Take your pick from these dogs and cats yearning for a home

Cold Noses, The Florida Times-Union's weekly pet column, features dogs and cats available for adoption at area government-run animal shelters and animal welfare-related news.

The Jacksonville Humane Society will join animal shelters and rescue organizations across the country in the ASPCA’s Rescue Effect campaign, a nationwide adoption campaign. The society will waive adoption fees from Saturday, Sept. 5, through Monday, Sept. 7, at its 8464 Beach Blvd. shelter. Additional fees may apply. To view available pets and get more information, go to jaxhumane.org.

Also, adoption fees will remain waived at Jacksonville Animal Care and Protective Services until Sept. 13. The waiver was part of the shelter's recent public appeal for people to adopt or foster

dogs to help ease expected overcrowding. The shelter currently houses 433 dogs in 64 kennels with more soon to arrive from two large impound cases.

"Every kennel we free up by sending a pet to foster or to a loving home means we can help another animal in need," Animal Care Chief Michael Bricker said. "Being this full is hard on both the dogs and the staff caring for them … Lifesaving requires everyone in a community."

Over the past year, the shelter had record lifesaving despite record demand: nearly 30% more animals, but 44.5% more adoptions. View pets via the shelter's new app — at jacksonville.gov/categories/mobile-apps/jaxpawfinder. The shelter is at 2020 Forest St.; hours are noon to 7 p.m. daily.

• St. Johns County Pet Center, 130 N. Stratton Road, St. Augustine. Call [phone] or go to sjcfl.us/departments/animal-control. To view available animals, go to petfinder.com/member/us/fl/st-augustine/st-johns-county-animal-control-pet-center-fl751. Friends of the St. Johns County Pet Center has shelter cats available for adoption Saturdays at PetSmart, 1779 S. U.S. 1 in St. Augustine, facebook.com/fosjcpc.

Rocky is a 10-month-old male mixed-breed dog (ID No. 84878). He arrived shy and unsure, but is slowly showing his soft, sweet personality. He thrives with calm voices, slow movements and a predictable routine. His ideal home would be quiet, with patient adults, older dog-savvy children and another dog for companionship.

Nina is an under-a-year-old female domestic shorthair kitten (ID No. 84995). She’s playful, gentle and affectionate. She is adventurous and loves exploring new spaces. When she’s not busy chasing toy mice, she enjoys quiet cuddle time. She would thrive in a home that offers affection, patience and plenty of fun.

• Nassau County Animal Services, 86078 License Road, Fernandina Beach. Call [phone]. To view available animals, go to nassaucountyfl.com/845/Animal-Services or facebook.com/NassauCountyAnimalServices. Kittens are available for adoption at Petco stores at 463713 Florida 200 in Yulee and 11900 Atlantic Blvd. in Jacksonville; Tractor Supply Co., 463184 Florida 200 in Yulee; and Pet Supplies Plus, 6500 Georgia 40, St. Marys, Ga.

Plumb is a 4-year-old female mixed-breed dog (ID No. 61241876), She can be a little shy when meeting new people, but with a little time her sweet personality begins to shine through. She gets along well with other dogs and is ready for the chance to find a home of her own.

Charlie is a 3-year-old male mixed-breed dog (ID No. 61253032). He is very friendly with people and enjoys spending time with other dogs. His outgoing, social personality makes him a wonderful companion and he is ready for a home of his own.

• Clay County Animal Services, 3984 W. Florida 16, Green Cove Springs. Call [phone] or email [e-mail]. To view available animals, go to claycountygov.com/community/animal-services.

Trini is a 5-year-old, 65-pound female mixed-breed dog (ID No. A0060180617). At the shelter, she is a playgroup rockstar, dog play-style expert, greeter, helper and all-around very good girl. But she is ready to start her forever life. She deserves a couch, a family and a soft place to land. Her only responsibility should be deciding where to nap.

Mr. Bigglesworth is a 15-year-old, 10-pound male domestic shorthair cat (ID No. A0061620695). He is laid back and has plenty of personality. He is ready to enjoy his golden years in a cozy home where he can relax, soak up the sunshine and be treated like a VIP. He may even enjoy an indoor-outdoor lifestyle. He is at the Orange Park Petsmart.

• Jacksonville Animal Care and Protective Services, 2020 Forest St. Call [phone] or email [e-mail]. To view available animals, go to coj.net/pets or facebook.com/jaxanimalcare. Interested adopters can also check out the animals using the shelter's new PawFinder App at jacksonville.gov/categories/mobile-apps/jaxpawfinder.

Conway Twitty is a 2 year old, 55-pound male mixed-breed dog (ID No. (A1477464). He has an easygoing nature and snuggly personality. He loves attention, adventure and belly rubs. He is treat-motivated — taking them gently from your hand — and will sit on command. He is a favorite of shelter staff and volunteers.

Haha is a 9-month-old, 5-pound female domestic shorthair kitten (ID No. A1481402). She is silly and playful. She loves toy mice — and the boxes they come in — and tasty wet food and Temptations treats. She also loves being petted and getting snuggles from her people. She wants a home to call her own.

Adoptable animals are also available at Putnam County Animal Services, which recently moved to a new location at 122 Orie Griffin Blvd., Palatka. Call [phone], option #1. To view available animals, go to putnampals.com.

Beth Reese Cravey has been a reporter for The Florida Times-Union for 45 years, currently specializing in nonprofits and health. She can be reached at [e-mail].

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Take your pick from these dogs and cats yearning for a home