Wakulla County proclaims March 29 'Adopt a Shelter Pet Day'; shelter reports large seizure and improved facilities

Wakulla County commissioners on March 17 adopted a proclamation declaring March 29, 2025, as “Adopt a Shelter Pet Day” for the county, marking an adoption event that staff said will include free adoptions funded by a Spark Good Association grant.

Walter, speaking for the county’s Animal Adoption Center and Animal Control, described multiple recent facility improvements — interior and exterior painting, plumbing and electrical repairs, new epoxy flooring and improved fencing and signage — and said the renovated spaces helped the center handle a large seizure of animals last month. Walter said the shelter currently is caring for 69 animals (44 dogs and 25 cats) and that the original seizure had involved 18 dogs and two cats; staff later said that the number of dogs from the original seizure had increased to 23 as puppies were born. Walter said the county did not yet have legal possession of the animals; he said a filing is pending and the matter is scheduled to be heard April 14, 2025.

Walter also described volunteer support for the shelter — about 24 volunteers total, roughly 12 regular volunteers — and invited the public to the March 29 adoption event. The board adopted the proclamation by motion and second during the meeting.

Staff emphasized the adoption center’s public-safety and animal-welfare roles and thanked the grants department for securing the Spark Good Association grant to cover free adoptions during the event.

Commissioners agreed to the proclamation without recorded dissent.