Lee County Domestic Animal Services has joined forces with Petco Love, an initiative to find homes for 5,000 shelter pets statewide.

As part of the three-day Petco Love Florida Mega Adoption Event, all adoption fees will be waived with an approved application from June 23-25 at Domestic Animal Services’ 5600 Banner Drive location in Fort Myers.

Those looking to adopt, not shop are invited to visit www.leelostpets.com to view all pets currently available and to complete the online adoption application.

Petco Love is a national non-profit “working to lead and inspire change for animals.” Also taking part is BOBS from Skechers, a major contributor, and animal welfare groups across the state.

“According to the most recent nationwide data, Florida ranks 46th in the nation when it comes to saving the lives of pets in shelters. In 2021, nearly 22,616 dogs and cats were killed in animal shelters across Florida. With help from Petco Love, local animal shelters are aiming to close that gap by finding homes for 5,000 pets in three days,” organizers said in a release announcing the adoption event.

“We know that Floridians love animals and there is no better way to add a family member than by adopting from your local shelter. Summers are notoriously challenging for shelters nationwide and this is an opportunity to change the lives of so many dogs and cats — not just those adopted but also the ones who will come to shelters in the months afterward,” said Denise Deisler, CEO of Jacksonville Humane Society, a partner agency. “Petco Love has been instrumental in Florida’s increased lifesaving for many years, and we are so appreciative for their continued dedication to animals and animal welfare organizations in the Sunshine State. We cannot wait for Floridians to come together and support our shelters!”

“Petco Love is committed to creating a world where every shelter pet finds a loving family, and no pet is unnecessarily euthanized,” said Petco Love President Susanne Kogut. “We are proud to partner with Jacksonville Humane Society and 50 organizations across the state to make an impact on so many pets and pet parents’ lives through adoption.”

Petco Love was founded in 1999 as the Petco Foundation and has “empowered animal welfare organizations by investing $350 million in adoption and other lifesaving efforts,” helping homes for more than 6.7 million pets in partnership with Petco and organizations nationwide. It claims 4,000 animal welfare partners.

Visit petcolove.org for additional information.