Hundreds of Pets Await Adoption at Jacksonville's Free Event

Jacksonville Humane Society and Animal Care & Protective Services team up to find homes for long-term shelter dogs and cats.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 8:07pm

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An abstract, impressionistic photograph showing the blurred silhouettes of several dogs and cats in a warm, cozy indoor setting, their forms merging into soft pools of light and color.Dozens of adoptable pets await their forever homes at this weekend's free adoption event in Jacksonville.Today in Jacksonville

The Jacksonville Humane Society and Animal Care & Protective Services are hosting a large adoption event on April 11th where all adoption fees will be waived. Several dogs who have spent over a year in the shelter's kennels will be available, including Boba Tea, Archer, Trooper, Maverick, Harry Potter, Pogo, and Sammie. The event aims to find homes for hundreds of dogs and cats currently in the shelters.

Why it matters

With high rates of pet abandonment and long shelter stays, this event provides a crucial opportunity for these animals to find loving homes. By waiving adoption fees, the shelters hope to remove financial barriers and encourage more people to consider adopting a pet in need.

The details

The adoption event will run from 10am to 6pm on April 11th at the Animal Care & Protective Services shelter on Forest Street. Visitors will be able to meet the animals, including several dogs who have been waiting over a year for adoption. All adopted pets will be spayed/neutered and vaccinated, with Duval County residents paying a $20 licensing fee. Food trucks and vendors will also be on site.

  • The adoption event will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2026.
  • Several dogs have been in the shelter for over a year, including Boba Tea (over 500 days), Archer (over 400 days), and Sammie (nearly a year).

The players

Jacksonville Humane Society

A local animal shelter and adoption organization partnering with ACPS for this event.

Animal Care & Protective Services (ACPS)

The city's animal shelter hosting the adoption event at their Forest Street location.

Boba Tea

A high-energy 4-year-old dog who has spent over 500 days in the ACPS shelter, the longest stay of any dog there.

Archer

A 4-year-old dog who has spent over 400 days in the ACPS shelter and previously helped save another dog's life as a blood donor.

Trooper

A 2-year-old playful and energetic dog looking for an active home and adventure partner.

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What they’re saying

“Two years is too long to wait.”

— ACPS

“Archer was a blood donor who previously helped save another dog's life.”

— Shelter staff

“He's a strong boy who would appreciate a yard to run around in.”

— Shelter staff

What’s next

The adoption event will run from 10am to 6pm on April 11th at the Animal Care & Protective Services shelter on Forest Street in Jacksonville.

The takeaway

This large-scale adoption event provides a crucial opportunity for long-term shelter pets to find loving homes and families. By waiving adoption fees, the shelters aim to remove financial barriers and encourage more people to consider adopting an animal in need.