What Jacksonville Humane Society does

Jacksonville Humane Society (JHS) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit animal welfare organization, EIN 59-0624410, headquartered at 8464 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville, Florida. Its mission is to provide care and shelter for abandoned and orphaned animals while engaging the community to advance no-kill outcomes. Core services span dog and cat adoption (with sub-programs for working cats, community pets, and Dolly's Dream Dogs), spay/neuter surgery including community cat TNVR programs, veterinary care funded through the JHS Medical Fund, a foster care network, and a pet food bank to prevent pet relinquishment. Adoption fees are routinely waived during national events (Bissell Empty the Shelters, Florida MEGA Adoption Event, Subaru Loves Pets) and discounted to $20-$25 during weekend promotions.

Operational technology comprises third-party SaaS rather than proprietary systems: Waitwhile for waitlist management, ShelterLuv for foster matching and animal records, QGIV for event ticketing (e.g., the 28th Annual Toast to the Animals), and Petco Love Lost for pet reunification. Pet listings are distributed via Petfinder and the jaxhumane.org website. JHS runs an active TikTok channel (@jaxhumane) and email/newsletter marketing in support of an event-driven go-to-market model. Distribution is multi-channel: the Beach Boulevard Adoption Center plus off-site adoption events at PetSmart Southside, PetSmart Town Center, Petco Marsh Landing, Petco Durbin Pavilion, Subaru of Jacksonville, and Prime F. Osborn Convention Center.

Revenue mechanics are diversified across individual donations (one-time and recurring giving), corporate partnerships (Subaru of Jacksonville, PetSmart, Petco, Papa Johns, Jaguars Foundation, CSX, Latham Foundation, Farah & Farah, Corporate Traffic), adoption fees (variable), grants (ASPCA, Florida Animal Friend, PetSmart Charities, Petco Love), special events (Toast to the Animals gala), and cause-marketing programs (Papa Johns code JAXHUMANE donating 20% of sales). Customer and donor segments include individual adopters, volunteer supporters, military veterans (via the Paws & Stripes program and Academy), existing pet owners needing assistance, community cat caregivers, and corporate partners. JHS operates under CEO Lawrence Nicolas following the transition from Denise Deisler, with Kevin Kane serving as Paws & Stripes Coordinator.

Name

Jacksonville Humane Society

Legal name

Jacksonville Humane Society

Website

https://jaxhumane.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1885

Operating status

Operating

Short description

Jacksonville Humane Society is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit animal shelter in Jacksonville, Florida, offering pet adoption, spay/neuter and veterinary services, foster programs, education, and the Paws & Stripes veteran volunteer and career-training program, funded by donations, grants, events, and corporate partnerships.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Animal Welfare Services

NAICS

Pet Care (except Veterinary) Services (81291), Veterinary Services (54194)

akta.pro primary industry

Animal Shelters & Adoption Services (BPAGAIAA)

akta.pro secondary industry

Companion Animal Veterinary Clinics & Hospitals (AFAEANAA)

Keywords

• Animal shelter services
• Pet adoption services
• Spay and neuter
• Veterinary care services
• Animal welfare programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Jacksonville

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Pet Adoptions: Revenue from adoption fees for dogs, cats, and kittens. Fees vary by event and promotion, from waived fees during special events to standard fees.
2. Annual Fundraising Events: 28th Annual Toast to the Animals is the premier annual fundraising event featuring tastings from local restaurants, wine/beer service, and silent/live auctions. Proceeds support the JHS Medical Fund for critical lifesaving medical care.
3. Individual Donations: Individual donations through online portal, monthly giving programs, and one-time contributions. Donors can give via the website or through various campaigns.
4. Corporate Partnerships: Corporate sponsors support events and programs. Partners include Subaru of Jacksonville, PetSmart, Petco, Papa Johns, and others who provide financial or in-kind support.
5. Pet Food Bank Donations: Community donations of pet food items to support the Pet Food Bank that helps keep pets with their families.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Jacksonville Humane Society operates a nonprofit animal shelter and adoption center providing pet adoption for dogs, cats, working cats, and community pets; on-site spay/neuter and veterinary medical services; foster care placement; pet food bank assistance; community cat TNVR programs; youth and adult education programs; and the signature Paws & Stripes veterans volunteer and workforce training program. All adopted pets are spayed/neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped prior to placement.

