Crestview Animal Services has been selected to receive support from Best Friends Animal Society through the Jacksonville Humane Society, city officials announced Tuesday.

• The funding will focus on increasing live outcomes and developing programs aimed at keeping pets and their families together.

Crestview Animal Services cared for 550 dogs and cats in 2024. The shelter hopes resources provided through the Best Friends Shelter Collaboration will reduce animal surrenders by providing supplies for pets facing potential surrender.

On April 23, representatives from the Jacksonville Humane Society visited Crestview Animal Services to deliver essential pet supplies that will support families in need.

• “Pets are family, we applaud the efforts made at Crestview Animal Services to keep people and pets together,” said Lawrence Nicolas, Chief Executive Officer of the Jacksonville Humane Society. “Being able to assist families in need will have a tremendous impact on both pets and the people who care for them in Crestview.”

The grant provides funding for partner agencies to receive funding to transfer animals from Crestview Animal Services and covers spay/neuter procedures for shelter animals.

Lindsay Garrett, Crestview Animal Services Operations Manager, called the grant “a meaningful milestone” for the division.

• “It has been a very transformative year for Crestview Animal Services, and this grant is a major step forward in our mission to rescue, protect, and find loving homes for every animal in our care,” Garrett said.

The shelter is located at 715 N Ferdon Blvd and is open Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

City of Crestview Animal Control Officer Katie Healey encouraged community support through adoption, fostering, volunteering, donating or spreading awareness.

“More than anything, we ask that our community stand with us in building a better future for people and their pets,” Healey said. “This has been my mission since day one in animal welfare: to leave a mark by bridging the gap between need and access.”