JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Jacksonville Humane Society has launched a campaign to encourage residents to adopt large dogs, using the stories of former shelter dogs now living with families.
The campaign, called “Go Big. Go Home Together.,” features a 30-second commercial and updates from the dogs’ adoptive families. It celebrates life after adoption and encourages residents to consider the big dogs still waiting for homes.
The campaign comes as JHS and shelters nationwide face challenges placing larger dogs. In 2025, JHS found homes for 1,679 dogs weighing more than 30 pounds, down from 2,185 in 2022. That is a decline of about 23% in three years.
“Big dogs have so much to offer, and this campaign is about giving them the attention they deserve,” said Lawrence Nicolas, JHS CEO. “By highlighting adopted JHS dogs and the lives they share with their families, we’re showing our community the companionship, joy and love a big dog can bring. We hope these stories inspire more people to get to know the large dogs in our care and consider welcoming one home.”
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Adoption event
JHS is partnering with the City of Jacksonville’s Animal Care & Protective Services, known as ACPS, for an adoption event Oct. 17-18 at JHS, 8464 Beach Blvd. ACPS will be on site with additional dogs for visitors to meet.
The ACPS shelter at 2020 Forest St. will also remain open throughout the weekend.
“Jacksonville always shows up for animals,” said Michael Bricker, ACPS chief. “Go Big. Go Home Together. is our chance to come together with the Jacksonville Humane Society, remove adoption fees, and help more pets leave the shelter and start their next chapter at home.”
How to help
Community members can watch and share the commercial, follow the featured dogs’ stories and visit JHS to meet available pets.
Those not ready to adopt can share adoptable dogs with their networks or explore opportunities to foster.
The commercial and available pets can be viewed at jaxhumane.org/gobig.
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