Several of the animals waiting for homes at ACPS have spent more than a year in the shelter. At the Jacksonville event on April 11, all adoption fees will be waived.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Jacksonville’s animal shelters are coming together this weekend for A Really Large Adoption Event — yeah, that’s the name — with hundreds of dogs and cats waiting to go home.

The Jacksonville Humane Society will join up with Animal Care & Protective Services on Saturday, April 11, for a day of free adoptions.

It will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the shelter on Forest Street. 

Visitors will also be able to check out food trucks and vendors on site while deciding on their new best friend.

The event is part of the city shelter’s Clear the Cages April initiative. In November, ACPS held a month-long Clear the Cages event that ended with 600 cats and dogs being adopted.

All animals will come spayed or neutered and vaccinated. Duval residents who adopt will have to pay a $20 licensing fee.


Meet the longtimers

With a large event like this, the hope is that some adopters will fall in love with the shelter dogs who have been waiting the longest.

At ACPS, several dogs have spent more than a year in the kennels.


Boba Tea

Two years is too long to wait. 

Three-year-old Boba Tea is the longest-staying dog at ACPS, having first entered the kennels in April 2024.

ACPS says he has experience with both dogs and kids. As a high-energy boy, he would do well with a yard. He’s also a known belly rub enthusiast.


Archer

At just four years old. Archer has spent more than 400 days in the shelter.

He’s looking for his hero, and is a bit of one himself. ACPS says Archer was a blood donor who previously helped save another dog’s life.

Shelter staff say he is very friendly and craves attention from people. He’s a strong boy who would appreciate a yard to run around in.


Trooper

This playful 2-year-old boy is looking for his lifelong adventure partner. With energy to spare, he’s more than willing to join you on your runs or hikes, and does well in the car.

He loves to play with his dog friends and is said to get along well with kids.

Shelter staff say he appears to be house-trained and already knows several commands.


Maverick

7-year-old Maverick is loving, social and a big fan of belly rubs. 

Shelter staff say he knows commands, rides well in the car and is a polite treat-taker. They noted that he has experience with kids and other dogs.

This is another boy who adores attention and pets.


Harry Potter

This wizard didn’t have the best luck with his last family, having been left behind after an eviction, but shelter staff say his magical personality hasn’t been lost.

Harry Potter is described as affectionate and playful, and also knows several commands. At 4 years old, staff say he has plenty of energy for adventures and loves toys and playtime outside with his people.

He also has experience living with both dogs and cats, according to shelter staff.


Pogo

This boy has experience with kids and loves to be pet and cuddled up with his people. He also appears to think he is a lap dog.

Pogo is six years old and has spent more around 370 days in the shelter after being left behind when his owners moved away.

Shelter staff describe him as a calm and gentle dog who also knows multiple commands.


Sammie

4-year-old Sammie is the whole package, having past experience with kids, cats and dogs. 

Shelter staff describes him as mellow, polite and affectionate, happy to relax and lay in the sun. He’s also housebroken.

Sammie is coming up on one year in the kennels.

To better get to know these dogs, visit ACPS and ask about becoming a foster. Trooper, Harry Potter, Pogo and Sammie have also recently been on the Dogs Around Duval – Dog Day Out list, meaning you can walk in and borrow them for a day on the town and a much-needed break from the shelter.

If none of these boys seem like the fit for you, the two shelters have more than 400 animals to choose from. You can see them all online at jaxhumane.org and the city shelter website.