Animal Care and Protective Services officials say there “has never been a more critical time” for cat fosters after recent cases left their kennels full.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A sudden influx of cats at Jacksonville Animal Care and Protective Services has left the shelter’s kennels full and staff pleading for community assistance.
“A recent case has brought an overwhelming number of animals into our care, and as a result, our cat kennels are completely full,” the shelter wrote in a social media post Tuesday. “If you’ve ever thought about adopting or fostering, there has never been a more critical time.”
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Documents obtained by First Coast News show 41 cats were seized from a Southside home on May 22 amid an animal neglect investigation. ACPS Chief Michael Bricker said that, due to medical issues and an ongoing petition for custody of the cats, they cannot be adopted out yet. That means less space for intakes during the city’s notoriously busy kitten season.
While those 41 cats cannot leave the shelter permanently yet, fosters can take them temporarily.
Chief Bricker said that specific case is only one of multiple recent situations that have brought dozens of other cats into the shelter, with more expected in the near future.
“Even making space for one cat can change everything for an animal in need,” the shelter wrote Tuesday. “We have cats and kittens of all ages, temperaments, and personalities — from playful kittens to relaxed lap cats. No matter what kind of feline friend you’re seeking, you’ll find them here, ready to meet you.”
As with every spring and summer, Jacksonville is overflowing with neonatal kittens that require overnight bottle-feeding that cannot be provided inside the shelter. If that is not an option for you, other available kittens come with their mother, who can handle the heavy lifting, while most of the adults just need a quiet, soft place to land.
ACPS, located on Forest Street, is open for walk-ins seven days a week from noon to 7 p.m. Fosters will be provided all the supplies and training they need to get started.
To learn more about fostering, visit the shelter’s page. All animals available for adoption are posted online.
