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St. Johns County Pet Center

January 2025 Newsletter

Long Term Furry Resident

Louisa

Meet Louisa, a 2-year-old American Pit Bull Terrier mix with a stunning brindle coat. This sweet girl is as charming as she is beautiful. Louisa loves to play and is always up for an adventure, whether it's a brisk walk in the park or a game of fetch in the backyard. She's incredibly affectionate and enjoys cuddling up with her favorite people after a day of fun. Louisa would thrive in a home where she could be an integral part of the family. If you're looking for a loyal companion with a heart full of love, Louisa is the perfect match for you!

Adoption Information:

- Spayed/ Neutered: Yes

- Vaccinated: Up-to-date

- Adoption fees: Fee waved for Louisa!

Male Dog $45.00, Female Dog $60.00, Male Cat $30.00, Female Cat $40.00

How to Meet:

Visit the Pet Center during our adoption hours, Tuesday- Saturday 9am- 4pm, to spend some time with them. Your love and care could be the missing piece in their journey to a happy, forever home.

Adopt a shelter pet and be a part of their extraordinary journey towards a brighter future! 

Cats are also Available at:

Pet Supermarket

1020 S Ponce de Leon Blvd

St. Augustine, FL 32086

PetSmart

1779 U.S. 1

St. Augustine, FL 32084

Pet Safety Tips for Cold Weather Months

As temperatures drop, it's essential to keep your pets safe and comfortable. Here are some tips to help your furry friends thrive during winter: 

 

1. Keep Pets Warm 

- Limit outdoor time during cold weather, especially for small, short-haired, or senior pets. 

- Use pet sweaters or jackets for dogs that need extra warmth. 

- Provide extra bedding or blankets in a warm, draft-free spot inside your home. 

 

2. Provide Fresh Water and Nutrition

- Keep water bowls filled with fresh, unfrozen water. 

- Ensure your pet is eating enough to maintain energy for staying warm. Outdoor pets may need more food during winter months. 

 

3. Avoid Antifreeze

- Keep antifreeze out of reach, as they are highly toxic to pets. 

 

4. Keep Outdoor Cats Safe

- Check under your car or bang on the hood before starting the engine. Cats may climb under vehicles to stay warm. 

 

5. Never Leave Pets in Cold Cars 

- Just like in summer, vehicles can be dangerous in winter. A car can act like a refrigerator, trapping cold air and putting pets at risk for hypothermia.

 

6. Monitor Senior or Sick Pets

- Older pets or those with arthritis may struggle more in cold weather. Provide extra bedding and consider supplements to help their joints. 

 

With these precautions, your pets can enjoy the season safely and comfortably! Stay warm and snuggle up!

Field Services

Animal Control Officers Holder and Officer Zokus assisted an elderly homeowner who had become overwhelmed by the care of numerous animals. Recognizing the need for immediate intervention, the officers worked diligently to rescue 26 cats and 2 dogs from the home, ensuring they were all brought to safety. Thanks to their efforts, the animals received the care and attention they desperately needed, with each one being brought to the Pet Center and most of them have already been adopted into loving environments. The homeowner will now be able to maintain a cleaner, healthier space. This compassionate intervention ensured a better future for everyone involved—both human and animal.

A Heartfelt Thank You to the St. Augustine Beach Police Department

We are so incredibly grateful to the St. Augustine Beach Police Department for their generous support and kindness this holiday season! On Christmas Day, they delivered an abundance of presents collected through their annual K9 Kilos Presents for Pets drive.

Not only did they bring gifts, but they also brought joy to every furry resident in our shelter. From giving out treats to sharing love and attention, their visit made the day so much brighter for our pets. It’s heartwarming to know our community’s heroes extend their compassion to the animals in need.

Thank you for making this Christmas so special for our shelter pets and for showing them the love they deserve. We are honored and proud to have such amazing partners in the St. Augustine Beach Police Department!

Dog Day Out

With Approved, Experienced Volunteers

Special thanks to Judy, Jennifer and Mike for spending the day out with long time furry residents. Tulip, Tawny, Pedro and Copper had an amazing dog day out with our approved volunteers, soaking up every moment of fun and adventure. Tulip, with her sweet and curious nature, loved exploring and taking in all the new sights and smells, while Pedro enjoyed the wind on his face and running around in Mike’s yard. Tawny with her sweet fun-loving personality soaked up the sunshine. Copper had a fun-filled day running around and exploring the beach. All dogs enjoyed plenty of playtime, belly rubs, and treats, relishing the chance to spend time outside the shelter. The day was not only a wonderful enrichment opportunity for Tulip, Tawny and Pedro but also a great reminder of the love and joy they bring to all around them.

Special Thank You to Creekside High School

The Creekside High School National Honor Society students recently completed a heartfelt service project by painting stunning portraits of our shelter pets to display at the Pet Center. These talented and compassionate students beautifully captured the unique personalities of each animal, creating artwork that brings joy to everyone who visits. The portraits of Louisa, Tulip, Pepper, Pedro, Milton, Rocky, Marigold, Puff, Jolyne and Pepper the cat now adorn our shelter walls, showcasing the individuality of each pet and helping potential adopters connect with them on a deeper level. This incredible act of kindness highlights the students’ dedication to making a difference in the lives of animals and our community.

