Lee County government is among the many employers nationwide that are encouraging their staff to stay fit and healthy.

Employees in the Animal Services Department decided to join the effort by forming a “Fitness Club” but with an ulterior motive in mind. As employees walk for their health they are taking some four-legged walking partners along.

The plan is to show off the shelter’s resident canines on a twice-a-week expedition so let the public see what great pets they could adopt as permanent walking or jogging companions.

“It’s wonderful our employees can enjoy fresh air on their break while promoting pets for adoption,” says Donna Ward, LCDAS director. “This is a great way to encourage our staff to stay healthy and provide an outlet for the dogs to release some energy right before our Adoption Center opens,” she adds.

Animal Services volunteers also will be joining the staff and dogs every Tuesday and Thursday at 10:30 am. The walk route begins at the shelter and treks down Six Mile Cypress Pkwy to Home Depot on the corner of US 41 and back. The well-traveled route is visible to hundreds of drivers and passengers.

All pets available for adoption can be viewed online at www.leelostpets.com. The website updates hourly. Visitors have the option of submitting an adoption application online so they can spend their time visiting with the pets when they get to the shelter instead of filling out paperwork. Adopters should also check the website for current promotional discounts.

All adoptions include spay or neuter surgery, age-appropriate vaccinations, flea treatment, de-worming, heartworm test for dogs 6 months and older, feline leukemia and aids test for cats, Lee County license for pets 3 months and older, a bag of Science Diet pet food, behavior help line, and 10-day health guarantee.