News Summary
Jacksonville is preparing for the Petco Love Florida Mega Pet Adoption Event at the Fairgrounds on June 28-29, aiming to find homes for 2,000 shelter dogs and cats. With adoption fees waived, residents can adopt animals from 11 local shelters, including the Jacksonville Humane Society. The event also features playgroups for potential adopters to engage with pets, and last year’s success, where nearly 2,000 animals were adopted, signals a strong community commitment to animal welfare.
Jacksonville is gearing up for a significant pet adoption event this weekend, as the Petco Love Florida Mega Pet Adoption Event is set to take place at the Jacksonville Fairgrounds. Scheduled for Saturday, June 28, and Sunday, June 29, the event will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on both days, with the aim of finding homes for 2,000 shelter dogs and cats from across Florida.
During this two-day event, all adoption fees will be waived, although some exclusions may apply and additional fees could be incurred depending on the specific adoption circumstances. A wide variety of pets, including dogs and cats, from 11 local shelters will be available for adoption. Participating organizations include the Jacksonville Humane Society (JHS), Animal Care & Protective Services (ACPS), and several other local rescue and shelter organizations.
Last year, the Mega Pet Adoption event was highly successful, resulting in nearly 2,000 adoptions. The event brought out large crowds, with people arriving as early as 8 a.m. before it opened its doors, illustrating the community’s eagerness to provide homes for animals in need. Historically, the effort has attracted considerable public interest and engagement, reflecting the compassion and commitment of Jacksonville residents towards animal welfare.
Participation Goals and Contributions
This year, ACPS has set a goal to adopt out 500 animals during the event. On average, ACPS plans to bring approximately 80 dogs and 60 cats for adoption each day, contributing significantly to the overall adoption goals of the event. Notably, the physical location of ACPS will be closed over the weekend to allow staff to fully engage in the event.
Recent Trends in Pet Adoption
The trend towards pet adoption in Jacksonville appears to be on the rise. In the first five months of 2025, statistics show a 17% increase in cat adoptions and an impressive 36% increase in dog adoptions compared to the previous year. This uptick highlights the growing awareness and action taken by the community to rescue and care for animals.
At last year’s Mega Pet Adoption event, all 469 animals were adopted, resulting in no cats remaining in need of homes by the end of the event. Such successful outcomes inspire confidence in this year’s event and indicate a strong commitment among Jacksonville residents to support animal rescue efforts.
Event Features and Accessibility
Among the many aspects of the Mega Pet Adoption event, attendees will have the chance to engage with the animals through designated playgroups. This interactive opportunity allows potential adopters to see how the dogs react in a social setting, facilitating more informed adoption decisions.
Free parking will be available at the event, ensuring accessibility for all attendees. The organizers are dedicated to creating a welcoming and accommodating environment, allowing families and individuals to bring home a new furry friend.
Conclusion
The upcoming Petco Love Florida Mega Pet Adoption Event represents a critical effort not only to find homes for thousands of animals but also to strengthen community bonds through shared compassion for pets. Jacksonville residents are invited to join in this important initiative, enhancing the lives of both animals in shelters and local families seeking companionship.
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Additional Resources
- Jacksonville.com: Cats and Dogs Up for Adoption
- News4JAX: Mega Pet Adoption Event at Jacksonville Fairgrounds
- First Coast News: Surge in Cat and Dog Adoptions
- Google Search: Pet Adoption
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Pet Adoption
Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
