If you're ready to adopt a new furry friend, we can help! Find out all you need to know about the adoption process and a list of the best places to adopt a pet in Jacksonville, FL.
If you're considering adopting a pet in Jacksonville, FL, we are here to help! There are numerous animal shelters and rescues where you can find cats, dogs, and other small animals who are ready for their new forever home. But before you get started, we want to give you the lowdown about what to expect in the adoption process, what the adoption fees may be, and how to find a safe and reputable animal shelter.
Adopting a pet from a shelter is a wonderful way to give an animal a second chance and provide them with a loving home. So let's get your adoption journey started today.
What Do You Need to Adopt a Pet in Jacksonville?
To adopt a pet from an animal shelter or rescue in Jacksonville, you will need to meet certain requirements. Every shelter is different, but this can include things like providing proof of identification, filling out an adoption application, answering a questionnaire, and possibly undergoing a home visit.
Since the requirements will vary from one shelter to another, it's important to check with the specific shelter you are interested in. Here are the typical requirements for you to adopt a pet from most animal shelters and rescues.
- Age minimum to adopt
To adopt a pet from a shelter, you must meet the age requirement set by the specific shelter. This may vary, but you will typically need to be 18 years or older. However, some shelters may require you to be 21 or even 25 years or older. You will also need to present a valid ID when adopting.
- Fill out the online application
Before beginning the adoption process, you will typically need to fill out an online application on the animal shelter's website. This application will ask for your contact information and may also inquire about your home situation, experience with pets, pet-parenting style, and the size of your home and yard. This information is used to ensure that you are ready to care for a pet and to help ensure the safety and well-being of the animal.
- Cost of adoption fees
There is a cost to adopt a pet from a shelter. This fee covers the expenses associated with housing, feeding, and caring for the animal, including staffing, insurance, mortgage, utilities, and medical care. The fee you pay may seem high, but it is significantly less than the actual cost of caring for the animal until it is adopted. Non-profit shelters and rescues often rely on volunteers and donors to help cover these costs.
- Have a "meet and greet"
Before adopting a pet, you may be required to participate in a "meet and greet" with the animal. This allows you to interact with the pet and see how you get along. It is also helpful to bring any family members or current pets you have to the meet and greet.
- Home visit
In some cases, the shelter or rescue may also require a home visit to ensure that your home is a suitable environment for a pet. This step helps to prevent any pet returns to the shelter in the future.
Cost to Adopt a Pet from an Animal Shelter
The fees for adopting a pet from a shelter in Jacksonville, FL, may include the cost of spaying or neutering the animal and any necessary medical treatments, as well as the cost of microchipping. Some shelters offer reduced fees for certain groups, such as senior citizens or military personnel, and may also have discounted prices for senior pets, pets who have been at the shelter for an extended period, or for adopting multiple pets at once.
The adoption fees at Jacksonville animal shelters can vary, so it is important to check with the specific shelter you are interested in to get the most accurate pricing information. Remember that it is always a good idea to inquire about adoption fees before falling in love with a particular pet.
Jacksonville Humane Society
Puppies and adult dogs
- Puppies and small dogs (under 6 months or under 30 lbs): $150
- Adult dogs and large dogs (over 6 months or over 30 lbs): $50
Kittens and adult cats
- Kittens (under 6 months): $100
- Adult cats (over 6 months): $50
*Additional fee of $20 for city licensing is required.
*Heartworm prevention medication may also be purchased at the time of adoption.
Animal Care and Protective Services
Puppies and adult dogs
- Puppies and small dogs (under 30 lbs): $40
- Adult dogs and large dogs (over 30 lbs): $20
- Senior dogs: $0
Kittens and adult cats
- All cats: BOGO
*Prices are subject to change (no specific fee listed for cats)
*Keep in mind that a $20 additional license fee may apply to all adoptions
Florida Urgent Rescue
Puppies and adult dogs
- Puppies : $225
- Adult dogs: $150
Fawn's Small Dog Rescue
Puppies and adult dogs
- All dogs: $175 - $350
Where is the Best Place to Adopt a Pet in Jacksonville, FL?
There are several places in Jacksonville where you can adopt a pet from an animal shelter. You'll find humane societies, government-funded organizations, animal shelters, and animal rescues. Below are some of the most popular, reputable places to adopt a pet in Jacksonville, FL. No matter which place you choose, there are tons of loving dogs, cats, and more who are ready for their new forever home.
