Pets make their way into people’s lives and become family. Here in St. Johns County, there’s no doubt that we love our pets. And all over the area, there are rescues working hard every day to care for, rehome, and love the animals that have been lost, abused, or are unwanted. If you’re thinking about adding another member to your family, we’ve rounded up eight organizations in the area that are wonderful places from which to adopt.
AYLA’S ACRES
Along with education, outreach, adoption, and fostering programs, Ayla’s Acres maintains a 45-acre sanctuary where “unadoptable” animals may live out their lives with peace, love, and dignity. Their thrift shop is located on King Street and profits go directly toward the efforts of the rescue.
www.aylasacres.org
K9S FOR WARRIORS
K9s for Warriors provides service dogs to military veterans suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disability. The organization provide them with a service canine, equipment, training, certification, seminars, legal instruction, vet care, housing, home cooked meals, unconditional love and listening, and a lifetime of wrap-around services (including available life-long health care and food for their dogs). Find their adoptable dogs on Facebook at K9s For Warriors – Operation Rescue Dog Connection.
www.k9sforwarriors.org
S.A.F.E. PET RESCUE
Founded in 2008, S.A.F.E. saves adoptable dogs and cats from euthanasia in Northeast Florida. Their resale store in St. Augustine Beach supports the work of the rescue and there you can meet a few of the adoptable animals. You can also head to their second location seven days a week for dog adoptions.
www.safe-pet-rescue-fl.com
ST. AUGUSTINE HARLEY ANGELS DOG RESCUE
This non-profit, no-kill pet rescue takes animals from the streets of St. Augustine and from uncaring and abusive owners. A group of volunteers fosters each animal until a home is found. Each sick or injured animal is treated by a veterinarian, and the organization specializes in finding homes for older dogs and those with special needs.
www.sahadogrescue.org
ST. AUGUSTINE HUMANE SOCIETY
The Humane Society strives to eliminate the need for families to relinquish their pets to shelters, enabling pets to live happily and healthfully in their homes. They address issues pet owners face when struggling to maintain the health of their household pets, including the inability to afford pet food, veterinarian fees, unsterilized animals, and behavioral problems. They have a network of foster families and families looking to re-home their pets.
www.staughumane.org
ST. JOHNS PET CENTER
The St. Johns County Animal Control Pet Center houses, holds, and adopts out stray and unwanted animals. Every third Saturday of the month, you can visit their adoptable animals at the Nocatee Farmers Market. They require each adopted animal to be micro-chipped and the fee to do so is $10.
www.co.st-johns.fl.us/animalcontrol/petcenter
SWAMP HAVEN RESCUE
Their mission is to provide short-term care and a personalized Swamp Haven experience for down-on-their-luck dogs in the rural and underserved communities of Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia. Their goal is to not just find a home, but the right home, and they pride ourselves on a lifelong commitment to each and every dog that comes through their door.
www.swamphaven.org
WAGS & WHISKERS
Wags & Whiskers is a small group of volunteers that fosters cats and dogs – some come from owners who are no longer able to care for them. Others are taken from local shelters, yet still others come from the streets. Those rescued from the streets often arrive sick or injured and are subsequently treated by veterinarians. They also operate a low-cost spay/neuter assistance program (SNAP).
www.wwpetrescue.org
Featured image via Swamp Haven Rescue Facebook page