950 dogs, cats adopted in 3 days

Mega Pet Adoption Event most successful ever on First Coast

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Mega Pet Adoption Event held at the Jacksonville Fairgrounds this past weekend is the most successful pet adoption held on the First Coast ever with 950 dogs and cats adopted in three days.

Animal Care and Protective Services worked with local shelters and rescues, including the Jacksonville Humane Society and First Coast No More Homeless Pets. The Mega Pet Adoption Event was sponsored by PetSmart Charities and is now the most successful PetSmart Charities sponsored event in the country.

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Scott Trebatoski, division chief for Animal Care and Protective Services, said the event helped 245 shelter dogs and cats find homes. He said the number nearly triples the number of adoptions at any past events, and adds that it is about the same number of animals adopted in one month at Animal Care and Protective Services.

One of the most touching adoptions, Trebatoski said, was that of a 12-year-old pit bull/Labrador mix named Moses.

"Moses had been neutered shortly before the adoption event and wasn't feeling very well," said Trebatoski. "But people saw the real Moses shine through, and we are grateful he was adopted."

So many animals found homes during the Mega Pet Adoption Event that the adoption area at Animal Care and Protective Services was empty on Monday. Also, about two-thirds of the animals at the shelter were cleared out.

"The success of the event exceeded our wildest dreams and helps us reach our goal of reducing euthanasia of adoptable animals," said Trebatoski. "However, even though the shelter was almost empty on Monday -- something that has never happened -- we know that about 50 animals will come into our shelter each day through owner surrenders and our Animal Care and Protective Services officers."

More dogs and cats are available for adoptions at the shelter right now. To celebrate the enormous success of the event, Animal Care and Protective Services is extending the $25 adoption fee through the end of the month.

The Mega Pet Adoption Event was held July 13-15 at the Jacksonville Fairgrounds. Thousands of visitors received free parking and free admission. Adoption fees were $25 and included spay/neutering microchip, vaccines and the city license. Also, as a nod to Jacksonville's military community, active duty and retired military received free adoptions.