The Jacksonville Humane Society (JHS) reached a significant milestone on Nov. 19 when the intake of animals surpassed 10,000. According to organizational records, this is the highest that animal intake has risen since 2005 and reflects both the growing needs of pets and families in Jacksonville and the unwavering support of the community.
Total animal intake:
While every dog and cat is an individual with unique circumstances, JHS data reveals one main factor behind this increase. The largest area of growth is with neonatal kittens coming from unaltered “community cats,” also known as feral or free-roaming cats. Despite expanded programs, the public demand for assistance with kittens continues to rise.
Kitten intake:
The last time that JHS’s intake of animals exceeded 10,000 was in 2005, before the organization became a no-kill animal shelter. Those 20 years involved monumental moments, including the devastating fire in 2007 and the opening of the new facility in 2017. During these two decades of change, JHS’s lifesaving mission has remained at the center of its work. JHS has maintained a 90% or higher “save rate,” which is the industry standard to be considered no-kill. (Source: https://bestfriends.org/no-kill/what-does-no-kill-mean)
“Each animal who arrives at JHS is in need of a second chance – and each second chance was made possible by members of our exceedingly generous community,” said Lawrence Nicolas, JHS CEO. “Every adopter, foster, volunteer, supporter, donor, partner and friend played an important part in this moment. They are the reason we can face rising intake numbers and still celebrate no-kill. We are eternally grateful that they choose to support this lifesaving work.”
JHS urges residents to follow the right steps when they find kittens. Before bringing kittens to an animal shelter, stop and look for the mother cat, and seek support from your personal network when possible. Additionally, JHS encourages anyone caring for outdoor cats to take advantage of programs to get them fixed via EveryPet (formerly First Coast No More Homeless Pets) to reduce future litters of kittens.
With more animals needing care than ever, JHS encourages community members to get involved by adopting a pet from either their shelter or Animal Care and Protective Services, signing up to volunteer or foster (especially kittens) or donating for Giving Tuesday.
The Jacksonville Humane Society provides care, comfort and compassion to animals in need while engaging the hearts, hands and minds of our community to bring about an end to the killing of abandoned and orphaned shelter animals.
More information is available at jaxhumane.org.
