8/30 Update: JHS is closed to the public today, August 30, due to Hurricane Idalia. We anticipate opening our Adoption Center and Pet Help Center tomorrow, August 31, for regular operating hours. We have a small team of staff at JHS making sure the pets who are still at the shelter are well cared for! We look forward to seeing you tomorrow, and stay safe!
8/29 Update: JHS will have adjusted hours tomorrow, Wednesday, August 30. Our Pet Help Center will be open from 9am – 1pm. Our Adoption Center will be open from 12pm – 3pm.
View a list of pet-friendly shelters in Jacksonville HERE.
JHS is keeping a close eye on Hurricane Idalia and preparing for the storm’s potential effect on our community. At this time, JHS does not plan to close our facility, but this may change. This post will be updated with new information as the storm approaches Jacksonville. For additional information on preparing for this storm with your pets, check coj.net, jaxready.com, and the Jax Ready App.
Folks looking to help pets in our community ahead of this storm are encouraged to foster a pet through our Storm Trooper program! We are asking fosters to keep their storm buddy until Friday, September 1 at the earliest. This is a great opportunity for our pets to ride out the storm with a family inside a cozy home instead of at the shelter. JHS staff members and volunteers will help you pick out the best pet for your home. Those interested are asked to stop by JHS, 8464 Beach Blvd Monday, August 28, or Tuesday, August 29, from 12pm – 7pm to pick up a pet.
JHS staff members and volunteers will assist you in selecting an animal to best fit into your home. Supplies for foster pets will be provided while they last. Storm Trooper families are encouraged to spoil their sleepover guests and share pictures on social media using #JHSStormTrooper. Of course, if you fall in love you are welcome to adopt!
“There’s no better way to ride out a scary storm than with a loving family,” said Denise Deisler, JHS CEO. “We are grateful that we can always count on the compassion of the Jacksonville community.”
For more tips on preparing your pet for a hurricane, check out our blog.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Which pets are available to foster?
Where do I go?
Head to our Adoption, Education, and Pet Help Center, located at 8464 Beach Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32216. Come through the “Adoption and Education” entrance. Tell the front desk that you want to help and a team member will assist you! Our hours will be 12pm to 7pm on Monday, August 28 and Tuesday, August 29. Wednesday hours are TBD.
What if I have other pets at home?
Our team will help you find a pet who is the best fit, but we do recommend that you keep pets separated if at all possible, just to reduce the stress on the new pet and your existing ones.
What if I have children?
We do not always know how an animal will behave with children. We will share all the information that we have with you prior to taking a pet home. We have a wide variety of pets available, so we suggest you come to meet them all!
What supplies are provided?
We will provide food for dogs and cats. Cats will also receive a foil litter pan and litter. We have some leashes and collars but it would be a big help if you can bring your own!
I can’t foster. How else can I help?
A wonderful way to help at this time would be to send in a donation from our wishlists or donate pet food to our pet food bank for community members in need.