2024: A Year of Growth, Compassion, and Lifesaving Impact

As 2024 comes to a close, we reflect on the incredible strides Animal Care & Protective Services (ACPS) has made this year. Through dedication, innovation, and the unwavering support of our community, we’ve transformed countless lives and strengthened the bond between pets and people in Jacksonville. Here’s a look at what we accomplished together.

Meeting the Growing Needs of Our Community

This year, we saw a 14% increase in intake, reflecting the growing needs of pets and families. Yet, our team worked tirelessly to ensure a steady 85% save rate and a 10% increase in positive outcomes. With the help of our behavior team and streamlined processes, the average length of stay decreased by 20%, allowing animals to find loving homes faster than ever.

Volunteers: The Heart of Our Mission

This year, volunteer hours increased by 24%, and the impact of their work is immeasurable. From cleaning kennels and comforting scared animals to assisting with community events and fostering, our volunteers are the lifeblood of our organization.

Our Dogs Around Duval group was a shining example of how volunteers make a difference. By taking shelter dogs on outings to parks, restaurants, and even the beach, they not only enriched the lives of these animals but also showcased their amazing personalities to potential adopters. Dogs like Bella, who found her forever home after a trip to Riverside Park with a volunteer, are living proof of this program’s success.

“Not Just a Dog Catcher”

Our Animal Service Officers (ASOs) are true heroes, going beyond the call of duty to rescue and protect animals in our community. This year, Officer Menadue demonstrated exceptional courage and compassion by rescuing an opossum stranded on a busy overpass. Navigating through speeding traffic, Officer Menadue safely captured and relocated the opossum, showcasing our commitment to all animals, not just cats and dogs.

In another instance, Officers Cooper and Supervisor Gibson worked together to rescue Myrtle, a terrified dog stranded on a bridge. Through patience and expertise, they safely brought Myrtle to the shelter, where she began her journey toward healing and trust. These stories highlight the dedication and bravery of our ASOs, who face challenging situations daily to ensure the safety and well-being of animals in Jacksonville.

Fostering Growth and Community Support

Our foster program grew by an incredible 57%, allowing more animals to heal, grow, and thrive in loving homes. Bo’s Hope helped families stay together by distributing over 300 pounds of dog food monthly and hosting events that provided hundreds of free vaccines, microchips, and pet supplies to the community.

We also brought the community together with festive, holiday-themed dog walks: the Turkey Trot and the Rudolph Romp. These events invited community members to sign up and take a shelter dog for a walk, spreading joy to both people and pets. Seeing shelter dogs dressed in holiday bandanas, wagging their tails as they explored Jacksonville with new friends, was a heartwarming reminder of how much a little time and attention can mean to these animals.

Building for the Future

In 2024, ACPS was awarded 15 additional positions, a milestone that will allow us to expand our services and save even more lives in 2025. This achievement is a reflection of the incredible hard work and passion of our staff team, who are the driving force behind everything we do.

Every day, I am amazed by their dedication, resilience, and compassion. From the kennel staff who greet animals with love and care, to the behavior team working tirelessly to help pets overcome challenges, to the medical team performing lifesaving surgeries—our staff truly embodies the heart of this organization.

Working alongside this team is an honor, and I am so proud of their ability to adapt, innovate, and stay focused on our mission, even in the face of challenges. They are the backbone of ACPS, and their commitment inspires me daily.

Looking Ahead

As we move into 2025, we’re not just celebrating this year’s successes—we’re looking to grow our team to achieve even more. We’re hiring and searching for compassionate, driven individuals to join us in our mission. From kennel staff to community outreach specialists, and especially another lifesaving, empathetic veterinarian, we’re looking for amazing people ready to make a difference.

If you’re passionate about helping animals and building a community rooted in compassion and service, ACPS is the perfect place for you. Join our incredible team, and together, let’s continue to save lives and create a brighter future for pets and people in Jacksonville.

Thank you for making 2024 unforgettable. Together, we’re building a more compassionate and connected community for pets and people alike.