​6/26/26 @ 11:00 a.m.

Nassau County Animal Services launched its Pet Food Pantry to help support local pets and the families who care for them. Located at 86078 License Road in Fernandina Beach, the pantry is open every Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. for Nassau County residents, with proof of residency requested.

Since its introduction in April, the program has already made a positive impact. May marked the first full month of operation, and NCAS distributed more than 600 pounds of dry pet food and over 30 cans of wet food to help local families continue caring for their pets.

This donor-supported program focuses on making pet food more accessible while building partnerships with local organizations already assisting residents. NCAS has partnered with three local food banks and hopes to expand these partnerships in the coming months to reach even more pets and families in need.

Community members are encouraged to support the pantry by donating dry or wet pet food and storage bags, following along for updates, and helping name the pantry as the program continues to grow.

Through this collaborative effort, Nassau County Animal Services is helping strengthen the community by keeping pets healthy, supported, and with the families who love them.

If you have any questions, please contact NCAS at (904) 530-6150.

-Sabrina Robertson
 Communications Officer

5/9/26 @ 9:00 a.m.

​The Nassau County Board of County Commissioners proudly congratulates Animal Control Officer Marty Pruitt on receiving the 2026 Excellence in Teen Programming Award from the Florida Association of Extension 4-H Agents.

This prestigious statewide award recognizes outstanding youth development programming that helps teens build leadership skills, community involvement, and personal growth through innovative and impactful initiatives. Recipients are selected based on the success of their programs, measurable community impact, and dedication to empowering youth.

Marty’s recognition is a reflection of his passion, hard work, and commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of young people throughout Nassau County. His efforts continue to inspire and strengthen our community, and Nassau County is fortunate to have someone so dedicated serving at Nassau County Animal Services.

Please join the BOCC in congratulating Marty on this incredible and well-deserved achievement.

-Sabrina Robertson
 Communications Officer

4/30/26 @ 2:30 p.m.

​Give a shelter dog a second chance while helping teens build lifelong skills. The Dog Program is more than just training; it’s an opportunity for local youth to learn responsibility, compassion, and proper animal care through hands-on experience with shelter pets. As teens work with the dogs on socialization, basic commands, and confidence-building, the animals become more comfortable and ultimately more adoptable for their future families.
​
This incredible partnership between 4-H and Nassau County Animal Services continues to make a positive impact for both our youth and our shelter pets. Applications are now open for another pawsome year!  To learn more, please click here. 

-Sabrina Robertson
 Communications Officer

4/16/26 @ 9:00 a.m.

​At its meeting on Monday, April 13, 2026, the Nassau County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) proudly approved a proclamation recognizing April 12–18, 2026, as National Animal Care and Control Appreciation Week.

Designated by the National Animal Care & Control Association (NACA), this week highlights the critical role Animal Control Officers (ACOs) and Animal Services staff play in protecting both public safety and animal welfare. These dedicated professionals serve on the front lines, responding to calls for service, investigating cases of neglect and cruelty, reuniting lost pets with their owners, and helping manage potentially dangerous situations involving animals.

In Nassau County, their impact is significant. During Fiscal Year 2024/2025 alone, Animal Services responded to more than 8,100 calls for service, facilitated the adoption of over 1,600 pets, and worked with rescue partners to transfer animals for additional adoption opportunities. They also participate in community events across northeast Florida, helping connect pets with loving homes and educating residents on responsible pet ownership.

Often working in challenging and sometimes dangerous conditions, Animal Services staff remain committed to protecting animals from harm while safeguarding the community from health risks such as rabies and other diseases. Their efforts not only save lives but also help build a more compassionate and responsible community.
​
Through this proclamation, the BOCC extends its sincere appreciation to Nassau County Animal Services employees for their tireless dedication and encourages residents to recognize and thank these individuals for the essential work they do every day.

-Sabrina Robertson
​ Communications Officer

10/22/25 @ 12:30 p.m.

​Join Nassau County Animal Services for the Jacksonville Pet Adoption Festival on October 25 & 26, 2025, from 10 AM – 6 PM at the Prime Osborn Convention Center (1000 Water St, Jacksonville, FL).
​
Eight amazing local shelters are coming together  with hundreds of adorable dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens, all waiting to find their forever homes.

Festival Highlights:
 - Free adoptions (yes, you read that right!)
 - Free parking
- Convenient downtown location
- Endless tail wags, purrs, and happy hearts

Don’t miss your chance to meet your new best friend!

Please note that the NCAS facility will be closed on October 25 & 26 as personnel will be at the festival helping pets find their people!