Product overview

Jacksonville Humane Society operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit animal shelter offering a comprehensive range of animal welfare services centered around pet adoption, veterinary care, and community education. The core offerings include pet adoption services (dogs, cats, working cats, community pets), spay/neuter and veterinary medical services, foster care programs for underage kittens and puppies, and community outreach through pet owner assistance including a pet food bank. Education programs serve youth through summer camps, reading programs, and field trips. Specialized programs include the Paws & Stripes veterans program offering volunteer opportunities and workforce training through the Paws & Stripes Academy. Major adoption events like Toast to the Animals (annual fundraiser), Florida MEGA Adoption Event, Empty the Shelters (Bissell partnership), and PetSmart/Petco adoption events drive community engagement and adoptions. The organization is supported by partnerships with Petco Love, Florida Leaders in Lifesaving, Fetch Pet Insurance, and various local business sponsors.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Pet Adoption Services Adoption of dogs, cats, kittens, puppies, working cats, community pets, and Dolly's Dream Dogs program pets. Every adopted animal is spayed/neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped prior to placement.
• Spay & Neuter Services Surgical sterilization services for dogs and cats, including Community Cat TNVR (Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate, Return) programs to control feral cat populations.
• Veterinary Services On-site medical care including emergency surgeries, specialized treatments, and ongoing veterinary care for shelter animals, funded through the JHS Medical Fund.
• Foster Care Program Structured foster placement for cats, kittens, dogs, and puppies, with JHS providing veterinary care, supplies, and food to foster parents.
• Pet Owner Assistance (Pet Food Bank) Community pet food bank and support resources to help families keep their pets rather than surrender them, including Chewy and Amazon wishlist donation channels.
• Community Cats Program (TNVR) Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return services for outdoor and feral community cats to humanely manage population and improve welfare.
• Education Programs Youth and adult education including summer camps, Pawsitive Reading, field trips and classroom visits, teen programs, homeschool helpers, and adult programs.
• Paws & Stripes (Veterans Volunteer Program) Structured volunteer program for military members, active-duty service members, and veterans at the JHS shelter, supporting animal welfare engagement and community reintegration.
• Paws & Stripes Academy Free job-skills training program for veterans transitioning to civilian life, offering classroom instruction and hands-on shelter training in animal welfare and veterinary medicine careers.
• Lost & Found Services Pet reunification services including microchip registration support and connection to the Petco Love Lost database to help owners recover lost pets.
• Disaster Planning Services Emergency preparedness guidance and resources for pet owners during hurricane season and other disasters.
• Pet Training Resources Training resources and guidance for pet owners to address behavior and care issues.
• Dog Day Out Volunteer program allowing participants to take shelter dogs out for day trips, providing enrichment and socialization.
• Toast to the Animals Annual Gala Premier annual ticketed fundraising event (28th edition in 2026) featuring tastings from local restaurants, wine and beer service, and silent and live auctions, with proceeds supporting the JHS Medical Fund.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 400,000 pets adopted nationally through Empty the Shelters since 2016
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration6 records

Feature2 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core, strategic and supportive.