Volunteer Spotlight

Stephen & Rita Cashour

Since joining the SJC Pet Center volunteer program in May 2024, Rita and Steve Cashour have been invaluable volunteers, bringing dedication and compassion to every visit. Their favorite part of volunteering is seeing the joy on the dogs' faces as they soak up attention, knowing they aren’t forgotten. For Rita and Steve, spending time with the animals is a joy, and there’s no greater reward than watching them find their forever homes. 

 

Rita and Steve also love the camaraderie of working with the amazing staff and fellow volunteers, finding the shared love for the animals truly contagious. They deeply appreciate the gratitude shown for their efforts, which motivates them even more to give their all to our furry residents. 

When not at the shelter, Rita and Steve enjoy hiking, biking, traveling, kayaking, and soaking up the sun at the beach. Thank you, Rita and Steve, for your dedication and kindness!

Events

Bartram Library Cat Adoption Event

The Bartram Library Adoption Event was a resounding success, thanks to the efforts of Brianna and Teresa, who brought some of the most charming cats from SJC Pet Center to meet potential adopters. The dynamic personalities of the cats stole the show, with Colossus winning hearts with his playful antics, Candy captivating everyone with her sweet demeanor, Ninja impressing with his calm yet curious nature, and Yuma spreading joy with her friendly, outgoing attitude. By the end of the event, all four found their perfect forever homes, leaving attendees inspired by the incredible connections made that day.

Petco Adoption Event

The adoption event at Petco in Marsh Landing was a heartwarming success! Our adoptable dogs, Pedro, Dexter, and Phoenix, charmed visitors with their playful energy and affectionate personalities, making every guest feel welcome. Meanwhile, our shelter cats—Tippi, Jasper, Pepper, and Memphis—stole the show with their adorable antics and gentle demeanor, putting smiles on everyone's faces. The highlight of the day was Tippi finding her forever home, leaving us all celebrating her new beginning. It was a joyful event that showcased the incredible pets waiting for their second chance at love and companionship. Special thanks to Anne, Laurie, Sherry, Lisa and Ethan for making this event possible.

Nocatee Farmer's Market Dog Adoption Event

At the Nocatee Farmers Market, Midir found his forever home amid a day filled with excitement and joy. Alongside Pedro, Dexter, and Tawny, Midir basked in the festivities, charming attendees with his friendly demeanor and winning smiles. The event, hosted by the Friends of SJC Pet Center with the help of dedicated volunteer Angela, provided a wonderful opportunity for these furry friends to connect with the community and show off their lovable personalities. Thanks to this heartwarming event, Midir’s journey brought him to a family ready to shower him with love and care. A big thank you to everyone who made this adoption celebration possible!

Upcoming Events

Nocatee’s Farmers Market Adoption Event

The Nocatee Farmers Market, held every third Saturday of the month (10am- 2pm), is a fantastic community event where St. Johns County's adoptable dogs take center stage. Surrounded by the vibrant atmosphere of local vendors and families enjoying the market, our featured dogs steal the spotlight with their wagging tails and winning personalities. This monthly event provides a wonderful opportunity for these lovable pups to meet potential adopters and showcase their unique charm in a lively, outdoor setting. It's a perfect way to connect adoptable dogs with their future families while raising awareness about adoption and the joy of rescuing a pet.


Francis Field Dog Adoption Event

Join us for a dog adoption event at Francis Field in St. Augustine on Saturday, February 1st, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, hosted in partnership with K9 Warriors! This special day is all about connecting lovable, adoptable dogs with their forever families. Come meet our adorable pups, learn about their stories, and find the perfect furry companion for your home. Whether you're ready to adopt or just looking to spend a day filled with wagging tails and happy paws, this event promises smiles, snuggles, and the chance to make a difference in a dog's life. We can't wait to see you there!


Petco at Durbin Pavillion

Join us at Petco in Durban Pavilion on January 25th from 10am-1:30pm. Come meet our adorable furry residents looking for their forever homes! Whether you’re searching for a playful pup, a cuddly kitten, or a loyal companion, we’ve got the perfect match for you. Adopting saves lives—let’s make it happen together!

Happy Tails

December was a heartwarming month filled with wonderful adoptions, as so many of our animals found loving homes just in time for the holidays. It was a joy to see them leave the shelter and step into the warmth of their forever families. Honey, with her gentle and affectionate nature, is now cuddled up with her new family, while Jean Grey, the playful and spirited kitten, is busy exploring her new surroundings. Sweet Tulip, who charmed everyone she met, is finally living the life she deserves, surrounded by love. Pedro is living his best life with his adventurous family. Anchovy and Mia are now using their playful antics to entertain their new family, and Raisin is ready to bring on the New Year with fun festivities in her new home. These happy endings remind us of the magic of the season and the power of giving animals a place to call home.

December Pet Center Stats

58 Cat Adoptions

19 Cats Rescued

21 Cats Spay/Neuter

6 Cats Available for Adoption

24 Dog Adoptions

0 Dog Rescued

20 Dogs Spay/Neuter

17 Dogs Available for Adoption

Click Here to View All Adoptable Pets!
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