-Sabrina Robertson
 Communications Officer

10/9/25 @ 3:45 p.m.

​Nassau County BOCC staff are aware that a recent social media post has circulated claiming that the vendor who provides mobile veterinary services to Nassau County Animal Services (NCAS) is in breach of their contract with the County. The post originated from the Facebook Page “Nassau Voices for Animals & Shelter Reform” and has been reshared on multiple local pages by a former NCAS volunteer. These allegations are categorically false. The vendor is not in breach of their contract, and there are no “serious discrepancies”, as alleged. Rather, Nassau County’s mobile veterinarian is a valued partner of NCAS in providing necessary surgeries and other medical services to animals at the shelter.

It is necessary that the false allegations against Nassau County and NCAS’s valued partner are addressed directly and clearly as the allegations go beyond misunderstanding the contract. It makes baseless accusations of fraud against Nassau County staff and NCAS’s mobile veterinarian, which we cannot leave uncorrected. Their claims are not accurate, as further substantiated in detail here on our webpage. 

It is extremely disappointing and unfortunate that individuals chose to forgo constructive dialogue with county staff prior to posting false allegations. The details of the contract and the vendor’s services would have been explained and would have quickly dispelled any misunderstandings. Open dialogue helps resolve issues, improve services, and ensure the best outcomes for the animals in NCAS care.

Unfounded inflammatory posts on social media, however, are not productive. They undermine public trust, harm staff morale, and can potentially cause organizations and vendors, like NCAS’s valued mobile veterinarian, to question whether they want to partner with NCAS in the future if they, too, could be defamed online. This in turn impacts the animals that we are all here to support.

Nassau County remains committed to serving this community with integrity and compassion. If you or others would like to better understand NCAS operations, county staff are happy to provide information and answer questions directly.
Thank you for your continued support of Nassau County Animal Services and for keeping the focus where it belongs—on the well-being of the animals.

10/9/25 @ 2:00 p.m.

​If you’ve been waiting for a sign to add a furry friend to your life , this is it! Kennels are full of wagging tails and heart-melting eyes waiting to meet you!

Whether your looking for a running buddy, a couch snuggler, or a partner-in-crime for weekend adventures, be sure to visit Nassau County Animal Services as they currently have 84 amazing dogs looking for homes, and 9 more that could potentially be available for adoption if not claimed.

Thanks to a generous donation, all adoptions are FREE through 4pm on Sunday October 13th.

Location: 86078 License Road, Fernandina Beach, FL (next to the DMV)

Shelter Hours:
• Tuesday, Thursday–Sunday: 11 AM – 4 PM
• Wednesday: 1 PM – 6 PM
• Closed Mondays & Holidays

Start your adoption application: nassaufl.co/NCASadoptions
​
Interested in fostering? Apply here: nassaufl.co/NCASfoster
​
Browse available dogs here: nassaucountyfl.com/520/Adoption-Dogs

-Sabrina Robertson
 Communications Officer

9/12/25 @ 1:00 p.m. 

SAVE THE DATE!

The Nassau County Sheriff's Office is hosting Nassau Night Out on Tuesday, September 30, from 4–6 PM at Hagan Ace Hardware in Callahan!

Bring the family to check out our vehicles, snap photos, and hang out with our deputies and staff.
Meet community partners like Micah's Place, First Coast Crime Stoppers, Nassau County Fire Rescue, Starting Point Behavioral Health, Nassau County Emergency Management, and more!

Nassau County Animal Services will also be there with adoptable pets who can't wait to meet you!

Don’t miss this FREE, fun, family-friendly event! Questions? Email [email protected].

-Sabrina Robertson
 Communications Officer

9/7/25 @ 8:30 p.m. 

The Board of County Commissioners and Nassau County Animal Services would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the International Association of Firefighters – Local 3101 (Nassau County Fire Rescue) for sponsoring this weekend’s adoption event at Petco in Yulee. Thanks to their generosity, adoption fees of up to $500 were covered, pet beds and supplies were purchased. Member of Nassau County Fire Rescue came out in person to walk dogs, interact with potential adopters, and spread the word about giving shelter pets a second chance.
​
Because of their efforts, 10 animals found loving new homes! Partnerships like these make an incredible difference for our community, showing how much can be accomplished when local organizations come together for a shared cause. Local 3101 went above and beyond, not only providing financial support, but also dedicating their time and energy to help our shelter pets. We are truly grateful for their commitment to both public service and animal welfare.

-Sabrina Robertson
 Communications Officer

8/26/25 @ 2:15 p.m. 

