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.

Through Sept. 30, the Jacksonville Humane Society has $70 or less adoption fees for cats and dogs as part of Empty the Shelters, a nationwide adoption event sponsored by BISSELL Pet Foundation. The national animal welfare organization is celebrating its signature event's 10th anniversary. All pets are spayed or neutered, vaccinated and microchipped. A county licensing fee may apply. Adopters should bring a leash for a dog or a carrier for a cat. The society is at 8464 Beach Blvd. To view adoptable pets and get more details, go to jaxhumane.org.

Also, the society will sponsor

an Adopt Joy event from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, at PetSmart, 8801 Southside Blvd. in Jacksonville. Adoption fees for society cats and dogs will be waived but additional fees may apply. All pets are altered, microchipped and vaccinated prior to adoption. Local Adopt Joy events are supported by PetSmart Charities.

• 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.

Finnick is a 3-year-old, 51-pound male Labrador mix dog (ID No. A0061573975). He lives life like he's on a permanent vacation. His favorite hobbies include lounging in the sand, splashing around in the pool and conducting neighborhood investigations with his nose. He is equal parts adventurer and relaxation expert.

Ritter is a 1-year-old, 7-pound, male domestic shorthair cat (ID No. A0061597035). He is a connoisseur of fine naps, gourmet treats and affection. Some cats politely ask for pets — he rubs his head on you and assumes you've already agreed. His scarf says, "sophisticated gentleman." His behavior says, "pet me immediately."

• 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.

Mocha is a 1-year-old female mixed-breed dog (ID No. 61306829). She is very shy and may need a little extra time and patience to feel comfortable. But she has a sweet personality and is worth getting to know. She is still learning that the world can be a safe and happy place. She needs a patient family who will give her time to come out of her shell.

Baby Boy is a 1-year-old male mixed-breed dog (ID No. 61306811). He is gentle and has a sweet personality. He has lots of love to give and loves to give kisses and soak up all the attention he can get. He is still young and ready to make plenty of wonderful memories with a family of his own.

• 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.

Kane is a 1-year-old male terrier dog (ID No. 83142). He is lovable, sweet, well-mannered and ready to wiggle his way into his forever home. He is social and enjoys spending time with children and other dogs. He’s playful, gentle and always up for a game or cuddle. He is fully house and crate trained and prefers a home without cats.

Wally is a 1-year-old male domestic shorthair cat (ID No. 84390). He is cheerful and friendly, with a sunny personality and plenty of kitten-like fun still in him. He loves exploring, playing and soaking up attention from his favorite people. He has a lively, happy energy and is always ready to brighten the day with his sweet antics and warm affection. 

• 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.

Siggy is a 6-year-old, 50-pound female mixed-breed dog (ID No. A1479919). She is the social butterfly of the shelter, happiest when she is meeting people and soaking up all the attention and affection she can. She has never met a stranger. She walks well on a leash and accepts treats gently.

Tomato is a 1½-year-old, 12-pound male domestic shorthair cat (ID No. A1482177). He is calm, snuggly and wise beyond his years. He is happiest lounging on a perch watching the world go by or snuggling up on someone’s lap. He can’t wait to have a family to call his own again.

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