City of Jacksonville Animal Care and Control Pre-Adoption Sterilization Program

Shelter operated by city/county consolidated government.
Shelter Intake FY 01/02: 18,678
Pets Adopted FY 01/02: 3,982

Situation Statement:The state of Florida's law requiring sterilization of adopted animals was currently being satisfied by sending a certificate along with each adopted pet allowing for a sterilization at the countyÕs expense at any local Veterinary clinic. It is unclear if this type of program actually satisfied the states shelter adoption laws.

The Mayor’s Task Force Report of July 2001 urged that pre-adoption sterilization be implemented immediately by establishing a temporary surgery facility at the current shelter and then by building a surgery suite capable of high volume sterilization in a new shelter that was to be built.

Solution: Establishing a temporary surgery facility was accomplished by purchasing a modular building designed as a surgery suite and properly equipping it for high volume surgery. The shelter Veterinarian at that time had a strong hand in the successful design of the modular facility.
Cost and Funding:
Modular building $30,285
All other costs
(includes engineeringcharges, plumbing, equipment and medical supplies)		 $61,296
Total Cost to install & equip: $91,581
Above does not include any employees or surgeons.

Advantages of this system:
  • No additional transporting of pets, easier on pets and staff
  • Encourages adoptions by having pets ready to go upon adoption approval.
  • Will help to fully utilize current Veterinary staff.
  • Helps justify adding Veterinary staff through adoption fee income.
  • Flexibility of in-house services.

Disadvantages of this system:

  • High start-up cost.
  • May require adding surgeons, techs and assistants to staff.

>> Next: Nassau County Humane Society Pre-Adoption Sterilization Program