Collier County shelter halts general cat intake as overcrowding, disease management concerns rise

General cat intake has been suspended for Collier County Domestic Animal Services due to disease management concerns, and the shelter's feline population is doubling the shelter's ideal operating capacity.The suspension went into effect on Thursday. Collier County DAS will still accept felines in the following circumstances:A cat that is sick, injured, or medically compromised. If the cat or kitten is otherwise vulnerable and requires immediate care. Emergency cases, public safety concerns, and other situations requiring intervention.Officials said dog intake operations will remain unaffected. According to Collier County DAS, the shelter is currently caring for approximately 302 cats and 78 dogs onsite, in addition to 293 animals in foster care, with more than 120 kittens in foster homes.Cases of upper respiratory infection and panleukopenia are some of the reported disease management concerns among the feline population at the shelter.The suspension will remain in effect while Collier County DAS evaluates shelter population levels and disease management progress. Officials said the situation will be reassessed regularly to determine when normal intake operations can resume safely.Officials also noted that during the closure, the following operations will continue: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. DAS said community members can help by adopting or fostering animals, and foster caregivers can provide temporary homes while DAS supplies veterinary care, guidance, and support.For more information about fostering, adoption, or available resources, you can visit the Collier County DAS website here or call (239)252-7387.DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment, and original programming on your TV.