These are the dogs who have currently been at Alachua County Animal Resources the longest. This page is updated weekly with profiles of the collected pictures and notes of volunteers and staff at Alachua County Animal Resources.

Our goal is to offer a more complete picture of the dogs who have been at ACAR the longest (most close to a year), and give them the extra attention they need to finally find their forever home.

Visit profiles by clicking on each dog.

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  • Manatee

    I am Manatee, a freshwater hippo who wants to let you in on a little secret….I’m a mermaid. Crazy, I know. But the second the sprinkler comes out, I go BANANAS in the best way possible! I will spend aaaall day running through the sprinkler and trying to grab the water in the air. I’m…

  • Bolo

    Be On the Look Out for the best boy ever…oh wait, that’s ME! Hey there, I’m Bolo. I’m a thoughtful, quiet, and charming fellow who is so easy to get along with. I’m about a 7.5 years old, and let me tell ya, I’m ready to retire into a loving home with a big, warm…

  • Mako

    Our little Mako shark is our longest-term resident. He has gone several weeks without anyone asking to meet him. He patiently sits in the front of his kennel, greeting everyone with a big smile and wagging tail and cheers on his friends when they get adopted. He is really, really hoping today will finally be…

Why Long Term Shelter Dogs Are at Risk

Long-term shelter dogs often struggle the most to capture the attention and affection of potential adopters. The longer they spend in the shelter, the more likely they are to show stress-related behaviors that don’t endear them to potential adopters.

However, all to often, these behaviors vanish the moment the dog is given a chance in a proper home.

Many of these dogs have been in the shelter for close to a year.

Extended periods in a shelter environment can lead to a range of behavior problems that aren’t a reflection of the dog’s true personality, but are instead a direct consequence of the stress and limited social interaction in the shelter.

Long term dogs in foster care get a break from the stressful shelter environment but long-term residents live under a ticking clock as shelter life exacerbates anxiety and other behavioral issues, making them less appealing to adopters who want dogs that seem easier to integrate into their homes.

Long term shelter dog decompressing on a dog day out

What about Rescues?

Organizations like the Humane Society of Alachua County and smaller rescues like Plenty of Pit Bulls play a crucial role in rescuing dogs that have been at ACAR for an extended period. However, they are constantly full and can only pull dogs if they have foster homes.

A Call to Action: Foster and Adopt

This is where you come in. Fostering or adopting a long-term shelter dog can provide a dog with a much-needed respite from the stresses of shelter life. It is an opportunity for these dogs to relax in a home environment, show their true colors, and increase their chances of finding a permanent home.

Fostering is also incredibly beneficial for potential adopters.

It offers a trial period to understand the dog’s personality outside the shelter environment and to see how they fit into your lifestyle before making a long-term commitment.

How You Can Help

If you are considering adding a new member to your family (temporarily or permanently), please think about the long-term shelter dogs at ACAR. These dogs have waited far too long for a chance to be part of a loving home. If adopting is too big of a commitment at this time, consider fostering.

For more information, contact Alachua County Animal Resources

Can you help out a long term shelter dog?

Note: Rescue Dog Home isn’t affiliated with Alachua County Animal Resources or any other rescue. These profiles are made independently, in a hope to give these dogs the extra boost they need to get the attention they deserve.