• Bissell Pet FoundationcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerNational partnership for Empty the Shelters adoption events. JHS participates in this nationwide adoption event which waives adoption fees to help more pets find homes. Since launching in 2016, Empty the Shelters has helped more than 400,000 pets across the US and Canada.
• Petco LovecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnership through Florida Leaders in Lifesaving program. Petco Love provides support and recognition for JHS's lifesaving initiatives. Also sponsors Florida MEGA Adoption Event and provides Petco Love Lost reunification tool.
• PetSmart CharitiescoreGTM or Marketing PartnerNational Adoption Week partnership. JHS brings adoptable pets to PetSmart Southside location for adoption events. PetSmart Charities provides funding and support for adoption initiatives.
• Subaru of JacksonvillecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerAnnual FREE pet adoption events at Subaru of Jacksonville dealership during Subaru Loves Pets Month (October). Local dealer partners with JHS to host adoption events and waive adoption fees.
• FIVE Star Veterans CenterstrategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership to recruit veterans for Paws & Stripes program. Collaboration provides additional resources to veterans served by both organizations.
• K9s for WarriorsstrategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership to recruit veterans for Paws & Stripes program. Both organizations serve military veterans and collaborate on providing pathways to meaningful service and companionship.
• Papa JohnssupportiveGTM or Marketing PartnerFundraising partnership where Papa Johns donates 20% of sales to JHS when customers use code JAXHUMANE. Partnership runs June 1 - August 31 across participating locations in Clay, Duval, Nassau, and St. Johns counties.
• Fetch Pet InsurancesupportiveGTM or Marketing PartnerPet insurance referral partnership promoted through the adoption process to help new pet owners protect their adopted pets.
• VCA Animal HospitalssupportiveTechnology or IntegrationPaw Partner providing veterinary services and support for shelter animals.
• Animal Care & Protective Services (ACPS)strategicStrategic or Co-development PartnerCity of Jacksonville animal services department partnering with JHS for Empty the Shelters events and other adoption initiatives.
• PetfindersupportiveTechnology or IntegrationPet listing integration allowing JHS adoptable pets to be visible on Petfinder platform, extending reach to potential adopters nationwide.

Scale indicators13 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Best Friends Animal Society: Best Friends Animal Society is a national no-kill animal welfare organization with shelter operations, spay/neuter, and national advocacy programs. It pursues the same lifesaving mission as JHS but at vastly greater scale and geographic reach.
• Petco Love: Petco Love (formerly the Petco Foundation) funds lifesaving programs at shelters nationwide, including JHS's Florida Leaders in Lifesaving recognition and Florida MEGA Adoption Event. It is a core operating partner and a competitor for donor share.
• Humane Society of the United States (HSUS): HSUS is the largest U.S. animal protection advocacy and direct-care organization, operating shelters, sanctuaries, and grant programs. It overlaps with JHS at the policy/advocacy level and competes for donor attention nationally.
• PetSmart Charities: PetSmart Charities is the philanthropic arm of PetSmart and funds national adoption week events, in-shelter grants, and pet welfare initiatives. It is a direct operational partner of JHS and shapes the national adoption-event calendar on which JHS relies.
• ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals): The ASPCA is a national animal welfare organization providing rescue, anti-cruelty, shelter, and grant-making services. It is a current financial partner of JHS (funding Subaru Loves Pets events) and competes for national donor dollars while supporting JHS's local work.

Others

• Petfinder: Petfinder is the largest online pet adoption directory in North America and a direct listing-integration partner of JHS. It does not operate shelters but functions as a critical marketing and placement channel for JHS's adoptable pets.

Direct peers

• SPCA Florida: SPCA Florida (Lakeland, FL) is a regional 501(c)(3) animal shelter offering adoption, spay/neuter, veterinary services, and education programs. It is highly comparable to JHS in mission, service breadth, and Florida geographic exposure, making it the most direct operating peer.
• Humane Society of Tampa Bay: Humane Society of Tampa Bay operates a regional animal shelter with adoption, low-cost spay/neuter clinic, and community education programs in a major Florida metro—directly mirroring JHS's service mix and mission. The two organizations compete for the same donor and adopter pools at the regional level.
• Animal Care and Protective Services (City of Jacksonville): Jacksonville's city-run animal services department (ACPS) is explicitly a strategic partner of JHS for Empty the Shelters and other adoption initiatives. It operates the same adoption and animal control services in JHS's primary service area, making it both a competitor and a co-marketing partner.

Emerging players

• Bissell Pet Foundation: Bissell Pet Foundation is a national pet welfare foundation running the Empty the Shelters adoption event (400K+ pets placed since 2016) that JHS participates in. It is event-driven and grant-making rather than directly operating shelters, putting it in an adjacent but partnership-heavy peer role.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Customer concentration

• TikToktiktok.com/@jaxhumane?lang=en
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/jacksonville-humane-society

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Jacksonville Humane Society