St. Johns County Pet Center
March 2025 Newsletter
| | Looking for a new furry friend? Look no further than Spartan! This handsome 3-year-old could be the perfect addition to your family. While we're not sure if he's good with other dogs, Spartan is a very smart and playful boy who loves to run around and explore. He's very affectionate and will make a great cuddle buddy. He is heartworm positive, but that's not stopping him from enjoying life. With your love and care he's sure to thrive! If you're ready for a fun, adventurous, and loving companion, come meet Spartan today! | | |
Adoption Information:
- Spayed/ Neutered: Yes
- Vaccinated: Up-to-date
- Adoption fees: Fee waved for Spartan!
Male Dog $45.00, Female Dog $60.00, Male Cat $30.00, Female Cat $40.00
| |  | |
How to Meet:
Visit the Pet Center during our adoption hours, Tuesday- Saturday 9am- 4pm, to spend some time with them. Your love and care could be the missing piece in their journey to a happy, forever home.
Adopt a shelter pet and be a part of their extraordinary journey towards a brighter future!
| | Cats are also Available at: | | |
Pet Supermarket
1020 S Ponce de Leon Blvd
St. Augustine, FL 32086
| | | |
PetSmart
1779 U.S. 1
St. Augustine, FL 32084
| | | Importance of Spay and Neuter | | |
Spaying and neutering your pets before spring is crucial for several reasons, particularly with the increase in animal reproduction and stray populations during warmer months. Here’s why you should consider scheduling the procedure now:
1. Prevent Unwanted Litters- Spring is known as kitten and puppy seasons because unaltered pets tend to breed more as the weather warms up. This leads to an overwhelming number of litters, many of whom end up in shelters or as strays. By spaying or neutering now, you can prevent unexpected pregnancies and help reduce overpopulation.
2. Reduce Shelter Overcrowding- Animal shelters see a huge influx of puppies and kittens in the spring and summer. Spaying and neutering will help control this cycle and gives more existing animals a chance at adoption.
3. Improve Your Pet’s Health- Spaying and neutering provide significant health benefits. Spayed females have a reduced risk of uterine infections and mammary cancer, while neutered males are less likely to develop testicular cancer or prostate issues. Additionally, altered pets are less likely to roam, reducing their risk of injuries from fights or traffic accidents.
4. Curb Unwanted Behaviors- Pets in heat can exhibit problematic behaviors such as yowling, marking, aggression, and escaping to find mates. Neutering males can help decrease territorial marking, dominance aggression, and the urge to roam, while spaying females eliminates heat cycles and the associated behaviors.
5. Help Your Community- Reducing stray populations benefits the entire community by minimizing the spread of disease, lowering the risk of animal-related car accidents, and preventing feral colonies from growing. Responsible pet owners play a crucial role in keeping neighborhoods safer and healthier.
Acting now ensures your pet is healthier, happier, and not contributing to the pet overpopulation crisis. If you haven’t yet, schedule your pets spay or neuter appointment before spring arrives! SJC Pet Center offers low cost spay/neuter for only $60.00.
| | Essential Tips for Pet Owners | | |
Fleas and ticks can cause serious health issues for pets, so prevention is key.
1. Use Preventative Treatments
- Use vet-recommended flea and tick preventatives (topical, oral, or collars).
- Never use dog flea treatments on cats, it can be toxic.
2. Regularly Check Your Pets
- Inspect your pet’s fur, especially after outdoor activities.
- Focus on areas like behind the ears, under the legs, and around the tail.
3. Keep Your Home & Yard Clean
- Vacuum regularly, including pet bedding and furniture.
- Wash pet bedding and blankets in hot water weekly.
- Trim grass and bushes to reduce flea and tick habitats.
4. Bathe and Groom Your Pets
- Use a flea and tick shampoo if recommended by your vet.
- Brush your pet frequently to check for pests.
5. Be Mindful of Outdoor Exposure
- Avoid walking pets in tall grass or heavily wooded areas.
- Check for ticks after hikes or outdoor adventures.
6. Treat Your Home and Yard if Needed
- Use pet-safe flea sprays in areas where pets frequent.
- If you have an infestation, consult a pest control professional.
7. Keep Up with Vet Visits
- Regular check-ups help detect fleas and ticks early.
- Ask your vet about the best prevention plan for your pet’s lifestyle.
| |
Field Services
A Second Chance: Officer Holder's Rescue Mission
| | |
When Animal Control Officer Holder responded to a call about a stray dog wandering the streets, she had no idea she was about to change a life forever. The dog, a male brindle Bullmastiff named Jax was in heartbreaking condition. Emaciated and severely malnourished, he was weak from starvation, his ribs painfully visible beneath his dull coat. Despite his suffering, he greeted Officer Holder with gentle, hopeful eyes, as if he knew she was there to help.
Wasting no time, Officer Holder carefully transported Jax to a veterinarian, where the dedicated staff provided immediate care. From there, Jax was then transported to the Pet Center, provided food, water, and plenty of love. Jax slowly began his road to recovery. But Officer Holder wasn’t done yet. She was determined to find out where Jax came from and how he ended up in such dire straits.
The microchip information led her investigation to the original owner, who was shocked to learn what had happened. She had rehomed the dog to someone she believed would care for him, never imagining he would be neglected so severely. Heartbroken but relieved that her beloved dog had been found, she immediately decided to bring him home.
