Animal Care & Protective Services
A Beacon of Hope for Our Furry Residents
Animal Care and Protective Services (ACPS) is dedicated to protecting and caring for thousands of animals annually in the heart of Jacksonville, Florida. We believe that our work is about more than just sheltering animals; it is about building a stronger, more compassionate community for every pet and their family.
Our Commitment to Jacksonville
Serving the largest city by land area in the country, we respond to over 30,000 calls for service each year, ranging from rescuing injured strays to investigating cruelty. Our mission is to keep families together and keep pets safe through reunions, adoptions, and community-focused support programs. We strive to create real change by ensuring every animal that enters our care receives the attention and respect they deserve.
How We Help Every Day
Our shelter operates as a vital hub for animal welfare, where we care for hundreds of pets on any given day. Beyond our shelter facilities, we rely on a dedicated network of foster parents who provide temporary, loving homes for animals in need, including nursing mothers, orphaned kittens, and pets recovering from medical procedures. This collaborative approach allows us to maximize our capacity and ensure every animal has a path to a better life.
Find Your New Best Friend
Adopting a pet is a life-changing experience, and we are committed to helping you find the perfect companion to match your lifestyle. Our team works hard to get to know each animal's unique personality so we can foster successful, lifelong bonds. We provide full medical care—including vaccinations, microchipping, and spay/neuter services—to ensure your new family member is ready to settle in the moment you bring them home.
Join the ACPS Family
Are you ready to make a difference? We invite you to visit our shelter at 2020 Forest Street to meet our adoptable animals in person or explore our available pets online. Whether you choose to adopt, volunteer, or join our fostering team, your support helps us create a brighter future for Jacksonville’s animals.
- Dedicated and helpful staff
- Transparent adoption process
- Operational friction and communication delays
10/10 - Take your pick from these dogs and cats yearning for a home
Cold Noses, The Florida Times-Union's weekly pet column, features dogs and cats available for adoption at area government-run animal shelters and animal welfare-related news.
10/9 - Dogs and cats up for adoption at Jacksonville-area shelters
Northeast Florida animal shelters have a variety of dogs and cats available for adoption. Here are six this week.
10/3 - Take your pick from these dogs and cats yearning for a home
Cold Noses, The Florida Times-Union's weekly pet column, features dogs and cats available for adoption at area government-run animal shelters and animal welfare-related news.
9/30 - Woman sentenced to 5 years’ probation in case of emaciated Great Dane found in Jacksonville
Eight months after her arrest in the animal cruelty case of an emaciated Great Dane found in Jacksonville, a 43-year-old woman has pleaded guilty, court records show.
9/29 - Dogs and cats up for adoption at Jacksonville-area shelters
Northeast Florida animal shelters have a variety of dogs and cats available for adoption. Here are 8 this week.
9/26 - Take your pick from these dogs and cats yearning for a home
Cold Noses, The Florida Times-Union's weekly pet column, features dogs and cats available for adoption at area government-run animal shelters and animal welfare-related news.
9/23 - Dogs and cats up for adoption at Jacksonville-area shelters
Northeast Florida animal shelters have a variety of dogs and cats available for adoption. Here are 8 this week.
9/19 - Take your pick from these dogs and cats yearning for a home
Cold Noses, The Florida Times-Union's weekly pet column, features dogs and cats available for adoption at area government-run animal shelters and animal welfare-related news.
9/17 - Dogs and cats up for adoption at Jacksonville-area shelters
Northeast Florida animal shelters have a variety of dogs and cats available for adoption. Here are 8 this week.
9/14 - Find your fur-ever friend at Dogtopia of Jacksonville Beach Blvd’s Pet Adoption Event on Saturday, Sept. 19
As part of River City Live’s ongoing Passion 4 Pets initiative, our partners at Dogtopia of Jacksonville Beach Boulevard are hosting a special Pet Adoption Event this Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon at 11300 Beach Boulevard in Jacksonville.
9/10 - Dogs and cats up for adoption at Jacksonville-area shelters
Northeast Florida animal shelters have a variety of dogs and cats available for adoption. Here are 8 this week.
9/3 - Dogs and cats up for adoption at Jacksonville-area shelters
Northeast Florida animal shelters have a variety of dogs and cats available for adoption. Here are 8 this week.
8/27 - Dogs and cats up for adoption at Jacksonville-area shelters
Northeast Florida animal shelters have a variety of dogs and cats available for adoption. Here are 8 this week.
8/22 - Take your pick from these dogs and cats yearning for a home
Northeast Florida animal shelters feature a variety of dogs and cats available for adoptions. Here are 8 this week.
8/20 - Dogs and cats up for adoption at Jacksonville-area shelters
Northeast Florida animal shelters have a variety of dogs and cats available for adoption. Here are 8 this week.
8/15 - Take your pick from these dogs and cats yearning for a home - AOL
Northeast Florida animal shelters feature a variety of dogs and cats available for adoptions. Here are 8 this week.
7/25 - Take your pick from these dogs and cats yearning for a home - AOL
Northeast Florida animal shelters feature a variety of dogs and cats available for adoptions. Here are 8 this week.
7/23 - Dogs and cats up for adoption at Jacksonville-area shelters
Northeast Florida animal shelters have a variety of dogs and cats available for adoption. Here are 8 this week.
7/17 - Dogs and cats up for adoption at Jacksonville-area shelters
Northeast Florida animal shelters have a variety of dogs and cats available for adoption. Here are 8 this week.
7/16 - Woman pleads guilty in animal cruelty case of emaciated Great Dane found in Jacksonville
Eight months after her arrest in the animal cruelty case of an emaciated Great Dane found in Jacksonville, a 43-year-old woman has pleaded guilty, court records show.
7/11 - Take your pick from these dogs and cats yearning for a home
Northeast Florida animal shelters feature a variety of dogs and cats available for adoptions. Here are 8 this week.
7/10 - ACPS, Nassau County Animal Services seeking information on dog found with third-degree burns in Duval County
Animal Care and Protective Services and Nassau County Animal Services are investigating a suspected animal cruelty case after a dog with third-degree burns was found abandoned in Duval County, the agencies said Friday.
7/4 - Take your pick from these dogs and cats yearning for a home
Northeast Florida animal shelters feature a variety of dogs and cats available for adoptions. Here are 8 this week.
7/1 - Dogs and cats up for adoption at Jacksonville-area shelters
Northeast Florida animal shelters have a variety of dogs and cats available for adoption. Here are 8 this week.
6/30 - BIT OF JOY | Bold Kitty Cafe | Jacksonville Today
Jacksonville's city animal shelter unveiled a new dog park and cat cafe.
