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1. Prepare for Fall Allergies

Just like humans, pets can suffer from seasonal allergies. Watch for signs like itching, licking paws, sneezing, or watery eyes. Consult your vet for safe relief options if symptoms arise.

2. Check Your Emergency Kit

September is National Preparedness Month. Make sure your pet emergency kit is stocked with food, water, medications, a leash, ID copies, and comfort items in case of storms or evacuations.

3. Stay Up to Date on Flea & Tick Prevention

Cooler weather doesn’t stop fleas and ticks! Continue monthly preventatives to protect your pets from bites and diseases.

4. Watch for Wildlife

As animals prepare for winter, you may see more wildlife activity. Keep pets leashed during walks and avoid letting them roam in wooded areas unsupervised.

5. Back-to-School Blues

If your kids are back in school, your pet may experience loneliness or anxiety. Leave them toys or enrichment puzzles and give them extra love and playtime in the evenings.

6. Update ID Tags and Microchips

Fall events, weather changes, and open doors during cooler months increase the risk of pets slipping out. Make sure contact info is up to date. No microchip? Call the Pet Center 904-209-6190 opt.2 to schedule an appointment. The microchip cost is only $10.00.

7. Fall Decorating Safety

Be cautious with candles, pumpkins, corn cobs, and seasonal plants like mums, some are toxic to pets or can cause digestive issues if ingested.

8. Schedule a Vet Checkup

Fall is a great time to schedule an annual check-up if you haven’t already. Get ahead of winter health issues and update any needed vaccines.

Meet Rusty, a heartworm positive two-year-old terrier mix who is currently being treated at the Pet Center. He has a personality that shines through his curious and friendly nature. Always up for an adventure, Rusty is a loyal companion who enjoys exploring new places and sniffing out the world around him. Despite being heartworm positive, Rusty remains upbeat and spirited, ready to embrace each day with enthusiasm. His loyalty and friendliness make him an ideal family pet, eager to be by your side through thick and thin. Adopt Rusty, not just to provide him with a home, but to add a loving, faithful friend to your life.

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

- Adoption fee waived for Rusty

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.

Cats are also Available at:

We’re thrilled to shine this month’s Volunteer Spotlight on Rachael, who joined our SJC Pet Center volunteer family at the beginning of 2025. From day one, Rachael has brought warmth, kindness, and a deep love for animals to every shift.

When asked what inspired her to volunteer, Rachael shared:

“First and foremost, I love animals. I also believe that giving back to your community through volunteering is important. SJC Pet Center is a perfect fit for both of those things. It’s great that we can interact with the animals and show them love while they’re waiting for their new home. I’ve met many wonderful kindhearted people since I started volunteering.”

Rachael’s dedication shines through in her gentle interactions with our animals and her uplifting presence around the center. She brings creativity and heart into everything she does whether it’s walking dogs, comforting a nervous pup, or spending time with our cat friends.

Outside of volunteering, Rachael enjoys expressing herself through art and journaling, discovering new places while traveling, getting lost in a good book, and cherishing time with her family and friends. At home, she’s a proud dog mom to three amazing pups: Freya, Lilly, and Katie.

Thank you, Rachael, for your compassion, your time, and the joy you bring to our center. We’re so lucky to have you as part of our SJC Pet Center family!

Star Pup Alert: Lily Featured on River City Live

We’re excited to share that one of our lovable adoptable dogs, Lily, had her moment in the spotlight with a special feature on River City Live!

Lilly stole the show with her sweet personality, wagging tail, and irresistible charm. She was the paw-fect guest soaking up the attention, making new friends, and showing viewers just how wonderful shelter pets can be.

Opportunities like this are an amazing way to showcase our adoptable animals and help them find the loving homes they deserve. Lily’s appearance helped raise awareness not only for her adoption but also for the important work we’re doing every day at the SJC Pet Center.

We’re so proud of Lily and incredibly grateful to the River City Live team for giving her a chance to shine.

Playtime, Pawprints & Happy Tails: Adventure at Hounds Town! 

Some of our furry friends recently got VIP treatment with a special stay at Hounds Town, where they enjoyed extra exposure, socialization, and tons of playtime! This fun-filled opportunity not only gives our adoptable pets a change of scenery but also helps them learn new skills and show off their amazing personalities to potential adopters.

Four of our standout pups, Ranger, Rasco, Peaches and Tilly recently made the most of their time at Hounds Town and officially received their “Graduate “Seal of Approval recognition for their great behavior, progress, and ability to thrive in a structured, social environment.

We’re thrilled to share that Ranger, Rasco and Tilly have already been adopted! Their time at Hounds Town gave them the boost they needed to find their perfect match and begin a new chapter in a loving forever home.

We’re so grateful to Hounds Town for partnering with us and giving our dogs the chance to shine outside the shelter.

Ranger

Peaches

Rasco

Tilly

August Pet Center Stats