The holiday season is here, a time for joy, warmth, and gatherings with those we love in cozy homes. Yet, for so many pets in Jacksonville, this season will be spent in shelters, waiting for a family to call their own. But this holiday, you can make a big difference in their lives—whether it’s by offering companionship, providing a temporary home, or simply lending a hand. Here’s how you can spread holiday cheer to these animals in need.
Ways to Give: Helping Local Shelter Pets in Jacksonville
At 9 to 5 Pets, we’re passionate about connecting our community with opportunities to support animals in need. Here are some ways you can make a difference for shelter pets this season.
1. Volunteer Your Time to Walk, Play, and Comfort Shelter Pets
Many animals spend their days in shelters without the love and warmth of human companionship. By volunteering your time, you can brighten their days and provide much-needed exercise and comfort. The Jacksonville Humane Society (JHS) offers a volunteer program where you can sign up to help in ways that include dog walking, giving pets company, or even lending a hand with shelter duties. Find out more about volunteering with JHS here.
Fur Sisters, an incredible local organization, also seeks dedicated volunteers to help care for their rescues and support events that promote pet adoption. You can learn more and sign up to volunteer with Fur Sisters here.
2. Take Part in a “Dog Day Out” Adventure
If you’re not able to commit to volunteering long-term, JHS’s “Dog Day Out” program is a great option! This program allows you to take a shelter dog out for a few hours of fun—whether it’s a walk on the beach, a hike, or a cozy coffee date. It’s a fantastic way to give a shelter dog a change of scenery, socialization, and some holiday love! Plus, it’s a memorable experience for you too. See more about “Dog Day Out” and sign up here.
3. Open Your Heart and Home to a Foster Pet
Fostering can make a significant difference in a pet’s life, providing them with a home environment and reducing stress. During the holidays, shelters are often overcrowded, and fostering frees up crucial space. If you’re able to open your home to a foster pet for a short time, you can help make their journey to finding a permanent home a little easier.
The Jacksonville Humane Society and F.U.R. (Florida Urgent Rescue) offer fostering programs that provide supplies and support, so all you need to give is your love and time. Fostering also helps dogs and cats acclimate to home life, making them more adoptable. Read more about fostering with F.U.R. here or with JHS here.
4. Consider Adopting a New Furry Friend
Thinking of adding a new family member this holiday season? Adopting a pet is one of the best ways to give an animal a second chance. Jacksonville’s shelters and rescues have countless loving animals waiting for forever homes.
On our 9 to 5 Pets Pet Connections page, you’ll find a list of Jacksonville’s most trusted rescues and shelters, including S.A.F.E. Pet Rescue, which rescues cats and dogs from high-kill shelters, and Fur Sisters, who specialize in saving dogs facing imminent euthanasia.
Consider adopting a pet and make this holiday season one you’ll never forget.
5. Donate Supplies or Funds to Support Local Shelters
Not everyone can volunteer or foster, but donating supplies or funds is another powerful way to help. Local shelters often rely on donations to cover medical expenses, food, bedding, and other essential supplies. Many shelters, including JHS and S.A.F.E.., keep wish lists online, detailing their most-needed items. Whether it’s a bag of pet food, a warm blanket, or a small financial gift, every donation makes a big impact.
You can check out JHS’s wish list here and S.A.F.E.’s here.
How to Get Involved with Local Shelters This Holiday Season
To make it easier to support local shelters, we’ve gathered a list of a few Jacksonville-based organizations and their specific programs where your involvement can make a big difference:
- Jacksonville Humane Society: Volunteering, fostering, “Dog Day Out” program, donation wish list.
- Fur Sisters: Volunteering, fostering, adoption events.
- S.A.F.E. Pet Rescue: Adoption and fostering opportunities, supply donations.
- F.U.R. (Florida Urgent Rescue): Fostering, donations, volunteering.
Each of these organizations provides critical care and second chances for pets, and every bit of support helps bring them closer to finding homes for animals in need.
Make This Holiday Season Special for You and a Pet in Need
This holiday season, consider spending a little extra time giving back to Jacksonville’s shelter pets. Whether you walk a shelter dog, provide a foster home, or support these wonderful organizations with a donation, you’re offering hope, comfort, and joy to animals who need it most.
Explore more ways to help by visiting our Pet Connections page on our website to learn about these shelters and find the perfect way to make a difference. With just a small effort, you can bring a bit of holiday magic into a shelter pet’s life—and perhaps find that the best gift of all is the joy of giving.
Happy Holidays from all of us at 9 to 5 Pets!