Jacksonville Animal Shelter & Control: Adoption Hours 2026

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Verified Jacksonville Shelter Guide

Jacksonville Animal Shelter & Control Guide: Adoption Hours, Lost Pets, Fees, Surrender, Video & Map

Use this 2026 guide for Jacksonville Animal Care & Protective Services, the City of Jacksonville public animal shelter and animal control service. Get official contact details, adoption fees, lost-pet steps, surrender guidance, animal concern reporting, Jacksonville Humane Society comparison, video support and map directions.

Official ACPS Page Call 904-630-2489 Open Map
Official city shelter Animal Care & Protective Services
Address 2020 Forest St., Jacksonville, FL 32204
Main phone 904-630-CITY (2489)

Quick Answer: What is the official Jacksonville animal shelter?

The official city animal shelter is Jacksonville Animal Care & Protective Services, commonly called ACPS. It is located at 2020 Forest St., Jacksonville, FL 32204. For adoptions, lost pets, licensing, fees and general information, the city lists 904-630-CITY (2489). For incidents or service requests, use 630-CITY or the official MyJax support portal.

Important local distinction: ACPS is the City of Jacksonville/Duval County animal services agency. Jacksonville Humane Society is a separate nonprofit at 8464 Beach Blvd. Both help local pets, but ACPS is the public open-admission shelter and animal services route for strays, cruelty concerns and city reporting.

Choose what you need today

Most visitors come with one urgent task. Tap the matching option and use that section first.

Adopt a pet Fees, hours, specials, what to ask and what is included. Lost my dog or cat ACPS lost-pet steps, proof of ownership and stray hold notes. Found a pet What not to do before the owner is checked. Rehome or surrender Appointment-only surrender and ownership-rights warning. Report concern Cruelty, neglect, strays, field services and emergencies. Jacksonville Humane Society How JHS differs from ACPS. Watch video Official ACPS video playlist for adoption context. Map and arrival Forest Street directions and visit checklist.

Verified Jacksonville Animal Care & Protective Services facts

Official nameAnimal Care & Protective Services
Address2020 Forest St., Jacksonville, FL 32204
Main phone904-630-CITY (2489)
Service request routeCall 630-CITY or report online through MyJax
After-hours animal emergency904-630-0500 through JSO non-emergency
Lost-pet visit hours shownACPS lost/found page says open daily 12 PM–7 PM; holiday hours may differ
Before you drive: animal availability, adoption specials, shelter hours, intake rules, event schedules and emergency routing can change. Use the official City of Jacksonville pages or call 904-630-CITY before making a special trip.

Video Guide: Jacksonville Animal Care & Protective Services adoption context

This official City of Jacksonville playlist is included because many users searching “Jacksonville animal shelter” want more than an address. They want to see adoption events, shelter appeals, pets waiting for homes, and the public-service work behind ACPS before visiting, fostering, adopting or volunteering.

How to use this video: watch it for shelter context and adoption motivation, then rely on the official ACPS fee schedule, lost/found page, rehome page and contact page for current policy. Video helps with confidence, but official pages control the final details.

Jacksonville animal shelter adoption hours, fees and process

Jacksonville ACPS cares for thousands of animals each year and often has many pets waiting for adoption. The official ACPS pages should be your starting point for available animals, current promotions and adoption requirements. If you are visiting for a specific dog or cat, check the listing before driving and ask whether the pet is available, on stray hold, in foster, pre-adopted or part of an adoption special.

Start on the official ACPS adoption page.
Use the city’s Animal Care & Protective Services page, available-pet listings, events and adoption-related links before relying on third-party screenshots.
Check whether the pet is already on hold.
Some pets may receive adoption interest during a stray-hold period or may no longer be available. Ask staff before assuming a pet can leave the same day.
Confirm the current adoption fee.
ACPS lists standard prices, but also says promotions often run. Fee-waived events and special pricing can change what you pay.
Ask what is included with adoption.
Ask about spay/neuter status, vaccines, rabies, microchip, testing, city license and any follow-up the pet still needs.
Plan the first week at home.
Shelter pets may need decompression. Ask about behavior notes, energy level, dog/cat compatibility, children, crate comfort, medical needs and return/support options.