At the Monday, August 25, 2025 meeting, Nassau County Fire Rescue Professionals Local 3101 made a generous donation to Imagine Nassau to support a new facility for Nassau County Animal Services. 

Imagine Nassau is the Board of County Commissioners’ (BOCC) nonprofit organization created to foster charitable and educational activities through fundraising and grants in four key areas: Nassau County Parks & Recreation, Nassau County Animal Services, Nassau County Fire Rescue, and the Conservation Land Acquisition and Management (CLAM) Program.

In December 2022, a needs assessment was conducted for a new animal shelter. The study analyzed the existing facility, explored potential future use options, and identified long-term funding strategies.  In June 2024, the BOCC closed on a 6.76-acre property on State Road 200, chosen for its central location and high visibility. 

The future new facility will provide a healthier environment for animals and expand capacity to meet future growth. Features will include separate lobbies for intakes and adoptions, adoption galleries, isolation rooms, puppy play yards, walking trails, a cattery, quarantine areas, administrative offices, and even a barn for housing large animals.
​
The BOCC extends its deepest appreciation to Local 3101 for their generosity and continued commitment to the community. Their support goes beyond their service as first responders. It reflects a true dedication to improving quality of life for both residents and animals across Nassau County. This donation is an inspiring example of how community partnerships can make lasting impacts.

The future Nassau County Animal Services facility is currently being designed. Stay tuned for details on a capital campaign to support the construction.

-Sabrina Robertson
​ Communications Officer

The Board of County Commissioners is pleased to announce that Best Friends Animal Society has recognized Nassau County Animal Services (NCAS) as a no-kill shelter for 2024. Shelters receiving this recognition saved more than 90% of the dogs and cats in their care. NCAS has maintained its no-kill status for ten years and while it has received recognition from the Best Friends Animal Society at various times over the past decade, 2024 marks the second consecutive year NCAS has been recognized for the No-Kill Shelter Award.

Best Friends Animal Society, a leading national animal welfare organization dedicated to ending the killing of dogs and cats in America’s shelters, commended NCAS for achieving results that can inspire shelters across the state.

“This accomplishment represents so much more than a number. It reflects a culture of caring and compassion. It represents a dedicated staff, committed volunteers, and motivated supporters. It showcases innovative, thoughtful programs and extraordinary leadership, both within the organization and throughout the broader animal welfare movement,” stated Julie Castle, Chief Executive Officer for Best Friends Animal Society.

NCAS uses a variety of strategies to maintain its no-kill status. Efforts include collaborating with animal rescue groups and reuniting pets with their owners, whenever possible. NCAS also goes and beyond to showcase adoptable animals at adoption events throughout Northeast Florida. These events are crucial as they significantly increase the chances of finding permanent homes for animals, reducing overcrowding and promoting the benefits of adopting. The events also create a sense of community among animal lovers and offer opportunities for participating shelters to educate the public about responsible pet ownership.
During Fiscal Year 2023/2024, NCAS successfully adopted 1,698 animals into loving homes, transferred 109 animals to rescue partners, and reunited 478 pets with their owners. NCAS also located foster families for 952 pets, providing them with a warm, safe home while they were waiting to be adopted.

NCAS Director Tim Maguire stated, “I am incredibly proud of our employees who work tirelessly to care for animals in need. From cleaning kennels to feeding, walking, and bathing, these individuals give each pet the love and attention it deserves while in our care. I also appreciate our outstanding volunteers who dedicate their time to supporting NCAS staff and helping us achieve our mission.”

Volunteers are especially important to shelters because they assist in providing essential care, socialization and enrichment of each pet, ultimately increasing their adoptability. Last year, volunteers dedicated nearly 4,500 hours to NCAS. Their efforts included walking, feeding, watering and bathing pets, washing linens, cleaning kennels, and fostering pets that are too young to be adopted. Volunteers are the backbone of the shelter and are critical to the success of NCAS so we greatly appreciate them and all they do!

If you’re looking for your next pet, be sure to check out NCAS. They have pets in all sizes, colors, and personalities. You’re sure to find the perfect match for your family!

The shelter is located at 86078 License Road in Yulee. Shelter visiting hours are Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 11am-4pm; Wednesday from 1pm-6pm; and Saturday and Sunday from 11am-4pm.

If you’re unable to adopt at this time but still want to make a difference, NCAS welcomes volunteers! Visit www.nassaufl.co/NCASVolunteers today to fill out a volunteer application and make a positive impact for the animals in our community.

-Sabrina Robertson 
​ Communications Officer