Lee County Domestic Animal Services is going mad during the month of May. During May Madness all pets may be adopted for half off the regular adoption fee, says Ria Brown, a spokeswoman with Animal Services. The month-long promotion will kick off Saturday, May 1 with a special adoptathon event sponsored by the US Postal Service.

The USPS will unveil the new “Adopt a Shelter Pet” stamp and offer activities and crafts for children and families at the shelter from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Adoptions will continue until 3:30 p.m.

LCDAS hopes this tremendous incentive will encourage prospective owners to adopt a shelter pet and save the life of a homeless animal rather than buy from pet stores or breeders, Brown said. Shelter pets have long endured the reputation of being “damaged goods.”

“The reality, however, is quite the opposite. We frequently hear from adopters how shocked their friends are that they adopted such a great pet from a shelter,” says Brown.

“The economy has contributed to the homeless pet problem but, we also live in a throw-a-way society. Unfortunately, this practice includes pets,” she said.

As a result shelters are the best place to find a variety of pets to fit your lifestyle from puppies or kittens to adult pets that already have some training, Brown said.

May’s reduced adoption fee will still include the complete package of services consisting of sterilization, age appropriate vaccinations, county license, microchip ID, worming, flea treatment, a heartworm test for dogs, feline aids and leukemia test for cats, 10 Day Health Guarantee, and a bag of Hill’s Science Diet dog or cat food. The adoption package is valued at over $500, Brown said.

View the variety of pets waiting to be adopted at www.LeeLostPets.com or head to the shelter at 5600 Banner Drive, Fort Myers next to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office off Six Mile Cypress Parkway. Adoption hours are Monday through Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.