Jacksonville ACPS adoption fee planning table

Pet category Standard fee listed by ACPS What to confirm before adoption
Dogs under 20 lbs $80 Ask about behavior, medical notes, size rules, landlord rules and whether a city license fee applies.
Dogs under 6 months $80 Ask about puppy vaccines, spay/neuter status, training needs and future size estimate.
Dogs over 6 months and over 20 lbs $20 Ask about energy level, leash manners, playgroups, dog introductions and first-week adjustment.
Dogs over 5 years Adoption fee waived Ask about senior health, medication, mobility, dental needs and realistic daily care.
Cats over 6 months Adoption fee waived Ask about litter habits, temperament, hiding behavior, other cats and indoor transition.
Kittens under 6 months $60 BOGO Ask whether the kitten is old enough, medically cleared and ready to go home.
Fee note: ACPS says a $20 city license fee may apply, all prices are subject to change and additional fees may apply. The fee page also says the shelter often runs promotions, so ask about the most current pricing when you arrive.
Official ACPS Page Official Fee Schedule

Before you visit ACPS: adoption checklist

Bring photo IDUse a current ID and matching contact information so staff can complete adoption or reclaim paperwork correctly.
Check housing rulesIf you rent, confirm pet permission, breed limits, weight limits, deposits and number-of-pet rules before adopting.
Prepare transportBring a secure carrier for cats and a safe leash/vehicle setup for dogs.
Budget beyond the feePlan for food, supplies, preventive care, licensing, vet follow-up, crate, litter and training.
Ask behavior questionsAsk about energy, children, other pets, leash manners, fear, bite notes, medical needs and recommended home type.
Do not rushThe right pet is the one you can responsibly care for, not just the first animal you notice online.

Lost dog or cat in Jacksonville: what to do first

If your pet is missing in Jacksonville or Duval County, act quickly and use several routes at once. ACPS tells owners to review current animals carefully and visit ACPS as soon as possible with valid photo identification and proof of ownership. The city’s lost/found page also says stray animals are held for a six-day stray hold period before becoming eligible for adoption.

Check the official ACPS lost/found listings.
Look carefully at all animals shown, including similar colors, mixed breeds and animals with shelter-assigned names.
Visit ACPS in person quickly.
If you believe an animal may be yours, go to 2020 Forest St. with valid photo ID and proof such as vet records, microchip registration or photos.
Update your microchip information.
Use the AAHA Universal Pet Microchip Lookup and update your phone number and email with the correct registry.
Search near home.
Many lost pets do not go far. Check porches, sheds, garages, storm drains, bushes, under decks and nearby quiet hiding places.
Use neighborhood tools.
Post clear photos, last-known location, collar details and microchip status in local lost-pet groups and community channels.
Recheck often.
Listings change as new animals arrive. Rechecking matters, especially during the six-day hold period.
Do not wait. ACPS states stray animals are held for six days before becoming eligible for adoption. Some pets may already have adoption holds, and some found pets may be cared for in a finder’s home during the stray-hold period.
Official Lost & Found AAHA Microchip Lookup

Found a pet in Jacksonville: what not to do

A found dog or cat may have a family searching nearby. ACPS and local welfare partners encourage people to help pets get home whenever safe. Do not assume a pet is abandoned just because it is dirty, thin, frightened or without a collar.

Do not give the pet away onlinePost safely, but require proof of ownership and use official reporting routes.
Check for a microchipA shelter, veterinarian or rescue partner may be able to scan for a chip.
Do not handle dangerous animalsIf the animal is injured, aggressive, trapped or unsafe, call 630-CITY, JSO non-emergency or 911 depending on urgency.
Think before moving catsSome cats are community cats, owned indoor/outdoor cats or kittens whose mother may return. Use official guidance before removing them.
Found-pet call script: “Hi, I found a dog/cat near [street or landmark] in Jacksonville. The animal is [description], has [collar/no collar], and I can send photos. Should I file through MyJax, bring the pet to ACPS, or follow a finder-hold process?”

