Ah, spring — and all it brings.

Weather that’s not too hot, not too rainy and not too buggy.

That slide into the “off season” where roads, restaurants and beaches become less crowded — at least in theory.

And, here in Southwest Florida, the start of a season that’s always a sad reminder to the pet lovers among us.

Those who work at local shelters call it “kitten season,” a name that is both unfortunately accurate but also a glimpse of the real issue: too many unwanted cats, kittens, dogs and puppies with whole new generations joining their numbers.

By May, the annual deluge of both adult cats and babies crowds shelters, stresses shelter staffs and, all too often, forces Lee County Animal Services to seek more adoptive or foster families for the animals in their care or put down more of them, including healthy dogs and cats that would make wonderful pets.

If you agree that is not a good option, there are several ways to be part of the solution.

In the short term, we can donate money or supplies to our shelter of choice; help a shelter free up space by volunteering to foster a pet in between homes, or, if you’re in for the long haul, adopt, not shop.

Lee County Domestic Animal Services, which just held its annual “kitten shower” to build up supplies ahead of the influx, is also gearing up for its eighth annual “Flip This Kennel” event to be held April 23 by offering reduced adoption fees.

The theme for this year’s kennel and cattery decorating “flip” competition is children’s toys and it kicks off now with near-free adoption fees. All adult dogs are just $20 and cats just $10 with an approved application.

Not only will you get a fur-ever companion, but a bargain to boot — adoption packages are valued at more than $500 as spay/neuter, age-appropriate vaccinations, county license, microchip, deworming, heartworm tests for dogs 6 months and over and feline aids and leukemia test for cats, are all included.

Long-term, the solution is to have all pets spayed or neutered. And yes, this includes the “purebreds” as there are plenty of these, too, among shelter animals in need of a home.

Nearly all veterinary clinics perform the procedures, the Gulf Coast Humane Society has a low-cost clinic that offers those services among its offerings and there are low-cost spay and neuter clinics throughout Lee County.

Lee County Domestic Animal Services also has a program to help those needing financial assistance.

To qualify, pet owners must be receiving unemployment benefits, food stamps, Social Security disability, WIC checks or Medicaid. Appointments are required and may be scheduled online or by calling 239-533-9234.

Cats will receive sterilization surgery, a rabies vaccination (if three months old or older), a microchip ID and a Lee County license (if three months old or older).

Dogs will receive sterilization surgery, a rabies vaccination (if three months old or older), a microchip ID, DA2PPV vaccine, and a Lee County license (if three months old or older).

A final way to mitigate kitten season is to help get strays and feral cats “fixed.”

Lee County has a Trap-Neuter-Return Program, which is designed “to prevent the unwanted litters of feral and free-roaming cats.”

The cats receive sterilization surgery, a rabies vaccination if three months old or older, a microchip ID, and their left ear is tipped as the universal sign of a sterilized feral cat.

It’s a free program that helps reduce feral and stray populations while also preventing “the needless deaths of thousands of cats each year.” Appointments are required.

For more information on Lee County Domestic Animal Services programs, call 239-533-9234 or visit leegov.com/animalservices. Veterinary and spay or neuter services may be found at leegov.com/animalservices/vetservices/spayneuter/osnappointments.

Low-cost clinics may be found at leegov.com/animalservices/vetservices/spayneuter.

Gulf Coast Humane Society clinic services may be found at https://www.gulfcoasthumanesociety.org/our-clinics.html or call 239-332-2719 for an appointment.

From donations to responsible adoption — there’s a way to become part of the solution this “kitten season” and beyond.