What is the Breed Policy?

• 2 August 2023

Effective Date: April 29, 2015

Policy

The Division of Animal Control for St. Johns County will make every effort to find homes for animals coming under their control. Animals that are candidates for adoption will be evaluated for temperament and suitability for adoption by staff relying on professional training and experience. Any decision that an animal deemed as unsuitable for adoption will be reviewed by the Manager of the Division of Animal Control for St. Johns County before such animal is disposed of.

Discussion

The Division of Animal Control for St. Johns County receives approximately 5,000 pets every year. Each animal that enters the shelter is unique in personality, preferences, and potential. The Division will make an effort to afford every shelter pet that is suitable for adoption the greatest opportunity to find a forever home.

The Division believes each potential adoption can be evaluated on temperament alone without labels which may interfere with an objective evaluation process. The Division’s Goal is to boost adoption numbers for shelter pets.

Procedure

1. Animals brought into the St. Johns County Pet Center will be held for the required holding period under the existing policies of the Division. If not claimed during this period the animal will be evaluated for suitability for adoption.
2. Animals found suitable for adoption will be listed in the Division’s inventory of adoptable pets.
3. Animals found not suitable for adoption will be documented as to their lack of suitability, and this documentation will be reviewed by Manager of the Division of Animal Control for St. Johns County for a final determination. If the Manager of the Division of Animal Control for St. Johns County determines the evaluation is accurate he/she will sign the documentation and the animal will be disposed of according to the Division’s policies.
4. Animals surrendered by their owners will be evaluated at the earliest opportunity, and will be treated as provided in
   sections 2 and 3.
5. The provisions of this policy will not apply to animals deemed “Aggressive” or “Dangerous” under Florida State Law or St. Johns County Ordinances, but will be processed according to those laws and ordinances.