Rehome or surrender a pet in Jacksonville: read this first

ACPS says shelters can be stressful environments for dogs and cats and that surrendering to the shelter should be the final step after other options have been exhausted. For Duval County residents, ACPS lists its Pet Resource Center route and says surrenders are by appointment only.

Important surrender warning: ACPS says that once you surrender your pet, you give up all ownership rights. ACPS is not required to provide updates after surrender, and surrendered pets do not receive special placement priority.
Appointment onlyDo not arrive expecting immediate surrender. ACPS says surrenders are by appointment only.
Bring required documentsACPS lists valid photo ID, proof of Duval County residency, veterinary/vaccination records and proof of rehoming attempts.
Try alternatives firstUse safe rehoming tools, family/friends, breed rescues, temporary foster help and pet-owner assistance routes before surrender.
Be honest about behaviorBite history, fear, medical problems and aggression must be disclosed for safety and placement decisions.
Official Rehome Page JHS Pet Help

Jacksonville animal control: report cruelty, neglect, strays or emergencies

Jacksonville ACPS field services investigate animal cruelty and neglect, enforce animal-related laws, respond to emergencies involving animals, and provide responsible pet ownership education. The city says animal-related concerns or emergencies can be reported by calling 630-CITY or through the City of Jacksonville support portal.

Non-emergency animal concernCall 904-630-CITY (2489) or report through MyJax.
After-hours animal emergencyThe city lists JSO non-emergency at 904-630-0500.
Life-threatening emergencyCall 911 for immediate danger, attacks, in-progress cruelty or urgent public safety threats.
Field services hours note: The city states Animal Services Officers are on duty daily from 8 AM to 5 PM. Emergency routing may differ outside regular hours.
Report Through MyJax

Jacksonville Animal Care & Protective Services vs Jacksonville Humane Society

Many people search for “Jacksonville animal shelter” and mean either the city shelter or Jacksonville Humane Society. They are related in mission but separate organizations. Use the correct one to avoid delays.

Organization Verified contact Best for
Jacksonville Animal Care & Protective Services 2020 Forest St.; 904-630-CITY (2489) City animal services, strays, lost/found, public shelter, cruelty/neglect reporting, licensing and official ACPS fees.
Jacksonville Humane Society 8464 Beach Blvd.; 904-725-8766 adoption center; 904-493-4584 pet help center Nonprofit adoption center, pet owner assistance, rehoming support, limited appointment-based admissions and community help.
Practical rule: If the issue is a stray animal, animal cruelty, neglect, a city service request or an official ACPS fee, start with ACPS. If you need nonprofit adoption help, pet-owner assistance or JHS programs, contact Jacksonville Humane Society directly.

Spay/neuter, licensing, community cats and pet-owner help

Jacksonville pet owners often need more than shelter intake. ACPS and local partners provide routes for spay/neuter, rehoming help, low-cost resources and community-cat questions. The best path depends on whether the animal is owned, stray, community cat, injured, dangerous or simply in need of support.

Spay JaxThe city says Spay Jax is a free spay/neuter program funded by Jacksonville in partnership with EveryPet for qualifying Duval County residents.
City licenseACPS lists a $20 annual city license and late-fee rules. Confirm current license rules directly.
Community catsDo not remove cats without understanding local community-cat guidance, ear tips and kitten care timing.
Behavior supportThe city contact page lists a behavior-help email route for Duval County residents with pet behavior problems.

Call scripts for faster help

Clear details help ACPS, JHS or emergency dispatch route your question faster.

Adoption script: “Hi, I’m interested in adopting a pet I saw on the ACPS page. Can you confirm whether the animal is available, on stray hold, pre-adopted or part of a fee special?”

Lost pet script: “Hi, my dog/cat is missing near [street/area]. The pet is [description], has [collar/microchip], and I can bring proof of ownership. Has a matching animal been brought in?”

Found pet script: “Hi, I found a dog/cat near [location]. The animal is [description]. Should I file through MyJax, bring the pet to ACPS or follow finder instructions?”

