Animal Care & Protective Services

Animal Care & Protective Services Our mission is to take the lead in cultivating a community rooted in compassion and service that safeguards the wellbeing of humans & animals alike.
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We're dedicated to exemplifying and fostering compassion, reliability, and responsibility in Jacksonville. Animal Care & Protective Services is the City of Jacksonville's animal shelter. Monday - Saturday we receive anywhere from 50-100 dogs/cats per day. These animals are found stray, owner surrendered or saved from animal abuse situations. Please go to www.coj.net/pets to look at all of our lost

dogs and cats that we have. Please consider adopting a dog and/or cat from Animal Care & Protective Services. All of them need homes.

A huge thank you to Bank of America and our dedicated volunteers for their consistency and commitment to the dogs in our...
06/08/2026

A huge thank you to Bank of America and our dedicated volunteers for their consistency and commitment to the dogs in our care.
Bank of America joins us through the Strollmates program on the first Wednesday of each month, and last week alone, their team helped walk an incredible 55 dogs—with some lucky pups even getting a few extra laps around the shelter.

Your time and compassion make a real difference for the animals in our care. Every lap around the shelter helps build confidence, improve wellbeing, and gives our dogs a better chance of finding a home.

Here are some photos—past and present—of their Strollmates in action.

Interested in making a direct impact on the lives of shelter pets? Gather your coworkers, community group, or organization and join our Strollmates program.
Email [email protected] to learn more. 🐾

06/07/2026

On June 3rd, our officers responded to a report of a large dog trapped beneath a small bridge along the Riverwalk. Witnesses believed he had been stuck there for at least 24 hours, but despite previous attempts, no one had been able to locate him.

When officers arrived, they found the frightened dog wedged beneath the bridge. Understandably scared and unsure of the people trying to help, he was initially reactive. However, our officers' patience and determination paid off: they safely rescued him and brought him back to the shelter.

Remarkably, by the time he arrived for intake, the dog—who had spent more than a day alone and trapped—was already beginning to trust again, especially showing interest in Ofc. Cooper, Ofc. Geer and Ofc. Stewart, the very people who had saved him.

Inspired by the location where he was found, our officers decided to name him RAM.

This rescue is a powerful reminder that animal welfare reaches far beyond our shelter walls. Whether responding to emergencies, investigating concerns, or saving animals in need, our officers are dedicated to protecting the lives and well-being of every animal they encounter.

06/05/2026

We got a call that two dogs had made an unexpected appearance…inside the Jacksonville Jaguars practice field while practice was underway.

By the time we arrived, a JSO officer already had them safely contained outside the building
(I know, I know...no extreme action shots for me...or you😅)

There we met two sweet, playful pups with no explanation and no signs of regret about their very eventful “practice run.”

With preseason right around the corner, it looks like even the four-legged fans are getting ready.

TWO WORDS
Go Jags!!!!!!!! 🐆🏈

It's Friday, which means today we will be featuring a very special pup.Allow me to introduce you to Mango (formerly know...
06/05/2026

It's Friday, which means today we will be featuring a very special pup.

Allow me to introduce you to Mango (formerly known as Spice)

At 4 years old, Mango is equal parts playful and affectionate. She enjoys being the center of attention, and is happiest when she’s showing off her favorite toys in the yard. While she's full of energy, she’s also quick to settle in and relax after a good play session.

Mango recently enjoyed a sleepover break where she showed her friendly, easygoing nature and made a wonderful impression everywhere she went.
She even made her restaurant debut and impressed everyone with her calm, laid-back patio manners.

Today marks 376 days in our care for Mango, currently our longest-stay resident. While it’s a long time to wait, finding the right family sometimes takes patience—and she continues to show up each day, ready for her next chapter.

Interested in meeting Mango? We are open 12pm - 7pm, 7 days a week.

It’s June 4th, which means it’s National Hug Your Cat Day.Some cats love cuddles, while others merely tolerate them. Som...
06/04/2026

It’s June 4th,
which means it’s National Hug Your Cat Day.

Some cats love cuddles, while others merely tolerate them.
Some spend the rest of the day plotting revenge…(like mine lol)

No matter their personality, today belongs to them.

Whether you adopted, rescued, fostered, or your cat simply showed up one day and decided to live with you, we want to see them!

📸 Drop a photo of you and your cat in the comments and tell us about them!

We want to see all the purrfect faces, fluffy tails, and of course,
THOSE TINY LITTLE TOE BEANS 🥰

Missing out on the holiday? No worries—we have huggable cats of all shapes and sizes right here at the shelter. There’s still time left! We are open everyday from 12pm to 7pm.

There’s something remarkably special about senior dogs. The way they settle into themselves, the quiet gratitude they ca...
06/03/2026

There’s something remarkably special about senior dogs. The way they settle into themselves, the quiet gratitude they carry, and the calm presence they bring into a home. They may not come with puppy energy or endless zoomies, but what they offer instead is something even more meaningful: companionship, steadiness, and unconditional love.

Hessee and Berlin are two of those dogs.

✨️ Hessee (A1479220) is a sweet and soulful Great Dane who is ready to spend her golden years with a family of her own. At approximately 7 years old, Hessee is the kind of dog who doesn't ask for much—just a soft place to rest, a little affection, and someone to share her days with.

✨️ Berlin (A1479219) is a handsome Great Dane with a laid-back attitude and impeccable manners. At approximately 7 years old, he's reached that wonderful stage of life where he knows exactly who he is: a calm, confident companion who enjoys approaching things one day at a time.

Hessee and Berlin are both wonderful examples of what makes senior dogs so special. At this stage in life, they’ve settled into calm, steady companions who appreciate comfort, routine, and quiet connection with the people around them.

Ready to meet them?
We are open every day from 12pm - 7pm.

Our shelter is facing an urgent situation: a recent case has brought an overwhelming number of animals into our care, an...
06/02/2026

Our shelter is facing an urgent situation: a recent case has brought an overwhelming number of animals into our care, and as a result, our cat kennels are completely full.

If you’ve ever thought about adopting or fostering, there has never been a more critical time. Even making space for one cat can change everything for an animal in need.

We have cats and kittens of all ages, temperaments, and personalities — from playful kittens to relaxed lap cats. No matter what kind of feline friend you’re seeking, you’ll find them here, ready to meet you. Come take a look!

📍2020 Forest Street
⏰️ Open EVERYDAY 12pm - 7pm.

06/02/2026

Have you ever seen Gremlins? You know how Mogwai turn into vicious little nightmares after eating past midnight?

Well, meet Bentley—he’s got a similar condition.
The difference is that the moment wet food enters his line of sight, he becomes a war-hungry, food-powered beast with zero regard for peace.

He was adopted twice and, at world record speeds, was brought back shortly after. He does have two (minor) bites on his record, but other than that, he’s…great!

No, seriously—Bentley is calm, pretty go-with-the-flow, and even loves being cradled like a baby. He’s currently an office dog and has not shown any monstrous behavior outside of being fed.

Bentley needs time, patience, and the right person who isn’t intimidated by a little mayhem. Someone willing to understand and work with his behavior.

Take a chance on Bentley—because every misfit deserves a home.

Interested in meeting him?
Email [email protected] and put “Bentley” in the subject line!

Address

2020 Forest Street
Jacksonville, FL
32204

Opening Hours

Monday 12pm - 7pm
Tuesday 12pm - 7pm
Wednesday 12pm - 7pm
Thursday 12pm - 7pm
Friday 12pm - 7pm
Saturday 12am - 7pm
Sunday 12am - 7pm

Telephone

+19046302489

Website

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