Where to Adopt a Dog in Jacksonville
It's the time of year when people are looking for the perfect holiday gift. And given the way this year has gone, some families have started thinking that a positive way to cap a negative year is to adopt a dog for Christmas in 2020.
Fortunately, it's never a bad time for dog adoption in Florida. According to statistics compiled by the University of Florida, more than 400,000 dogs and cats were admitted to Florida shelters in 2019. Of that number, more than 200,000 were dogs. That's a lot of adoptable dogs in Jacksonville! Florida dog adoption fees are reasonable, and the process is relatively simple, though you may want to refer to a shelter's COVID-19-related policies before you go.
Here is more information on where you can adopt a dog in Jacksonville, Florida.
What organizations should I contact about adopting a dog in Jacksonville, FL?
There are several places to research if you are looking for dogs for adoption in Jacksonville, Florida:
- Jacksonville Humane Society: They offer a wide range of adoptable dogs and cats, of all ages and sizes. Humane Society pets are spayed or neutered, vaccinated and microchipped. Their Silent Night event is happening from December 17th through the 24th.
- Jacksonville Animal Care and Protective Services: There are plenty of furry friends available for adoption at this city-run shelter. In addition, they also work with people to foster pets in need.
- Florida Urgent Rescue (F.U.R.): F.U.R. rescues animals from kill shelters and other urgent situations and makes them available for adoption. They have animals of all sizes and ages, from puppies to older dogs.
What if I want a specific type of dog?
There are thousands of four-legged friends up for adoption in Florida. Dogs big and small can be found in the state, and there are several specific animal rescues to check out, where you may be able to find a specific breed or an unusual type of animal. Here are a few examples of specific dog breed shelters right in Jacksonville:
- Fawn's Family Small Dog Rescue: If you're looking for a small dog for adoption in Florida, Fawn's is a good place to start. Located in Orange Park, this nonprofit acts as a Florida little dog rescue, bringing in all kinds of small breeds, nursing them to health and finding forever homes for them.
- K-9 Services German Shepherd Rescue: For those interested in larger dogs, there are several shelters that provide a selection of bigger breeds. This Jacksonville-based shelter specializes in finding these loyal and dependable dogs forever-homes.
How much does it cost to adopt a dog in Jacksonville?
There is no set amount for how much it costs to adopt. Some dogs have higher adoption fees to prevent people from immediately reselling a "popular" breed for profit. The weight and age of the dog involved may lead to a variation in adoption fees. There also may be other fees depending on where you adopt. For example, in Jacksonville, the city requires adopters 62 and under within Duval County to pay a city licensing fee of $20 for any pet that has received its rabies vaccination. This fee helps fund low-cost and free spaying/neutering for the community.
Should I adopt a dog after Christmas?
Getting a dog around the holidays can be stressful for you and the animal alike. While it may seem like a great gift, the hustle and bustle of the holidays, unexpected visitors and family needs could make the acclimation of your new pet more difficult. Christmas is also a busy time for shelters, as people with the same idea often leave the selection of available pets slim. Don't just pick a dog at random; you want to make sure you find the right friend for your family.
One way to deliver the thrill of a pet at the holidays and easing it into your home might be to present an "Adopt a Pet" coupon now and wait until after the new year before you actually adopt it.
After you do adopt a dog, you'll want to make sure you connect with an experienced, friendly veterinary provider who can make sure your new pet is healthy and make sure you're on a proper schedule of immunizations, treatments and checkups.
