ALACHUA COUNTY, FL - Many have expressed concern that the animal shelter is closed for intakes with the 4th of July weekend approaching. It is typically a very busy weekend for animals being brought to the shelter. It is important to understand the shelter is in a crisis overcrowding situation. The existing staff is in crisis. They can not handle more animals. The County will not require it of them.

This 4th of July weekend, Animal Resources and Care are asking animal owners to make every effort to secure their pets.

Helpful tips include:

-Leave your pets at home when you go to parties, fireworks displays, parades, and other gatherings. Loud fireworks, unfamiliar places, and crowds can all be very frightening to pets, and there’s a great risk of pets becoming spooked and running away.

-Consider putting your pets in a safe, escape-proof room or crate during parties and fireworks.

Read more 4th of July pet safety tips.

For more information, contact Alachua County Communications Director Mark Sexton at 352-264-6979 or [email protected].

If you have a disability and need an accommodation in order to participate in a County program, service or public meeting, please contact the Alachua County Equal Opportunity Office at (352) 374-5275 at least 2 business days prior to the event. TTY users, please call 711 (Florida Relay Service).

VISIT THE ALACHUA COUNTY WEBSIT