With tears in her eyes, she reunited with the dog, promising to nurse him back to health and never let him suffer again. Thanks to Officer Holder’s quick action and dedication, this gentle giant was given a second chance—not just at survival, but at love and happiness. It’s a powerful reminder of the impact that compassion and determination can have, not only for animals in need but for the people who love them as well.
| | Jax when brought in Jax now | | Honoring Officer Martin for 20 years of dedicated service at SJC Animal Control | | | | We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to Animal Control Officer Martin for his 20 years of dedicated service to St. Johns County. Throughout his career, Officer Martin has shown unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of both animals and our community. His compassion, professionalism, and tireless efforts have made a lasting impact, from rescuing animals in need to educating the public on responsible pet ownership. His work has helped countless pets find safety and care, and his dedication has been an invaluable asset to our team. Thank you, Officer Martin, for two decades of outstanding service. You are truly appreciated! | | The Girl Scouts had an unforgettable day at the Pet Center, filled with learning, creativity, and plenty of puppy love! They kicked off their visit by learning about pet safety and proper handling, gaining valuable knowledge on how to care for animals. The girls then got hands-on by assembling and decorating litter boxes, each one personalized for our shelter cats. They also explored the importance of enrichment for our dogs and handed out treats to keep them engaged and happy. Of course, no visit would be complete without some playtime, and the Scouts had a blast cuddling and socializing with our adorable adoptable puppies. It was a fun and educational experience for all, and we’re grateful for their enthusiasm and support for our shelter pets. Thank you for visiting the Pet Center! | |
Volunteer Spotlight
Beth Graham
| |
Since May 2024, Beth Graham has been making a tremendous impact at the SJC Pet Center through her heartfelt dedication to our animals. She plays a crucial role in helping our adoptable pets find loving homes by crafting engaging bios and capturing their unique personalities through photos for social media.
Beths favorite part of volunteering is spending quality time with the dogs and cats, helping them feel loved and secure. She takes the time to truly get to know each animal, ensuring her descriptions reflect their individuality and charm, helping them get adopted faster.
In addition to her writing talents, Beth is a valuable team member at offsite adoption events, where she goes above and beyond to showcase our pets to potential adopters. Outside of volunteering, she enjoys traveling, gardening, and cooking.
We’re incredibly grateful to have Beth as part of our volunteer family. Her passion and dedication make a real difference in the lives of our animals!
| | | |
Events
Petco Adoption Event
| | Our adoptable pets had a fantastic day out at the Petco adoption event! Galaxy, Marigold, Snoopy, and two of our adoptable cats Nevada and Flower charmed shoppers with their sweet personalities, soaking up the attention and enjoying their special outing. While no adoptions took place, the event gave these wonderful pets the chance to shine and meet potential future families. A huge thank you to our dedicated volunteers who made the day possible—your time and effort mean the world to these animals as they wait for their forever homes! | | Bartram Trail Library Cat Adoption Event | | | | We’ re thrilled to share that Sprout found his forever home at the Bartram Trail Library cat adoption event! This sweet feline captured the hearts of his new family, and now he’s living his best life surrounded by love and care. We couldn’t be happier for Sprout as he embarks on this exciting new chapter. A huge thank you to everyone who came out to support our adoptable cats. These events bring us one step closer to finding loving homes for more animals in need. | | Nocatee Farmer's Market Dog Adoption Event | | The Nocatee Farmers Market event was a fun-filled day for our furry residents Nixon, Jack Jack, Sadie Mae, and Rowen! While no adoptions took place on site, Nixon was adopted later in the day. Our pups had a blast soaking up the sunshine, meeting new people, and enjoying all the sights and sounds of the market. Events like these give our adoptable dogs a chance to experience new environments, socialize, and showcase their wonderful personalities. A big thank you The Friends of the Pet Center for hosting the event and to everyone who stopped by to give them love and attention! We hope to see you at our next event! | | | | Marigold, Ewok, Jack Jack, and Emerald had an exciting adventure this week, joining our dedicated volunteers Angela, Kristie, Jennifer, Cathy and SJC Park Naturalist for a four-mile hike through the scenic trails in Nocatee Preserve. Along the way, these adoptable pups soaked up the sights, sounds, and smells of nature while getting some great exercise and socialization. They also made plenty of new friends, charming fellow hikers with their playful energy and sweet personalities. Whether sniffing out interesting trails or stopping for loving pets, these four-legged explorers showed just how wonderful they would be as loving companions. It was a day filled with fun, fresh air, and new experiences, now all they need is a forever home! | | Upcoming Adoption Events - Find Your New Best Friend! | | |
Looking to add a furry friend to your family? Join us at our upcoming adoption events and meet some adorable, adoptable pets!
March 22nd, both cats and dogs will be available for adoption at Petco in Marsh Landing from 10 AM - 1:30 PM.
April 12th at Petco in Durbin Pavilion from 10 AM - 1:30 PM, where you’ll have the chance to meet wonderful cats and dogs ready to find their perfect match. Come out, say hello, and maybe even bring home a new best friend!
| | We love sharing happy tails. Some of our adopted pups, Cooper, Snoopy, Trixie, Lena and Gator are all thriving in their forever homes! Trixie has found her perfect spot, all snuggled up with her new family in their warm, cozy bed where she has sweet dreams. Gator is already living his best life, enjoying fun adventures, including a special trip to Five Guys! Snoopy is settling in beautifully, getting comfortable in his new home and soaking up all the love. Lena is ready to learn some tricks and enjoy those yummy treats. As for Cooper, he has never been happier, enjoying every moment with his new family. Seeing these beloved pets so happy reminds us why we do what we do, helping them find the loving homes they deserve! | | February Pet Center Stats | | |
28 Cat Adoptions
17 Cats Rescued
57 Cats Spay/Neuter
5 Cats Available for Adoption
| | | |
19 Dog Adoptions
7 Dog Rescued
29 Dogs Spay/Neuter
19 Dogs Available for Adoption
| | | | |