Surrender script: “Hi, I need help with rehoming or possible appointment-only surrender. I live in Duval County and have [records/ID/proof]. What options should I try before surrender?”

Animal concern script: “Hi, I need to report a non-emergency animal concern at [location]. The issue is [brief details]. Should I call 630-CITY or submit this through MyJax?”

Jacksonville Animal Shelter map and visit planning

The official ACPS address is 2020 Forest St., Jacksonville, FL 32204. Before visiting, confirm current hours, prepare safe pet transport, bring valid ID, and call first if you need surrender, emergency, service-request or specialized help.

Arrival tip: adoption, reclaim, surrender and reporting questions do not all follow the same process. If you are reclaiming a pet, bring proof of ownership. If you are surrendering, use the appointment route first. If you are reporting an emergency, do not drive to the shelter first—use the correct emergency number.

Official Jacksonville animal shelter links

ACPS homepageOfficial Animal Care & Protective Services
Contact ACPSOfficial contact page
Lost/found petsACPS lost/found page
Fee scheduleAdoption, reclaim and license fees
Rehome your petOfficial rehome/surrender page
Animal Services OfficersField services and reporting
Spay/neuterSpay Jax information
Jacksonville Humane SocietyJHS official website

Helpful Animal-Shelter.org pages

How we verifySources & Methodology
Important disclaimerIndependent-site disclaimer
Editorial helpContact Animal-Shelter.org

Common mistakes that slow people down

Confusing ACPS with JHSACPS is the city animal services agency. Jacksonville Humane Society is a separate nonprofit.
Waiting on a lost petACPS uses a six-day stray hold. Search quickly and visit with proof if you think your pet is listed.
Assuming fees never changeACPS runs promotions and says prices are subject to change.
Dropping off a pet without an appointmentACPS says owner surrenders are by appointment only and shelter surrender should be last resort.
Using social media onlySocial posts help, but official ACPS lost/found listings and direct visits matter.
Using the wrong emergency routeCall 911 for life-threatening emergencies. Use 904-630-0500 for after-hours animal emergency routing when appropriate.

Jacksonville Animal Shelter FAQs

The official city animal shelter is Jacksonville Animal Care & Protective Services, also called ACPS, located at 2020 Forest St., Jacksonville, FL 32204.

The main number is 904-630-CITY, also written as 904-630-2489.

ACPS is located at 2020 Forest St., Jacksonville, FL 32204.

The ACPS lost/found page says the shelter is open daily from 12 PM to 7 PM, with holiday hours possibly differing. Confirm current adoption hours before visiting.

Standard listed fees include $80 for dogs under 20 lbs, $80 for dogs under 6 months, $20 for dogs over 6 months and over 20 lbs, waived fees for dogs over 5 years, waived fees for cats over 6 months, and $60 BOGO for kittens under 6 months. A $20 city license fee may apply, and prices can change.

Check ACPS lost/found listings, visit ACPS quickly with valid ID and proof of ownership, update your microchip, search near home and recheck listings frequently.

The ACPS lost/found page says stray animals are held for a six-day stray hold period before becoming eligible for adoption.

Possibly, but ACPS says surrender should be a last resort and is by appointment only. You may need valid photo ID, proof of Duval County residency, veterinary records and proof of rehoming attempts.

ACPS says that once you surrender your pet, you give up all ownership rights. ACPS is not required to provide updates, and surrendered pets do not receive special placement priority.

Call 904-630-CITY or use the City of Jacksonville support portal for animal-related concerns. For life-threatening emergencies, call 911.

The city contact page lists the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office non-emergency number, 904-630-0500, for animal emergencies after hours. Call 911 for life-threatening emergencies.

No. Jacksonville Humane Society is a separate nonprofit at 8464 Beach Blvd. ACPS is the City of Jacksonville public animal services agency at 2020 Forest St.

The city says Spay Jax is a free spay/neuter program for qualifying Duval County residents in partnership with EveryPet. Contact EveryPet and mention Spay Jax.

