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.

Adoption fees will remain waived at Jacksonville Animal Care and Protective Services until Sunday, 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.

• 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.

Honor is an 8-month-old female mixed-breed dog (ID No. 61255812). She is young and playful. She loves spending time with other dogs, has done well in playgroups with dogs of all sizes and enjoys being able to run, play and socialize with them. She wants a home where she can get exercise, attention, continued training and plenty of playtime.

Jules is an 8-month-old male mixed-breed dog (ID No. 61255833). He’s at a fun age where everything is still new and exciting and he has plenty of growing, learning and exploring ahead of him. He plays well with other dogs of different sizes. He would benefit from continued training, regular exercise and a family routine.

• 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.

Mila is a 4-year-old, 21-pound female mixed-breed dog (ID No. A0061653162). She is sweet and shy. Shelter life has her feeling overwhelmed, but given a little time to settle in and build confidence, she will discover just how good life can be. A home with a canine companion may be just what she needs to come out of her shell.

Calico Creek is a 3-year-old, 9-pound female domestic shorthair cat (ID No. A0061679749). She is charming and has absolutely no intention of being ignored. She’s ready to trade shelter life for sunny windows, cozy naps, tasty treats and a family who understands that calico girls come with a little extra personality. She is at Petsmart Orange Park.

• 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.

Maxo is an almost 2-year-old male mixed-breed dog (ID No. A1473642). He is calm, polite and loving, a true gentleman with supreme good manners. He loves going on field trips around the city and observing everything around him. He knows how to balance outdoor adventures with relaxing right by your side. He is young and happy go lucky.

Paste is a 2-year-old, 12-pound male domestic shorthair cat (ID No. A1482427). He is an easy-going guy who loves passing the days at the shelter in the Cat Cafe window watching the world go by. He has lived with cats and dogs before. He would be a household's feline friend who’s still a kitten at heart.

• 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.

Ranger is a 1-year-old male shepherd mix dog (ID No. 84531). He is friendly, curious and affectionate and has a zest for life. He thrives on activity, exploration and play, making every moment an adventure. He is eager to learn new tricks and meet new friends. He would make a perfect companion for anyone with a love for energetic adventures.

Mr. Grey is an adult male domestic shorthair cat (ID No. 85253). He is charming, affectionate and loving. He adores being close to his people, offering warm cuddles and gentle companionship. He is also very playful and enjoys fun, games and silliness. He’s ready to bring joy, love and lively moments to a forever home.

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