Moving to SWFL with your furry friend? What to know about licensing your pet in Lee County

Moving to a different area means a lot of new things to start worrying about — a new home, routine, and driver's license. However, one might forget to also grab a new license for your furry friends.

Here's everything you need to know when registering your pet for a license in Lee County:

Why must pets in Lee County be licensed?

According to Lee County's ordinance, the license ensures that Lee County Domestic Animal Services are able to return pets to their owners when they are lost.

It also makes sure that all pets receive a current rabies vaccination, which is necessary for public health and safety since the disease is transmissible to humans.

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How big of a risk is rabies to humans?

Rabies is known as a zoonotic disease, which means it is transmittable from animals to humans. The virus is transferred from the host’s saliva and attacks the victim’s central nervous system and brain, eventually causing muscle paralysis and respiratory failure.

While rabies is most commonly found in wild animals, most people in the U.S. contract rabies from domestic pets. Cats are more likely to get the disease, yet dogs are most likely to spread it.

If exposed to rabies, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the first symptoms of rabies may be similar to the flu, including weakness or discomfort, fever, or headache. There may also be discomfort, prickling, or an itching sensation at the site of the bite. It can also cause symptoms like seizures, hallucinations, and paralysis, and can be fatal if not treated in time.

What animals must be vaccinated against rabies and licensed by Lee County?

Cats, dogs, and ferrets 4 months or older that live in Lee County for at least 30 days per year must be vaccinated against rabies and be licensed by Lee County.

Officials note online that if your pet's rabies vaccine is still current from another state, new residents will only need to purchase a Lee County license, which will expire when the rabies vaccination expires.

What is the cost of a Lee County license?

• A one-year license for all pets younger than 12 months is $15.

• For sterilized & microchipped pets, a one-year license is $15 while a three-year license is $25.

• For ​unsterilized pets or sterilized pets without microchips, it is $35 for a one-year license and $65 for a three-year license.

• For a ferret, the license is $15 for one year.

• A ​Duplicate License or Change of Ownership is $5.

• Late fees are $25.

How do I purchase a Lee County license?

There are four ways to purchase a license for your pet in Lee County, such as:

• From your veterinarian when your pet receives its rabies vaccination.

• At Lee County Domestic Animal Services located at 5600 Banner Drive, Fort Myers, FL 33912, off Six Mile Cypress Parkway next to the Lee County Sheriff's Office. It is open from 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. On Saturdays, pet licenses may be purchased at Animal Services' Lost and Found Pet Center from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.You must bring:

  • A copy of your pet's rabies certificate – marked by the veterinarian as to whether the pet is sterilized; and if microchipped, including the microchip number.

  • If the rabies certificate is in the name of the rescue or shelter where the pet was acquired, please include a copy of the adoption contract.

  • Appropriate fee by check or money order made payable to Lee County Domestic Animal Services, or by credit card (VISA, MasterCard, and Discover).

• By mail to 5600 Banner Drive, Fort Myers, FL 33912. You must send in:

  • A copy of your pet's rabies certificate – marked by the veterinarian as to whether the pet is sterilized; and if microchipped, including the microchip number.

  • Appropriate fee by check or money order only made payable to Lee County Domestic Animal Services.

• By purchasing online by clicking here

How long will it take to receive my license?

According to Lee County's website, it will take roughly 1-2 weeks to receive it by mail.

Do I need to purchase any other type of license?

No, you don't. A Lee County pet license is the only tag required by law as it serves as both a rabies vaccination tag and a pet registration tag for Lee County.

What are the consequences if I delay getting my license?

If you have not purchased a license within 30 days of getting a rabies vaccine, a late fee of $25 will be assessed. Late fees are collectible for up to three years.

Officials said online that by delaying the purchase of the county license, you risk the possibility of receiving a citation of up to $500 per animal per violation. First violations average between $75 and $100, as well as court costs.

How does Animal Services know my pet's license status?

The Florida statute requires your veterinarian to notify Animal Services when your pet has received a rabies vaccination and whether a county license was purchased. The county will then send letters to pet owners who have not purchased a license based on that information.

This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Cats, dogs, ferrets. What to know on licensing pets in Lee County