No. Animal-Shelter.org is an independent directory guide. The official ACPS pages are operated by the City of Jacksonville.

Emergency routing and independent-site disclaimer

Life-threatening or in-progress cruelty: call 911. Pet poisoning: call ASPCA Animal Poison Control at 1-888-426-4435; a fee may apply. Crisis for the handler or owner: call or text 988. For after-hours animal emergency routing in Jacksonville, the city lists JSO non-emergency at 904-630-0500.

Animal-Shelter.org is an independent animal shelter and animal control directory. We are not Jacksonville Animal Care & Protective Services, not Jacksonville Humane Society, not animal control, not an emergency dispatcher, not a shelter, not a humane society, not an SPCA, not a veterinarian, not a wildlife rehabilitator, not a microchip registry, not a pet poison hotline, not a federal regulator, not police and not an attorney. Always confirm current hours, fees, policies, animal availability and emergency instructions with the official organization.

Final summary

For Jacksonville Animal Shelter and Control searches, start with the official City of Jacksonville Animal Care & Protective Services pages. Use 904-630-CITY for shelter and service-request routing, visit 2020 Forest St. with proof if your pet is missing, check current adoption fees before visiting, and remember that Jacksonville Humane Society is a separate nonprofit resource.

USA-wide shelter helper • adoption, lost pets, found pets, surrender and animal control

Animal Shelter Action Planner: Lost Pet, Found Pet, Adoption, Reclaim & Surrender Helper

Use this free tool to create a practical next-step plan before visiting or contacting an animal shelter, humane society, rescue, or animal control agency. It does not search a live shelter database, but it helps you prepare the right documents, questions, safety steps, and official-source searches.

Lost Pet PlanSearch, microchip, shelter checks, flyers
Found Pet HelpSafety, scanning, reporting, holding
Adoption PlannerReadiness, questions, supplies, budget
Visit ChecklistDocuments, call script, official links

Build a USA-wide shelter action plan

Select your situation and location. The tool will create a general action plan, search links, call questions, and a copyable checklist.

Important: Shelter rules vary by city, county, agency, and animal type. Always confirm hours, intake rules, fees, appointment requirements, and proof-of-ownership rules with the official shelter or animal control agency before visiting.

Lost pet recovery checklist

Check the steps you have completed. This helps you stay organized during the first urgent hours and days.

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Found pet safety decision helper

Use this when you find a stray or loose pet and need a safe next step.

Safety first: Do not approach an aggressive, injured, trapped, or traffic-endangered animal if doing so could put you or others at risk. Contact animal control, emergency services, or a qualified professional when needed.

Adoption readiness checker

This helps adopters prepare before visiting a shelter or rescue. It is not a guarantee of approval.

0% readiness signals checked

Pet reclaim document checklist

If your pet may be at a shelter, prepare proof before visiting. Exact requirements and fees vary by agency.

Owner surrender preparation helper

Surrender rules vary. Many shelters require appointments, proof of residence, behavior/medical information, and may offer alternatives.

Helpful reminder: Ask the shelter about pet food pantries, low-cost vet care, behavior support, temporary foster options, and safe rehoming resources before making a final decision.

Animal control contact decision helper

Choose the situation and get a general USA-wide contact path. Local rules may differ.

Emergency warning: If there is immediate danger to a person, a serious bite, traffic hazard, or active attack, contact local emergency services or animal control according to local rules.

Adoption and first-month budget planner

This is a planning guide, not a shelter fee database. Always confirm adoption fees and included services with the shelter.

Your generated shelter plan

Your action plan, search links, call script, checklist, or budget guide will appear here.

Start with the Planner tab

Select your state, city/county/ZIP, pet type, and goal. The tool will create a practical USA-wide shelter action plan.

USA-wide Shelter user intent Official-source focused

Privacy note: this tool runs in your browser. It does not send your entries to animal-shelter.org.

Independent shelter-help tool. Not affiliated with any animal shelter, humane society, rescue, animal control agency, city, county, state agency, veterinarian, or microchip company. Always confirm current rules, hours, fees, and requirements directly with the official organization.