JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — This weekend, a multitude of dogs and cats from both the Jacksonville Humane Society and ACPS will be eagerly awaiting their new families under one roof.

Joining forces with at least six additional local shelters, these organizations will participate in Jacksonville’s Pet Adoption Festival, scheduled for October 25-26 at the Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center.

The festival is set to take place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on both days, Saturday and Sunday. Attendees will benefit from free nearby parking. Adoption fees have been waived, and all pets are already vaccinated and spayed or neutered.

“The Pet Adoption Festival showcases the incredible results when Jacksonville unites for the welfare of animals,” stated ACPS Chief Michael Bricker. “By collaborating with the Jacksonville Humane Society and our neighboring shelter partners, we are presenting a cohesive front dedicated to saving lives.”

Each year, ACPS says it takes in anywhere between 6,000 and 8,000 dogs and cats, sometimes leading to overcrowded kennels. That’s where events like this come in. 

“Hundreds of pets will find loving homes, and we will also be able to open up space for the next ones who need us,” said Bricker.

ACPS announced that it plans to bring more than 80 adoptable animals each day. You can preview the shelter’s available pets online or through its recently launched pet matchmaker app, PawFinder.

The shelter will be closed to the public for the duration of the event, but will reopen normally on Monday, Oct. 27.