Collier County animal shelter pauses cat intake amid disease outbreak

COLLIER COUNTY, Fla. (WINK) — Collier County Domestic Animal Services has temporarily suspended general feline intake starting Thursday due to shelter capacity challenges and an increase in communicable diseases affecting cats.

DAS will continue to accept sick, injured, medically compromised or otherwise vulnerable cats and kittens requiring immediate care, as well as emergency cases and public safety concerns. 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, according to DAD.

The shelter is currently caring for approximately 302 cats and 78 dogs onsite, in addition to 293 animals in foster care.

"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," McLean said.

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.

DAS has continued to expand efforts to reduce shelter populations through adoptions, foster placements, rescue partnerships and transport opportunities. 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," McLean said.

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.

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.

For information about fostering, adoption or available resources, visit Pets.Collier.Gov or call (239) 252-7387.