Jacksonville — The Jacksonville Humane Society (JHS) is offering a free pet adoptions for teachers, administrators, and all other school personnel from Monday, August 1, to Friday, August 5, at the JHS Adoption, Education and Pet Help Center.
According to a recent JHS press release, a 2021 study from the Rand Corporation found that “a much higher proportion of teachers reported frequent job-related stress and symptoms of depression than the general adult population.”
Studies have also shown that human-animal interaction can lower stress and help mitigate depression. According to the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI), “Research has demonstrated the role of pet ownership and human-animal interaction (HAI) for improvements in mental health, including reduced anxiety (and) depression.”
The back to school event recognizes the hard work of the educators and school personnel, along with acknowledging the stressors of their duties. The Jacksonville Humane Society describes this adoption special as a thank you for the commitment that all school personnel shows to the children.
“Teaching is such an important job and it can also be emotional work, much like the work that happens in animal shelters,” said CEO Denise Deisler. “At JHS, we understand the importance of the human-animal bond and the role that pets play in bringing joy to our lives. Connecting pets with these dedicated educators is our small way of saying thank you.”
Teachers and school personnel can bring any form of a current ID to the Jacksonville Humane Society, located at 8464 Beach Blvd., during adoption hours and bring home a furry friend. The JHS is open for adoption from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends.
All pets are altered, vaccinated and microchipped prior to adoption. Adoption fees are waived for qualifying adopters during this event; additional may apply. For more information, please visit jaxhumane.org or call 904.725.8766.