Jacksonville Humane Society
Jacksonville Humane Society is a non-profit animal shelter and rescue that cares for nearly 9,000 cats and dogs annually. They were founded back in 1885 to help serve Jacksonville and the surrounding areas where animal control centers were at full capacity. In 2005, Jackson Humane Society became a no-kill shelter, and in 2014 the city of Jacksonville was named a no-kill City, thanks to their collaboration with other organizations like Animal Care and Protective Services and First Coast No More Homeless Pets.
They offer various programs like pet adoption, resources for lost and found animals, low-cost veterinary care, resources, education, and support for pet owners, public training classes, use programs, and so much more! They do not receive any government funding, and therefore Jackson Humane Society depends heavily on the support of donors, volunteers, and pet adopters.
Animal Care and Protective Services
The City of Jacksonville's Animal Care and Protective Services (ACPS) Is a government-run animal shelter that "provides animal control to the citizens in Jacksonville by fair enforcement and community education." In addition to animal control and pet adoption, they provide services like pet licensing, spay and neuter surgeries, pet education, and resources for pet owners.
First Coast No More Homeless Pets (FCNMHP)
First Coast No More Homeless Pets operates with a mission to end the killing of dogs and cats in shelters by offering free and low-cost spay/neuter programs. Their services extend beyond just Jacksonville, impacting the entire First Coast region. They are unique in their large-scale approach to tackling pet overpopulation through these vital services, as well as providing affordable veterinary care to ensure that all pet owners have access to necessary treatments for their furry friends.
FCNMHP is also known for hosting one of the largest adoption events in the country, Mega Pet Adoption Events, which further highlights their commitment to finding homes for all pets. They stand out for their innovative programs such as the Pet Food Bank, which assists pet owners facing economic hardships, ensuring that no pet goes hungry. Their community-driven initiatives and comprehensive support services make them a cornerstone in the Jacksonville animal welfare community.
Friends of Jacksonville Animals
Friends of Jacksonville Animals (FOJA) is a volunteer-based organization that started in 2008. They work closely with Animal Care and Protective Services of Jacksonville and are dedicated to the well-being of all homeless animals. "Our focus is to end unnecessary euthanasia, educate the public about responsible pet ownership, and enrich the lives of the shelter animals. All funds donated to FOJA go directly toward achieving these goals."
Florida Urgent Rescue
Florida urgent rescue is dedicated to helping homeless and at-risk animals, especially those affected by the hurricanes Ian and Nicole. They assist with disaster relief for animals and have transported 148 dogs and cats impacted by Hurricane Ian. "As Hurricane Nicole approached, FUR helped get 19 dogs out of an outdoor shelter in advance of the storm, and we are continuing to assist. Many of the same areas are impacted by flooding from Nicole, even though many haven't recovered from Ian yet."
Fawn's Small Dog Rescue
Fawn's Small Dog Rescue is a non-profit animal shelter focused on serving small dogs in need of shelter and homes. This animal rescue was founded in memory of a little red miniature pinscher named Fawn. "She was rescued from a puppy mill and shivered her way into our lives and hearts," they said. They are dedicated to saving the lives of dogs from overcrowded kill shelters and improving "the quality of life for stray, abused and forgotten dogs in Florida."
PetFinder.com & AdoptAPet.com
In addition to these shelters, you may also be able to find pets for adoption through online resources such as Petfinder.com or AdoptAPet.com. You can view pictures of cats, dogs, and other small pets from numerous animal shelters and rescues nearby. And you can filter through the available pets to find what you're looking for based on species, gender, breed, size, age, and whether or not they are good with children and other pets.
Adopt a Pet in Jacksonville, FL, today!
Now that you've seen just how many places there are to adopt a pet in Jacksonville and know the potential fees and requirements for adoption, it's time to start searching for your new fur baby!
At Local Pet Care, we're here to help you not only find the best places to adopt but also the best dog-friendly restaurants and the best dog parks and dog-friendly beaches in Jacksonville. We'll also help you find the best local pet care professionals near your home. With all of these resources, you will be set up for pet-parenting success!
For more great articles about dog-friendly activities and pet-parenting advice, check out the Blog at LocalPetCare.com.