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.
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 online to get in touch with our team.

Animal Care & Protective Services

Rehome your pet

Rehome Your Pet

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