7387. Be prepared to answer the questions on the Animal Bite Report(PDF, 685KB) form. Learn more about rabies prevention(PDF, 2MB).

Registered Dangerous Dogs in Collier County

Address: 2082 44th Terrace SW, Naples, FL 34116

Name: Batman

Description: Neutered red sharpie mix

Address: 2247 Desoto Blvd N, Naples, FL 34120

Name: Bella

Description: Spayed, Black and tan German Shepherd

Address: 4050 11th Ave SW, Naples, FL 34116

Name: Nala

Description: Spayed, Black and tan German Shepherd

Address: 26 Ocho Rios Naples, FL 34114

Name: Rocky

Description: Neutered, tan Terrier mix

Address: 260 9th St SW, Naples, FL 34117

Name: Junior

Description: Neutered, brown brindle and white Terrier mix

Address: 9047 The Lane
Naples, FL 34109

Name: Nala

Description: Spayed, Blue American Staffordshire Terrier

Address: 2971 20th Ave NE
Naples, FL 34120

Name: Diesel

Description: Neutered black Terrier Bully

Address: 3511 17th Ave. SW
Naples, FL 34117

Name: Paisley

Description: Spayed, Black and Brown Rottweiler

Address: 3511 17th Ave. SW
Naples, FL 34117

Name: Tucker

Description: Neutered, White and Red Pit Bull Terrier

Address: 1020 10th Ave. NE
Naples, FL 34120

Name: Kong

Description: Neutered brown Bullmastiff

Address: 4626 31st Pl. SW
Naples, FL 34116

Name: Cali

Description: Spayed blue Terrier Bully

Address: 4626 31st Pl. SW
Naples, FL 34116

Name: Achilles

Description: Neutered brown/white Terrier Bully

Address: 823 Buttonbush Ln.
Naples, FL 34108

Name: Peanut

Description: Neutered male fawn French Bulldogs

Address: 823 Buttonbush Ln.
Naples, FL 34108

Name: Brutus

Description: Neutered red French Bulldog

Address: 142 Leawood Circle
Naples, FL 34104

Name: Killian

Description: Neutered brindle Catahoula

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?

A community cat is an unowned free roaming cat living outdoors in the community. These cats may be social or unsocialized to people and often live in neighborhoods, parks, barns, parking lots, or other outdoor spaces.

What is TNR/Return to Home (RTH)?

Trap Neuter Return (TNR) is the humane method used to manage outdoor cat populations over time.  TNR helps prevent unwanted litters, reduces nuisance behaviors, and improves the overall health of community cats.

Community cats that participate in a Trap Neuter Return (TNR) program are:

• Cats are humanely trapped
• Spayed or neutered
• Vaccinated against rabies and communicable diseases
• Ear tipped for identification
• Microchip identification also known as an RFID identification (Radio Frequency Identification Device)
• Returned to their outdoor home area (Return to Home)

An ear tip or ear notch is the universal sign that a community cat has already been sterilized and vaccinated.

Why return Community Cats?

Removing outdoor cats from an area often leads to new cats moving into the same location. This is known as the “vacuum effect.”

TNR helps stabilize the population by preventing reproduction while allowing cats already living successfully outdoors to remain in their established territory.

Community Cat Services at DAS

Collier County Domestic Animal Services offers free community cat services for unowned outdoor cats brought in by members of the public.

Services include:

• Spay or neuter surgery
• Rabies vaccination
• Ear tipping
• Microchip identification

Community cats may be brought to DAS Tuesday - Friday drop off from 8:00 - 9:00 AM and pick up the same day 4:00-5:00 PM. No appointment needed.

To remain eligible for this free program:

• Cats must be unowned community cats from Collier County
• Cats must be returned by the finder to the original location
• Cats must be picked up the same day as thier drop off

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

If a cat is already ear tipped or ear notched, the cat has likely already completed a TNR program and is already home in its outdoor environment.

Ear tipping is performed while the cat is under anesthesia during surgery and is the universal way to identify community cats that have already received services.

In most cases, no action is needed unless the cat appears sick, injured, or in immediate danger. Friendly ear tipped cats may still be community cats and are often already being fed and cared for outdoors by nearby residents or caregivers. A cat that approaches people or accepts food does not always mean the cat is lost or should be removed from the area.

To learn more about community cat behavior and socialization, visit Alley Cat Allies Cat Socialization Continuum Guide

What if I find kittens?

Very young kittens may still be dependent on their mother, even if she is not immediately visible.

If kittens appear healthy and safe, monitor from a distance before removing them. Kittens that appear sick, injured, orphaned, or in immediate danger may require assistance.  If you are uncertain about next steps, follow the ASPCA step-by-step guide:    I Found Kittens Outside, What Do I Do? | Orphaned Kittens | ASPCA 

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 it 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 the Wait Until 8 infographic below.
• 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-week-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), counsel 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 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, 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

• Breeder's Permit

Commercial Breeders

• 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 Breeder's Permit, pay your fee, and secure the other needed licenses. We will inspect the premises where the animals are kept to ensure 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, Code Enforcement will re-inspect quarterly to ensure continued compliance. As a breeder, you are also responsible for sending quarterly disposition reports to Code Enforcement.

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 $1000.

DAS is proud to partner with many local animal welfare organizations to help you access low-cost or free spaying/ neutering. 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 the number of unwanted cats/kittens/ dogs/puppies.
• Helps dogs and cats live longer, healthier lives.

Benefits of Neutering (Males)

• Reduces or eliminates the 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 the 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. Visit Code Enforcement, provide photo ID with your completed breeder application, pay the applicable permit fee, and schedule an inspection for your permit.

Commercial Breeder

1. Visit Code Enforcement, 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 Code Enforcement 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(PDF, 943KB)

Additional Forms and Requirements for Commercial Breeder

• Business Tax Receipt Application(PDF, 761KB)
• Zoning - Commercial(PDF, 133KB)
• Zoning - Home Location(PDF, 174KB)