I’ve lived in Jacksonville over four years now and a huge part of the environment and lifestyle here is dogs. I’ve never thought of myself as a dog lover, but things sure have changed. I decided to get my dog Rocky about a year and a half ago and I couldn’t believe all the fun I was missing! I take Rocky to a local dog park in Jacksonville Beach at least a couple times a month. Every time I go I meet new people and as a first time pet owner there’s a lot to know. I usually get pretty useful advice from these loving dog owners, for instance when Rocky became around six months old it was time to get him neutered. Well I met this lovely lady at the dog park, Cindy, she introduced me to the no more homeless pets program. This program provides funds for spaying or neutering your cat or dog. You go to your regular vet and provide the paperwork and wah-la you can spay or neuter your pet for a minimal payment of only two dollars (to register your pet with the city). I was astonished at how easy it was, instead of paying the just about two-hundred dollars to neuter Rocky I got a major discount thanks to my conversation with Cindy at the dog park. The program is designed to eliminate the killing of dogs and cats in our community through free and low-cost spay and neuter programs on the first coast. So if you just got your first pet I definitely recommend taking a look at First Coast No More Homeless Pets for great deals, and it’s for a great cause. Jacksonville is a very pet-welcoming city, we even have hotels that are pet-friendly including the Omni in downtown, Candlewood Suites,  Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Homewood Suites, and the Hotel Indigo even has a canine cocktail event every week. What if you’ve got meetings planned all day and you can’t play with your fluffy friend? Well you won’t believe it but Jacksonville is the original home of Pet Paradise Resorts. This resort is the ultimate pet boarding experience as well as a day care and even a groomer. After your pet gets relaxed and all cleaned up you guys can head down to the Jacksonville Landing in downtown for Yappy Hour, don’t forget it’s B.Y.O.D (bring your own dog). So next planned business trip or even vacation you can bring your family pet and he or she is welcome in Jacksonville anytime!

 -Jessica Arm