If you have been waiting for a sign to finally bring home a dog or cat, Jacksonville just put up a giant neon one for Saturday.
Animal Care & Protective Services is staging a large, one-day adoption push at its Forest Street shelter to wrap up the Empty the Shelters campaign. City announcements say hundreds of dogs and cats will be on site, and adoption fees are being waived for the day. Staff and volunteers are already warning would-be adopters to plan for crowds, bring a photo ID and proof of residence, and be ready to wait their turn.
Event Details And Where To Go
The City of Jacksonville's events calendar lists the Bissell Pet Foundation Empty the Shelters adoption drive for Saturday, July 25 at the Animal Care & Protective Services campus, 2020 Forest St., with activities scheduled from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., according to City of Jacksonville. The event is billed as ACPS's finale for the Empty the Shellers campaign and is expected to draw large crowds, so attendees are urged to arrive early and follow posted check-in procedures on site.
Fees Waived And How The Program Works
Animal Care & Protective Services' social announcement says all adoption fees will be waived for the July 25 drive, and some posts list extended hours through 6 p.m., per the city's Facebook announcement at City of Jacksonville. The event is part of BISSELL Pet Foundation's Empty the Shelters program, which helps participating shelters reduce or eliminate adoption fees by reimbursing organizations for adoptions, according to BISSELL Pet Foundation.
Licensing Rules And Remaining Costs
Waived adoption fees do not mean you can skip the paperwork. The City's "License Your Pet" page lists the annual rabies license fee as $20, with up to three registrations provided at no cost to residents age 62 or older or those who are 100% disabled, per City of Jacksonville. Adopters should be prepared to show proof of residence and rabies vaccination when completing an adoption.
Local Partners And What To Bring
Local partners including the Jacksonville Humane Society have joined recent Empty the Shelters efforts and have run similar fee-waiver drives in the past, per Jacksonville Humane Society. Shelter staff recommend bringing a carrier for cats or a secure leash for dogs, along with photo ID and any records for existing pets you own.
If you plan to attend, expect a packed house and quick decisions once families find a match, as volunteers say adoptions often move fast. For the latest details and any last-minute updates, check the city's Facebook announcement at City of Jacksonville and the BISSELL Pet Foundation Empty the Shelters page.
