Clay County Humane Society - Orange Park Florida

Humane Education
Humane education, the catalyst of our work, continues to be of the utmost importance to us. Our school presentations, facility tours, publication and speaking engagements are just some of the ways that we educate the public. Through our exhibits at fairs and festivals, we can speak one on one about humane issues with our community members and answer any questions they may have.

Wildlife Protection
Due to the increasing number of displaced, injured or orphaned wildlife, we have expanded and established a Wildlife Rehabilitation Program. In April of 1994, we received our Wildlife Rehabilitation license. We have cared for foxes, deer, squirrels, a variety of birds and many other animals that have found their way to us. A wildlife volunteer carries an emergency beeper, so we are on call for this service 24 hours a day.

Pet Therapy
Our Pet Therapy Volunteers visit 9 area nursing homes on a monthly basis. This program allows the elderly to spend time with a loving animal while also providing more socialization for the pet. The residents anticipate the monthly visits and the smiling faces that welcome the volunteers make the trip worthwhile. Word has spread, so whenever possible, we go to the facilities not regularly scheduled that have requested a visit to try to meet the community demand. Both animals and humans greatly benefit from these visits. We have cats as well as dogs that go and are always looking for qualified participants both two and four legged.

Pet Counseling Services
The Clay County Humane Society provides a "Pet Counseling Service" to people who are having behavioral or medical problems with their pets. Our staff offers information to help owners solve such problems so pet and owner can enjoy a healthy, happy relationship.

Lost and Found Pet Services
Our organization maintains a lost and found pet file, and acts as a referral agency when an individual is looking for their pet. Our staff is available to help in anyway possible and guide them through the reunion process. We receive approximately 2,500 calls annually for this service.

Paws with a Cause -- Health Care Program
In a program established with Paws for the Cause (a service dog program for the disabled), animals and dogs in training receive their initial care, vaccinations, x-rays and other required medical care at our veterinary clinic, free of charge. We also give the same service to another worthy organization, Southeast Guide Dogs.

Disaster Animal Response Team (DART)
In 1998 several volunteers took certification courses in animal rescue to form the areas DART team. Though we have no vehicle to handle rescue on a large scale, we assist with rescue when necessary. We often take the initiative by personally answering the distress calls, supplying pick up for the animals or aiding the caller with valuable emergency pet tips.