Click here to view in web browser and share with others

St. Johns County Pet Center

September 2024 Newsletter

Longtime Furry Resident

Tulip

Tulip, our beloved long-time resident, is still waiting for her perfect match. Tulip arrived at the Pet Center in May. She has spent far too much time in the shelter, longing for a family to call her own. Tulip is a spirited and affectionate 3-year-old female Terrier! She is a bundle of joy who loves to play and explore. She's always ready for an adventure, whether it's a brisk walk in the park or a fun game of fetch in the yard. Tulip's friendly and social nature makes her a wonderful companion for the family. She is eager to find her forever home where she can share her love and enthusiasm for life. If you're looking for a loyal and lively addition to your family, Tulip is the perfect match!

Tulip’s adoption fee is being waived.

Adoption Information:

- Spayed/ Neutered: Yes

- Vaccinated: Up-to-date

- Adoption fees: 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

Celebrate Responsible Dog Ownership Day

Responsible Dog Ownership Day, celebrated on the third Saturday of September, is a perfect opportunity to reflect on the commitment required to keep our canine companions healthy and happy. Here are some tips to help you be the best dog owner you can be:

1. Regular Veterinary Care

-Routine Check-ups: Schedule annual or bi-annual vet visits to monitor your dog’s health and catch potential issues early.

-Vaccinations: Keep your dog’s vaccinations up to date to protect against diseases.

-Preventive Care: Regularly administer flea, tick, and heartworm preventives.

2. Proper Nutrition

- Balanced Diet: Feed your dog a balanced diet suitable for their age, size, and health condition.

- Avoid Human Foods: Many human foods, like chocolate, grapes, and onions, are toxic to dogs.

- Portion Control: Avoid overfeeding to prevent obesity and related health issues.

3. Regular Exercise

- Daily Walks: Ensure your dog gets regular exercise to maintain physical and mental health.

- Playtime: Engage in interactive play to keep your dog stimulated and active.

4. Training and Socialization

- Basic Commands: Teach your dog basic commands like sit, stay, and come for safety and good behavior.

- Socialization: Expose your dog to various environments, people, and other dogs to build confidence and reduce anxiety.

5. Grooming

- Regular Baths: Bathe your dog as needed based on their breed and activity level.

- Brushing: Regularly brush your dog’s coat to reduce shedding and prevent matting.

- Nail Trimming: Keep your dog’s nails trimmed to a comfortable length.

6. Identification

- ID Tags: Ensure your dog always wears a collar with up-to-date ID tags.

- Microchipping: Microchip your dog for a permanent form of identification in case they get lost. Fee is only $10.00 at the Pet Center

7. Safe Environment

- Secure Yard: If you have a yard, ensure it is securely fenced to prevent escapes.

- Pet-proof Home: Remove or secure hazardous items, such as toxic plants, chemicals, and small objects.

8. Mental Stimulation

- Toys and Puzzles: Provide toys and puzzle feeders to keep your dog mentally engaged.

- Training Games: Incorporate training into playtime to challenge your dog’s mind.

9. Time and Attention

- Quality Time: Spend quality time with your dog through play, training, and cuddling.

- Companionship: Dogs are social animals and thrive on companionship. Avoid leaving them alone for extended periods.

10. Commitment for Life

- Long-Term Commitment: Understand that owning a dog is a long-term commitment, often spanning 10-15 years or more.

- Adapt to Changes: Be prepared to adapt to changes in your dog’s needs as they age or if their health status changes.

By embracing these principles of responsible dog ownership, you can ensure a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life for your furry friend. Celebrate Responsible Dog Ownership Day by recommitting to the care and well-being of your loyal companion!

Field Services

Officer Holder received a call from dispatch about two stray dogs found at a used car lot. Upon arriving, she found the pair safely contained by the kind-hearted staff, but without any identification, their owner remained a mystery. Determined to reunite the dogs with their family, Officer Holder began investigating and soon discovered a post on the St. Augustine Lost and Found website showcasing two missing dogs matching their description.

Following up on the lead, she contacted the person who posted, and soon the joyful reunion was set in motion. When the owner arrived, she recognized her beloved dogs instantly. Overwhelmed with relief and gratitude, she burst into tears of joy as she hugged her dogs, thanking Officer Holder repeatedly for her diligence and care. Thanks to her quick thinking and dedication, two lost dogs made it safely back home, proving once again that sometimes, all it takes is a little extra effort to bring a happy ending. This heartwarming reunion highlights the crucial role Animal Control Officers play in the community, as they not only ensure the safety and well-being of animals but also work tirelessly to bring families back together.

