The Jacksonville Humane Society and the city's Animal Care and Protective Services division will waive adoption fees for dogs and cats Saturday, Oct. 17, and Sunday, Oct. 18, as part of a campaign encouraging more residents to adopt large dogs.

The "Go Big. Go Home Together." adoption event runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days at the Jacksonville Humane Society, 8464 Beach Blvd., and the city shelter at 2020 Forest St.

Animal Care and Protective Services will also bring additional adoptable dogs to the Humane Society location.

Although the campaign focuses on larger dogs, cats and dogs of all sizes will be available for adoption, according to the Jacksonville Humane Society's event announcement.

Large-dog adoptions decline 23%

The campaign comes as the Humane Society works to reverse a decline in adoptions of larger dogs.

The organization placed 1,679 dogs weighing more than 30 pounds in 2025, compared with 2,185 in 2022, a decrease of approximately 23%, according to Action News Jax.

Nationally, dogs weighing more than 40 pounds wait nearly twice as long to be adopted as smaller dogs, according to Best Friends Animal Society figures cited by the Humane Society.

"Big dogs have so much to offer, and this campaign is about giving them the attention they deserve," said Lawrence Nicolas, the organization's CEO.

The campaign features a 30-second commercial, photographs and stories from families who adopted large dogs.

One featured adopter, Kenneth, brought home a dog named Santi after losing his longtime service dog.

Kenneth described Santi as a "giant cuddle bear" who enjoys playing, meeting people and spending time with his family.

"Big dogs have big love and just want the same back," Kenneth said in an Oct. 9 Humane Society post.

Two shelters offer free adoptions

The Jacksonville Humane Society is partnering with the city's Animal Care and Protective Services division to help more animals find homes during the weekend event.

"Jacksonville always shows up for animals," said Michael Bricker, chief of Animal Care and Protective Services.

"Go Big. Go Home Together. is our chance to come together with the Jacksonville Humane Society, remove adoption fees, and help more pets leave the shelter and start their next chapter at home."

Visitors can meet adoptable animals at either shelter, with staff available to answer questions and help prospective adopters find a suitable pet.

Residents who are not ready to adopt can support the campaign by sharing information about available animals or exploring foster opportunities.

Where to adopt Oct. 17-18

The free-adoption event runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at both locations:

  • Jacksonville Humane Society: 8464 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville.
  • Animal Care and Protective Services: 2020 Forest St., Jacksonville.

Adoption fees will be waived for dogs and cats at both shelters throughout the weekend.

Residents can view adoptable animals and learn more about the campaign at jaxhumane.org/gobig.