A program in Nassau County is bringing together adoptable pets from the Nassau County Animal Services with county employees and has already helped two animals find homes.
Sabrina Robertson, Public Information Officer for Nassau County, said the county’s Animal Services Department has taken adopted cats and dogs out for two excursions, one to Fire Station 71 on Chester Road and one to the Emergency Operations Center.
“It’s a way to get the animals out of the shelter and into an environment that allows them to be free to run around and get some exercise,” Robertson said. “It lets us learn about the animals a little bit more because they are around different people and environments. It gets them out of the shelter, which is great for their behavior.”
She said the county employees take the dogs on their outings in county vehicles. The first trip, to the fire station, included a litter of six puppies and a few of the cats. She said the cats “didn’t love it, compared to the puppies,” but a cat was adopted by someone working at the fire department. The visit to the emergency operations center resulted in the adoption of a dog.
More visits will be scheduled, Robertson said, as the trips not only result in animals being adopted, but more attention and interest are brought to the Animal Services department.
Those who want to become pet parents have an incentive to adopt soon — the chance to win a cooler.
A 24-quart Igloo cooler valued at $150 has been donated to Animal Services. Anyone adopting a pet between Nov. 22 and Dec. 22 will be automatically entered into a drawing. Tickets for the drawing can also be purchased for $5 each at Nassau County Animal Services located at 86078 License Road, Yulee. Proceeds will benefit the special needs veterinary services account, which is for the extraordinary care that some of the pets need such as surgeries.
Those who may be alone for New Years Eve can ring in 2023 with a furry friend. On Saturday, Dec. 31 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the shelter will host a special adoption event which will feature sponsored adoptions of all dogs six months or older.
Please visit https://www.nassaucountyfl.com/845/Animal-Services for applications to adopt or foster a pet. To volunteer at Animal Services, call 904 530-6150. Animals up for adoption can be found on the Animal Services Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/NassauCountyAnimalServices/.