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St. Johns County Pet Center

June 2026 Newsletter

Pet Safety Tips for Pet Owners

June Pet Safety Tips for Florida Pet Owners

As summer kicks into full swing, June brings rising temperatures, increased humidity, and the start of storm season. While it’s a great time for outdoor fun, it also means extra precautions are needed to keep your pets safe, comfortable, and healthy.

Storm & Hurricane Preparedness for Pets

Hurricane season officially begins in June, and preparation is key to keeping your pets safe before, during, and after a storm.

Build a Pet Emergency Kit: Include at least 3–7 days of food and water, medications, bowls, leash/harness, litter supplies, and comfort items like a favorite toy or blanket.
Keep Records Handy: Store vaccination records, microchip information, and a recent photo in a waterproof container or digitally on your phone.
ID & Microchips: Make sure your pet is wearing a collar with updated ID tags and that microchip information is current.
Plan Your Evacuation: Identify pet-friendly shelters, hotels, or friends/family you can stay with ahead of time. Never leave pets behind during an evacuation.
Secure Carriers: Have sturdy carriers or crates ready for each pet clearly labeled with your contact information.
Create a Safe Space at Home: If sheltering in place, designate an interior room away from windows where your pets can stay calm and secure.
Reduce Stress: Storms can be frightening. Keep pets indoors, close curtains, and consider calming aids if your pet is prone to anxiety.
Post-Storm Safety: Watch for debris, downed power lines, contaminated water, and displaced wildlife when letting pets outside after a storm.

Beat the Heat

Florida heat can become dangerous quickly. Always provide fresh, cool water and shaded areas when pets are outside. Avoid walking dogs during peak heat hours. A good rule of thumb: if the pavement is too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for their paws.

Beach Safety

While bringing your pet to the beach may seem like fun, there are some important safety measures to know.

Make sure to have adequate shade
Supply plenty of drinking water
Always keep all pets under physical control while at the beach.

Never Leave Pets in Cars

Even a few minutes in a parked car can be life-threatening. Temperatures inside a vehicle can rise rapidly, even with the windows cracked.

Watch for Summer Hazards

June brings more outdoor activity and more risks. Keep an eye out for:

Hot pavement and sand that can burn paws
Standing water, which may contain harmful bacteria
Toxic plants and lawn chemicals

Flea, Tick, and Mosquito Protection

Warm weather means parasites thrive. Ensure your pet is on a veterinarian approved preventative for fleas, ticks, and heartworms. Mosquitoes can carry heartworm disease, which is common in Florida.

Water Safety Matters

Whether you’re near a pool, lake, or beach, always supervise pets around water. Not all dogs are natural swimmers. Consider a pet life vest for extra safety, especially during boating trips.

Keep Exercise Safe

Stick to early morning or evening walks when temperatures are lower. Watch for signs of heat exhaustion, such as excessive panting, drooling, or lethargy.

Know the Signs of Heatstroke

If your pet shows symptoms like vomiting, confusion, or difficulty breathing, move them to a cool area immediately and contact your veterinarian.

With a little preparation, June can be a fun and safe month for you and your pets. Stay cool, stay prepared, and enjoy the sunshine responsibly!

Long Term Furry Resident

Bree

Meet Bree, an 8-year-old sweetheart with a gentle soul. Known for her friendly demeanor, Bree loves cuddles and thrives on companionship. Despite her shy nature, she quickly warms up to those who offer her kindness. Bree experiences separation anxiety, seeking a home where she can feel secure and loved. Her ideal family would provide a stable, calm environment where she can flourish without feeling alone. Bree deserves a forever home where her sweet, loyal nature will be cherished.

Adoption Information:

- Spayed/ Neutered: Yes

- Vaccinated: Up-to-date

- Adoption fees: Fee waved for Bree!

Dogs $60, Cats $40

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

Field Services

From Lost to Loved Jambo's Journey Home

A local college student found a tiny Chihuahua wandering around on her way to campus. The little dog looked out of place, no leash, no owner, just wide eyes scanning every passerby as if searching for someone familiar. Without hesitation, the student slowed down, crouched gently, and spoke softly. The Chihuahua, later known as Jambo, seemed unsure at first but didn’t run. It was as if he knew this moment mattered.

The student realized the dog was lost and brought Jambo with her to campus. Once there, her instructor quickly stepped in to help. A call was placed to dispatch to report a found dog and shared details in hopes of locating the owner. At nearly the same time, Teresa from the Pet Center was processing a lost dog report. A frantic owner who was visiting the area on vacation had reported her Chihuahua missing. She was distraught and feared the worst in an unfamiliar place without her cherished companion.

As information flowed in, the pieces began to align. The description of the lost dog matched perfectly. The timing and the location all fit. Dispatch notified Animal Control Officer Zokus to reach out to the potential owner.

ACO Zokus quickly coordinated the reunion. When Jambo was safely returned, the moment was nothing short of emotional. The owner, overwhelmed with relief and gratitude, held her tiny dog close, tears of joy replacing the fear she had felt just hours before. What began as a routine walk to class turned into a chain of compassion, quick thinking, and teamwork. From a student who chose to stop, to an instructor who acted swiftly, to a Pet Center and officer who brought it all together. Jambo’s journey home was a reminder that sometimes, the smallest moments can make the biggest difference.

A Possum Family's Happy Rescue

Animal Control Officers Holder and Hanner responded to a call for service from the St. Augustine High School who found a frightened mother opossum and her tiny babies huddled together in a fenced area with no clear way out.

ACO Hanner moved carefully, speaking softly as he approached. The mother opossum appeared tired but protective and stayed close to her babies. With patience and a gentle hand, Hanner was able to safely guide the entire family into a transport cage making sure each tiny hitchhiker was accounted for.

