Take a Four-Legged Tour!

There are biking tours, sightseeing tours, historical tours, and nature tours; however, the Cape Coral Animal Shelter offers something unique—a variety of tours designed to educate and engage the community in the happenings at the shelter. 

“School groups get a firsthand look at shelter operations, learning about the dedication and care involved in rescuing and rehoming animals,” explains Social Media Coordinator Amanda Sheeler. Other tours involve businesses and organizations that can schedule tours to explore partnership opportunities. 

Students at Oasis Middle School during a visit at the Cape Coral Animal Shelter. 

 “Also, the public can enjoy exclusive Behind-the-Scenes VIP tours held every third Thursday of the month. These experiences provide a unique glimpse into the shelter’s mission and the incredible work staff and volunteers do,” adds Sheeler. 

The one-hour Behind-the-Scenes tours are limited to the first 20 RSVPs. Advance registration is required.  Children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult. A private Q&A session follows the tour. Tour participants will get an update on the shelter’s expansion plan, learn about the programs and services provided by the shelter, and meet a few of the canine and feline residents looking for their forever home. Preregistration required. Register online at Behind-the-Scenes-Tour. 

The shelter also offers regular events, such as their annual pet and family-friendly event, Walk, Wiggle, Wag & Run, on Saturday, March 22, from 8 am – 12 pm. And it’s all for a good cause. "The event is to raise vital funds needed to help the shelter’s homeless and neglected dogs get the care they need and find loving, forever homes,” adds Sheeler.  

Members of Temple Beth Shalom during a visit to the Cape Coral Animal Shelter. 

Along with a 5K timed walk/run, and a 1-mile fun walk (not timed), this fabulous community event offers music, food trucks, vendors, and giveaways, including an event t-shirt. The 5k begins at eight am ($45 fee), and the 1-mile fun walk ($45 fee) starts at 9:30 am. Participants should bring water bottles, wear sun protection, wear comfortable clothing and running shoes. Waistbelts that can hold cell phones, IDs, and more, are good options. Pets are welcome but they must be leashed on standard leashes only. No retractable leashes allowed. Find out more about this exciting annual event at Walk-Wiggle-Wag-Run. 

Cape Coral Animal Shelter is a non-profit, no-kill animal shelter with an on-site affordable veterinary clinic, puppy training, workshops, and a gift store.  Cape Coral Animal Shelter, 325 SW 2nd Avenue, Cape Coral, 239-573-2002, www.capecoralanimalshelter.com. 

Ann Marie O’Phelan is a SW Florida resident and a regular contributor to TOTI Media.