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.

In conjunction with PetSmart Charities National Adoption Week, the Jacksonville Humane Society will waive adoption fees Saturday, Oct. 24, and Sunday, Oct. 25, for cats, dogs, kittens and puppies at its shelter and PetSmart’s Southside store. Staff and volunteers will be at both locations to help potential adopters spend time with pets, ask questions and find the right match. Hours will be 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days at the society, 8464 Beach Blvd.; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the PetSmart store, 8801 Southside Blvd. To view available pets for adoption, go to jaxhumane.org/adopt.

• 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.

Ivan is a 14-month-old male mixed-breed dog (ID No. A1481992). He is a goofy and has a smarty-pants brain. He's a perfect gentleman and loves a good game of fetch but will also amuse himself by playing with toys and throwing his tennis ball around. He knows the “sit,” “shake,” “stay” and “down" commands.

Callie is a 1½-year-old, 10-pound female domestic medium-hair cat (ID No. A1478353). She is sweet, clever and full of life. She's lived with other cats and a small dog before. Her ideal day is spent climbing shelves, hiding in boxes, chasing feather toys and snuggling with her people.

• 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.

Sheba is a 3½-year-old female pit bull mix dog (ID No. 85236). She is sweet, lively, loving, energetic and house-trained. She loves playing and soaking up attention. She can be a jumper when excited — she wants to be close to her people. She gets along well with children and other dogs, but a meet-and-greet is recommended. She is heartworm-positive, but with proper treatment and continued care, she’s well on her way to a healthier future.

Peppermint Patty is a 5-year-old female domestic shorthair cat ( ID No. 86026). She is calm, loving and affectionate. She can be shy at first, but her sweetness shines through. Once she feels comfortable, she loves attention and being petted, offering quiet affection and tender companionship in return. She’s ready to become a devoted friend.

• 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.

Scar is a 2-year-old, 55-pound male Catahoula Leopard mix dog (ID No. A0061257764). He is sweet and house-trained. He loves squeaky toys and chewing on toys. He gets anxious when left alone, does not enjoy being crated, has tried to escape and is afraid of cars. He needs a patient and understanding family who can help him build confidence when he is alone. He knows the "sit" and "no" commands.

Sonya is a 2-year-old, 10-pound female domestic shorthair cat (ID No. A0061837796). She is sweet, active and cuddly. She starts as a thoughtful observer and blossoms into a playful cuddle bug. She has previously lived with children and is familiar with family life. She enjoys Fancy Feast dinners, Blue Buffalo crunchies and a healthy supply of treats.

• 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, Georgia.

Lomi is a 1-year-old, male mixed-breed dog (ID No. 61406370). He has plenty of life ahead of him. He hopes his next chapter starts in a loving home with a perfect match. He is ready to find a family of his own.

Inoki is a 2-year-old female mixed-breed dog (ID No. 61406420). She is sweet. She is still young and has so much love and companionship ahead of her. She could be the perfect addition to a family.

Adoptable animals are also available at Putnam County Animal Services, 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