Do you need to rehome your pet?

We understand that choosing to rehome your pet is not easy. If you are facing that decision, start here. Your pet has the best chance of success when you take the lead in finding the right home.

Our goal is to help pets stay with their families whenever possible and to use the shelter as a last resort.

Step 1: Try to Rehome Your Pet Directly

You know your pet better than anyone. A direct rehome is often the least stressful and most successful option.

List Your Pet Online

• Create a detailed profile on a reputable rehoming platform such as Rehome by Adopt-a-Pet.
  • How Rehome works. CLICK HERE                                         
• Include clear photos.
• Be honest about behavior, medical needs, and personality.
• Set clear expectations for the new home.

Prepare Your Pet for Success

• Make sure vaccinations are current.
• Spay or neuter if possible.
• Gather medical records.
• Work on basic obedience or litter box consistency.

If you need help with:

• Spay/neuter resources
• Low-cost veterinary care

Please contact Everypet 

• Behavior or training support

Please go our Resources page or contact our Enrichment team at animalbehavior@coj.net

Contact Animal Care and Protective Services at 904-630-2489 or visit our website for available community resources. 

Step 2: Contact the Person or Organization You Got Your Pet From

Many breeders, rescues, and adoption organizations require pets to be returned to them if the placement does not work out. Even if not required, they may be able to assist.

 

Step 3: Talk to Friends, Family, and Coworkers

Personal networks often lead to the best placements.

Ask directly. Be clear about your timeline and expectations.

 

Step 4: Use Social Media Responsibly

Post clear information about your pet on:

• Facebook community groups
• Nextdoor
• Local Jacksonville pet rehoming pages

Tips:

• Screen potential adopters carefully.
• Ask about veterinary history and landlord approval.
• Charge a reasonable rehoming fee to discourage impulsive placements.
• Meet in safe, public locations.

 

Step 5: Contact Our Pet Resource Center at Animal Care and Protective Services

Shelters can be stressful environments for dogs and cats. Because of that, surrendering to the shelter should be the final step after other options have been exhausted.

If you live in Duval County, contact: (904) 630-2489 or come to:

Animal Care and Protective Services

2020 Forest Street Jacksonville, FL 32204

Phone: 904-630-2489

Please remember, surrenders are by appointment only.

Requirements for a Rehome Appointment

Bring the following:

• Valid photo ID
• Proof of Duval County residency
• All veterinary and vaccination records
• Documentation of rehoming attempts (online listings, outreach, etc.)

Important Information About Surrendering

• Animal shelters should be a last resort.
• Once you surrender your pet, you are giving up all ownership rights.
• ACPS makes decisions based on the health, behavior, and space available for all animals in our care.
• We are not required to provide updates after surrender.
• Surrendered pets do not receive special placement priority.

Our responsibility is to balance public safety, animal welfare, and available capacity across Jacksonville.

Our Commitment to Jacksonville

Animal Care and Protective Services serves a large and growing community across Duval County. We respond to thousands of calls for service each year while caring for animals that are lost, injured, neglected, or at risk.

If there is a safe way to keep a pet in their home, we will work to find it. If surrender is necessary, we will treat your pet with professionalism and care.

Call 904-630-2489 or submit a ticket onlineto get in touch with our team.

Adopt a Pet Right From Their Previous Home!

With Adopt-a-Pet, pet owners looking to rehome their pet can do so without surrendering their pet to the shelter. Browse the pets looking for new homes below!

 

​