Hundreds of dogs are available for adoption at the Jacksonville shelter | Jacksonville Animal Care and Protective Services
Published on August 21, 2026 at 3:05 pm
Free local news and info, in your inbox at 6 a.m. M-F. Sign up for the Jacksonville Today newsletter.
After two large impound cases this week, Jacksonville’s Animal Care and Protective Services (ACPS) says it’s waiving adoption fees to encourage adoptions and find foster homes for its growing dog population.
ACPS is currently housing 433 dogs in 264 kennels, according to a news release Friday from the city of Jacksonville. ACPS is waiving the fees, which can be up to $80, to increase adoptions to alleviate shelter stress caused by a nearly full facility.
Jacksonville Today thanks our sponsors. Become one.
The agency is also promoting its app JaxPawFinder, which debuted in 2025, billed as the city’s first AI-powered app.
“Even brief foster breaks from the shelter are invaluable for our pets, since we learn so much about
them and they have a chance to decompress in a home with a family,” ACPS Chief Michael
Bricker said in the release.
“Every kennel we free up by sending a pet to foster or to a loving home means we can help
another animal in need,” he said. “Being this full is hard on both the dogs and the staff caring for them, and the community stepping up to help will make a huge difference. Lifesaving requires everyone in a
community, and everyone can make a difference.”
Jacksonville Today thanks our sponsors. Become one.
Shelter info
JaxPawFinder matches prospective owners with pets based on an individual’s age, size, and personality preferences for a dog.
The ACPS shelter is open daily from noon to 7 p.m. at 2020 Forest St. in Jacksonville.
