text: Alachua County Animal Resources (ACAR) has experienced a large surge in recent weeks of animals coming into the shelter. While the goal at ACAR is to adopt animals quickly to save lives, exceeding our capacity is unhealthy for the animals and staff.
  Currently, we are pausing all intakes unless an animal is in critical need of our care due to illness, injury, or a threat to public safety. ACAR hopes to decrease the population very soon and resume normal operations. We appreciate the communities help and understanding during this difficult time.
  Those who want to foster or adopt one of their animals should contact ACAR at 352-264-6870 or visit
  The shelter will remain open to the public for adoptions and reclaims. The Animal Resource Officers will continue to respond to calls from the community concerning public safety. Residents should call 911 in the event of an emergency. The shelter staff will still be available to assist animals (brought in by bystanders, not owners) needing immediate veterinary treatment.
  If you find a free-roaming pet and choose to get involved, please attempt to locate the owner. Here are some tips for reuniting pets with their owners:
  - Think LOST, not STRAY. Many animals never return home because the finder assumes the animal has been abandoned or dumped when the animal has just accidentally gotten out.
  - Their owner may be frantically looking for their pet but doesn't know the best way to go about it. Pets that have been out for even a short time may look neglected and appear frightened or skittish, giving the impression that they were abused or abandoned.
  - Secure the pet, look for any injuries, and provide water. Note the exact location you found the pet. If possible, walk the pet around the neighborhood, asking others if they recognize it.
  - Check for an identifying rabies tag or name tag. Call and text the owners OR call ACAR with the rabies tag number.
  - Check for a microchip at any vet clinic.
  - Take a photo of the pet in good lighting. Get a front-on nose shot that shows the pet's face and complete a "Found Pet" form at https://24petconnect.com/.
  - After filling out the "Found Pet" form, please also post the found pet on your neighborhood and local lost and found social media pages.
  - Gainesville Pet Finder is one of Alachua County's main Lost and Found Facebook groups along with https://NextDoor.com, where you can post specific to your neighborhood.
  - Do not mention gender or collar details. Remember, the goal is to locate the owner, not re-home the pet immediately. If you are contacted by another person directly claiming to be the owner, ask for proof of ownership before returning the pet. If you aren't sure what to do, contact ACAR for assistance.
  - Post signs in the neighborhood. Include a photo and your contact info.
  For more information, contact Alachua County Animal Resources Director Julie Johnson at 352-258-9047.