Officer Beale responded to a call about three baby ducklings trapped in a storm drain near Ponte Vedra Beach. Upon arriving, she was greeted by a distressed mother duck, quacking frantically at her and her trapped babies. Determined to help, Officer Beale assessed the situation and quickly formulated a plan. She radioed dispatch for additional assistance, knowing that the ducklings had been stuck for nearly 24 hours. Soon, Fire Rescue arrived, and with teamwork and determination, they managed to safely rescue all three ducklings. As soon as the last duckling was freed, the relieved mother duck quickly led her little ones to a nearby retention pond, quacking softly as they followed closely behind her. Watching the family waddle away together was a heartwarming sight, reminding everyone involved of the importance of compassion and teamwork in even the smallest of rescues.

Pet Supermarket Dog Adoption Event

Our recent adoption event at

Pet Supermarket was a great success in raising awareness about our shelter pets, even though no dogs were adopted

on the spot. Many visitors expressed interest in stopping

by the shelter soon to view all our adoptable pets. We're

thrilled to share that Mona, one of the dogs we brought to the event, found her forever home just a few days later, thanks to the exposure she received.

We couldn't have done it without the dedicated efforts of our volunteers Laurie, Amy, and Anne, who brought Mona, Gracie, and Pedro to the event and engaged with potential adopters. Their hard work and passion for our mission truly made a difference.

Volunteer Spotlight

Honoring Our Incredible Team!

At the Pet Center, we are fortunate to have an extraordinary group of volunteers who dedicate their time, energy, and love to our animals. Whether it’s socializing with our shy cats, walking our energetic dogs, or lending a hand at events, our volunteers play a vital role in helping us provide the best possible care for our furry residents. Your passion and commitment make a world of difference, not just for the animals but also for the entire community. We are immensely grateful for everything you do, and we can’t thank you enough for your unwavering support. Here’s to you, our amazing volunteers—you truly are the heart of the Pet Center!

It is with heavy hearts that we honor the memory of Mary Toerne, one of our dedicated cat volunteers, who unexpectedly passed away on Tuesday night 8/20/24. Mary was a beloved member of our team, known for her unwavering compassion and tireless commitment to the cats in our care. Her gentle presence and warm smile made her a favorite among both the cats and her fellow volunteers. Mary’s kindness and dedication touched the lives of so many, and her absence will be deeply felt by all who knew her. We are grateful for the time we had with her and will continue to honor her legacy through the care and love she so generously gave to our feline friends. Our thoughts are with her family and loved ones during this difficult time.

Upcoming September Event

Mark your calendars for our upcoming dog adoption event at Petco, Marsh Landing Parkway, Jacksonville, FL on September 28th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.! This is a fantastic opportunity to meet some of our lovable, adoptable dogs who are eagerly waiting for their forever homes. Whether you're looking to add a new furry friend to your family or simply want to support our efforts, we invite you to stop by and say hello. Our team will be on hand to answer any questions and help match you with the perfect companion. Join us for a day of wagging tails, happy faces, and the chance to make a difference in a dog's life!

Special Thank You!

We are incredibly grateful to the Del Webb Nocatee Women’s Club for their generous donation to our shelter. Their support included a remarkable $1,650 in cash donations, as well as countless hours spent crafting homemade toys for our pets. In addition, they provided over 1000lbs of dry food, 197 cans of wet food, several bags of treats, towels, blankets, toys, and various other essentials that are crucial for the care and comfort of our animals. These contributions make a significant difference in the lives of our shelter pets, helping to keep them happy, healthy, and well-loved as they await their forever homes. Thank you for your unwavering support and kindness!

We extend our thanks to the Friends of SJC Pet Center for their incredible sponsorship of our furry residents through September 14th. Thanks to their generosity, all adoptions during this period were fully sponsored, making it easier for loving families to bring home a new pet. This sponsorship not only helps our animals find their forever homes more quickly but also alleviates some of the financial burdens for adopters. We are deeply grateful for the Friends of SJC Pet Center's continued support and dedication to our mission of finding homes for every pet.

Happy Tails

We are thrilled to share some pictures of our beloved pets who have found their forever homes and are thriving with their new families! Daisy, Priscilla, and Tucker, now enjoying their days filled with love and adventure, while Java and Bear have settled in wonderfully, bringing joy and warmth to their new homes. We couldn't be happier for these amazing pets as they embark on the next chapter of their lives, surrounded by the love and care they deserve.