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Dogs Around Duval
Experience the joy of a dog’s company for a day with our *Dogs Around Duval* program! This is a dog day out initiative where you can take one of our dogs on an adventure just for the day. Explore parks, go for a hike, or simply enjoy a day of play and relaxation. It’s a great way for dogs to enjoy a break from the shelter environment and for you to have some fun!
To find out more, check out this Facebook page.
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Volunteer
ACPS needs volunteers to assist with just about everything we do, but our current biggest needs are:
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Medical clinic and foster assistants-assist veterinary technicians with animal handling and daily care. Support staff in the foster office, treatment area, surgery and vaccine clinic.
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Playgroup runner/assistant-Take dogs back and forth from kennels to play yards for playgroup.
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Dog walkers-Walk, play and handle dogs to give them a break from the kennel. Dog walkers should be comfortable handling dogs that are 50# or more.
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Enrichment volunteers-Assist the behavior team with in kennel enrichment items including click for calm, preparing and distributing treats/toys and reading to shy dogs.
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Greeters/Receptionists- Provide excellent customer service to visitors to the shelter. Greet visitors at the front door and help direct them to the appropriate location or resource. Help create a positive and fun experience for visitors.
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Adoption Counselors-Assist interested adopters with interactions, review medical and behavioral notes and help adopters choose the right pet for their family.
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Off-site event volunteers- Assist with setup/breakdown of off-site events. Assist with adoption counseling and interactions. Provide enrichment and walks for pets at the event.
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Photographers- Take professional photos of adoptable dogs and cats. Upload photos into shelter software program.
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Pet biography writer-Creative minds needed to help market adoptable dogs and cats. Use your expertise to help us write bios for adoption websites and social media to promote the pets for adoption
Ready to get started? CLICK HERE! open_in_new
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Volunteers age 16 and older are able to volunteer independently. If you are a bright futures scholar we encourage you to complete your hours with us. Unfortunately we are not able to assist with court mandated community service hours.
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Fill this form out to help us get to know you. www.coj.net/volunteer
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Complete a background screening.
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Get Started!
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Foster
Why do Shelter Animals Need Foster Care?
Foster parents fulfill a critical component of our life-saving work in the shelter. ACPS takes in an average of 32 animals per day, 365 days per year! Our staff works tirelessly to care for all of the incoming animals, but shelter space and resources are limited. Placing animals into foster care frees up much needed cat and dog kennels and allows our facility to provide care and attention to new animals entering our system daily.
Any adult (18 years or older) with spare time and space and a willingness to help animals-in-need can serve as a foster parent for ACPS. Foster terms can range from a few days or weeks to a month or more, depending on the preferences of the foster parent and the needs of the animal. We are always in need of foster homes for the most at risk animal populations, including:
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Moms with nursing kittens or puppies
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Orphaned kittens and puppies
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Animals too young for spay/neuter
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Animals recovering from surgery or who are sick
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Animals who need behavior training or socialization
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Animals too shy or timid in the adoption center environment
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Animals available for adoption that need a break from the shelter
For more information about the ACPS foster program, please contact our foster care department directly at acpsfosters@coj.net.
Take a look at some of the cats and dogs that need a foster home open_in_new.
Fostering is a wonderful way to make a difference in the lives of our animals. We have several unique and rewarding programs designed to fit different lifestyles and preferences.
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Adopt
Adopt a Pet at Animal Care and Protective Services
Adopting a pet is a life-changing experience, both for you and the animal you welcome into your home. At Animal Care and Protective Services (ACPS), we believe every pet deserves a loving family. Here’s why adoption is so important and how we make the process easy and rewarding.
Why Adopt?
Save a Life: By adopting a pet from ACPS, you’re giving a homeless animal a second chance at life. Every adoption makes space for another animal in need, helping to reduce overcrowding in shelters.
Find Your Perfect Match: Our dedicated team works hard to ensure you find the perfect pet that fits your lifestyle and preferences. We have a wide variety of animals, each with their unique personalities, waiting to meet you.
Health and Support: All our animals are spayed/neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped before they go to their new homes. Plus, we provide you with all the necessary information and support to make the transition smooth for both you and your new pet.