Once secured, ACO’s Holder and Hanner drove just a short distance away to a peaceful wooded area far from fences and noise. When the cage door opened, the mother paused for just a moment as if taking in her surroundings and then slowly making her way back into the trees with her babies still clinging tightly to her.

What started as a simple call ended with a quiet return to the wild. A small reminder that even the smallest lives matter, and sometimes all it takes is a little care to make a big difference.

Paws-itively Perfect Day: Four Puppies Find Forever Homes at Hot Diggity Dog Day!

It was a day full of wagging tails, happy hearts, and life-changing moments at the Hot Diggity Dog Day adoption event hosted by the St. Augustine Humane Society, and we’re thrilled to share some incredible news!

Four of our adorable puppies Chip, Dale, Truffles, and Cole traded in their kennel time for sunshine, fresh air, and the chance to meet their future families. What started as a fun day out of the shelter quickly turned into something truly unforgettable.

Each puppy brought their own unique charm to the event. Chip and Dale kept everyone smiling with their playful energy and curious personalities, while Truffles melted hearts with sweet snuggles. Cole, with his gentle and loving nature, quickly became a favorite among visitors.

By the end of the event, all four puppies had found their forever homes!

These successful adoptions are a wonderful reminder of how impactful community events like Hot Diggity Dog Day can be not just for the animals, but for the families who welcome them home. Giving shelter pets a chance to shine outside of the kennel environment often makes all the difference, allowing their true personalities to come through.

We are incredibly grateful to the St. Augustine Humane Society for hosting such a fantastic event and for helping make these happy endings possible. And of course, a heartfelt thank you to the families who chose adoption, you’ve changed these puppies’ lives forever.

Here’s to Chip, Dale, Truffles, and Cole as they begin their next chapter filled with love, comfort, and plenty of belly rubs!

Animal Control Educates Citizens Academy Participants

Residents participating in the SJC 101 Citizens Academy recently had the opportunity to learn about the important work performed by Animal Control during a special presentation led by Deputy Director Paul Studivant. The informative session provided attendees with a comprehensive understanding of Animal Control operations, responsibilities, and the many services provided to the community each day.

During the presentation, Paul discussed the vital role Animal Control Officers play in protecting both people and animals through enforcement, education, rescue efforts, investigations, and community outreach. Participants learned about common calls for service, pet owner responsibilities, local ordinances, and the importance of responsible pet ownership.

In addition to field operations, Paul also highlighted the important role of the Pet Center and the lifesaving work taking place there each day. Participants learned how the Pet Center provides care and shelter for lost, stray, and surrendered animals while working to reunite pets with their owners whenever possible. Paul also spoke about the adoption program and the positive impact community support has on helping animals find loving forever homes. Attendees were given insight into the adoption process and encouraged to consider adoption when looking to add a new pet to their family. Success stories shared during the presentation demonstrated how the combined efforts of Animal Control staff, volunteers, rescue partners, and adopters help give animals a second chance.

The session gave Citizens Academy participants valuable insight into the challenges and rewards of Animal Control work, while also strengthening community understanding and support for the department’s mission. Attendees asked thoughtful questions and engaged in meaningful discussions throughout the presentation. Programs like the 101 Citizens Academy help foster stronger connections between residents and local government services, and Animal Control was proud to be part of the educational experience.

Growing Community Connections at the Ribera Garden Agriculture Event

The Ribera Garden Agriculture Event provided a great opportunity for community members to connect, learn, and gather helpful information from local organizations and representatives. Paul Studivant, Deputy Director Animal Control, proudly attended the event, where he spent the day engaging with visitors, answering questions, and sharing valuable information with attendees of all ages.

Throughout the event, Paul welcomed guests to the booth and provided promotional items while discussing services, programs, and resources available to the community. Visitors appreciated the opportunity to ask questions in a relaxed and friendly environment, helping strengthen community relationships and awareness.

Events like the Ribera Garden Agriculture Event are an important way to connect with residents, support local initiatives, and encourage positive community involvement. Thank you to everyone who stopped by to say hello and helped make the event a success!

May Adoption Spotlight: 🐶 Happy Tails! 🐱

This May brought an incredible wave of happy endings as several deserving pets found their forever homes. Among the month’s most memorable adoptions were Charger, Dingo, Peanut, and Snow, four wonderful animals who captured the hearts of staff, volunteers, and adopters alike.

Charger’s adoption story reminds us how patience and love can truly change an animal’s life. With his unique personality and gentle demeanor, Charger slowly won over everyone he met. Thanks to the dedication of shelter staff and volunteers, Charger was able to meet a family who saw just how special he is. We are thrilled to celebrate his new beginning.

Dingo’s journey to adoption was one filled with excitement and hope. His playful spirit and loyal companionship made it clear that he was ready for a loving family to call his own. This month, Dingo officially found that perfect match and is now enjoying life in his forever home.

Peanut’s big personality brought smiles wherever he went. His sweet face and lovable charm made him impossible to resist. Peanut’s adoption this month was a joyful moment for everyone involved, and we know he will bring endless happiness to his new family.

Snow, the gorgeous white kitty won over her adopter rather quickly. Her soft coat and curious eyes are going to bring a touch of elegance home. She is ready to explore her new home and live happily ever after.

Falkor, our lively puppy, was so excited to go home with his new family. It was the perfect match! He’s sure to bring never ending excitement to his new family.

S’more, one of our 8-week-old puppies can’t wait to explore his new home and build a loving bond with his new family.

Every adoption represents a second chance and a fresh start. We are grateful to all the adopters, volunteers, and supporters who help make these success stories possible. Congratulations to Charger, Dingo, and Peanut on finding the loving homes they deserve!