Shelters at maximum capacity, asking community to consider adoptions through Clear the Shelters

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Jacksonville Humane Society and Animal Care and Protective Services said they are at full capacity and can't accept any other animals in need. They are participating in the national Clear the Shelters event in hopes of creating space for other abandoned or neglected pets.

"August is always a challenging month for shelters, which is why Clear the Shelters takes place in August," Lindsay Layendecker, with JHS, said.

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In July, JHS reported 647 animals at its shelter. Layendecker told Action News Jax JHS has experienced its highest numbers yet this year.

"Right now, we're definitely seeing an increase at the Jacksonville Humane Society, especially for kittens. We've been talking about it all year. It's kittens, kittens, kittens, kitten crisis."

In April, Action News Jax reported about the kitten crisis at JHS. Layendecker said the shelter received more than 7,600 cats in 2018.

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"When we're getting kittens in record-breaking numbers, we really do reach out to the community and need their help for spay and neutering cats," Layendecker said. "Additionally, helping us foster, making donations and taking these little guys home."

PetSmart partnered with JHS and ACPS for the Clear the Shelter event. They brought in dozens of animals for free adoptions at the store off of Monument Road. Each day, the event is scheduled from 10 a.m to 4 p.m.​​​​​​ Aug. 17-18.

Cox Media Group