Sandy, a female mixed breed, is one of dozens of dogs available for adoption in Jacksonville. She has been at the shelter since Oct 24. | Jacksonville Animal Care and Protective Services
Published on July 16, 2025 at 3:09 pm
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The Jacksonville animal shelter is jammed with dogs that need homes.
The shelter has a capacty of 264 dogs but currently houses 377. That means nearly 100 dogs share a kennel, according to Jacksonville Animal Care and Protective Services.
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The number of dogs taken in has risen 24% from last year. Although the number of adoptions also has risen, it is not enough, the shelter says.
“Our staff and volunteers are giving their all to care for every animal that comes through our doors—but the constant flow of new arrivals hasn’t let up,” Michael Bricker, chief of Animal Care and Protective Services, said in a news release.
“We’re in the peak of our intake season, and the need for help is greater than ever,” Bricker said. “We’ve never stopped fighting for these animals, and we never will — but we can’t do it without you. Your support is always vital, but right now, it’s critical.”
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To alleviate overcrowding, the shelter has set an ambitious goal for this week: 100 dogs adopted or fostered by the end of the week. Fees will be waived for the next 100 dogs adopted.
The shelter, at 2020 Forest St., is open noon to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Randy comes to Jacksonville from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, where as metro editor, he led investigative coverage of the Parkland school shooting that won the 2019 Pulitzer Prize for public service. He has spent more than 40 years in reporting and editing positions in Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Ohio and Florida.
