Collier County, Florida

Sec. 14-33. – County Rabies/License certificate; tags, vaccination required.

1. Any owner of a dog or cat shall obtain a County rabies/license tag for each such animal when the animal is four months old or older.

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5. License fees are established and revised by resolutions of the Board of County Commissioners. A portion of each non-neutered/non-spayed animal license fee will be deposited in the County Animal Care Sterilization trust fund for the purpose of funding the County’s neuter/spay program. The amount to be deposited is established and revised by resolutions adopted by the Board of County Commissioners.

Sec. 14-34. – Keeping/adopting stray animals.

2. Adopting stray found animals. A resident who possesses a stray dog or cat and who wishes to provide it a permanent home, shall apply to legally adopt such animal by adhering to the following procedures:

D. Sign an adoption agreement and pay all necessary fees and deposits. The prospective owner, at his/her option and expense, may make an appointment at the Division to secure the required vaccinations, tests, RFID and sterilization or may secure these requirements through a private veterinarian. All deposits will be refunded when proof is shown that the new owner has complied with these requirements. No sooner than thirty (30) days after completing the official “found” pet form and not to exceed forty-five (45) days.

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5. Such animal(s) may become the property of a person only if the following requirements are also met:

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C. The animal has been sterilized;

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

6. Animals shall be released to owners on presentation of proof of ownership and payment of costs and fees. Proof of ownership may include a County rabies/license tag, veterinary records, tattoo, bill of sale, adoption contract, registered (RFID) microchip, affidavits from two separate neighbors, other reliable documentary or anecdotal evidence deemed reliable by the County Manager or designee; along with a signed affidavit affirming ownership. If ownership cannot be proven, the animal must remain at Domestic Animal Services for the established hold period prior to reclaiming.

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C. Mandatory spay/neuter.

(1) Dogs and cats that have been impounded shall be spayed/neutered at the owner’s expense prior to being released to the owner.

(2) No spay/neuter is required if a licensed veterinarian certifies in writing that the surgery would endanger the animal’s health or if a licensed veterinarian with whom the pet owner has a previously established doctor-patient-client relationship certifies in writing that the animal is of appropriate health, conformation, and temperament to be bred. Such certification is to be made on a sworn statement provided by the County. The owner of the animal will also certify on an affidavit to be provided by the County that he or she will comply with the provisions of this Ordinance or all laws and ordinances governing the regulation of breeders. An owner shall not use this exemption more than one (1) time per animal; mandatory sterilization is required based on a second impoundment. The animal shall only be released to the owner with a signed Notice to Comply allowing the owner fifteen (15) days to comply with and/or register as a Hobby Breeder or Commercial-Breeder. Failure to register as a Hobby Breeder or Commercial-Breeder will result in a penalty as specified in the penalty schedule.