JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Animal Care & Protective Services has partnered with the Five Star Veterans Center to launch a new program called Mission: Adoptable, pairing shelter dogs with veterans for weeklong breaks.
Under the initiative, shelter staff deliver a dog each week to the center, where the animal is paired with a veteran interested in learning about animal care.
The program aims to give shelter dogs temporary breaks from the shelter environment and promote them for adoption, while offering veterans stress relief through animal interaction.
ACPS said the program completed its first weeklong trial featuring a 3-year-old dog named Bizkitasaurus, who was paired with a veteran named Dustin. Shelter staff reported that Bizkitasaurus walked well on a leash, visited the beach for the first time and gradually gained confidence while meeting new people during her stay.
Dustin reported that spending the week with the dog increased his overall happiness and encouraged him to go outside more frequently than usual.
Veterans participating in the program provide shelter staff with photos, videos and written notes detailing each dog’s behavior and personality in a home setting to assist with adoption placement.
Animal Care & Protective Services provides all animals, supplies and guidance for the initiative. The shelter is located at 2020 Forest St. and is open seven days a week from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.
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