Volusia County Animal Shelter to Mark Successful First Year with Three Days of Waived Adoption Fees

Posted On: September 30, 2026

The Volusia County Animal Shelter will mark its first anniversary of operation Thursday, Oct. 1, celebrating a year spent caring for animals, reuniting lost pets with their families, and providing a safe place for animals in need. To commemorate the milestone, Volusia County Animal Services will waive adoption fees for three days, inviting residents to mark the occasion by welcoming a new pet into their families.

The County shelter serves unincorporated Volusia County as well as the cities of Oak Hill and Pierson, with other municipalities responsible for animal sheltering within their respective jurisdictions. Within just these service areas, the shelter's first year has produced hundreds of positive outcomes for animals and families. Since opening Oct. 1, 2025:

• More than 250 animals found new homes through adoption.
• More than 250 lost pets were reunited with their owners.
• Nearly 200 animals continued their journey toward finding a home through partner rescues.
• More than 70 animals were placed in foster care.
• More than 130 animals were sheltered as part of investigations or when Animal Services assisted first responders in circumstances involving an owner's hospitalization, death or incarceration.

The shelter's reach has also extended beyond its jurisdictional service areas. Multiple municipalities have contracted with the shelter to house dogs requiring dangerous dog quarantine, reflecting the facility's specialized capabilities and its growing role as a resource for communities across Volusia County.

"This first year has shown just how important this shelter is to both the animals we serve and our community," said Volusia County Animal Services Director Angela Miedema. "Our team has cared for animals in critical condition, supported cruelty investigations, safely housed dangerous dogs under investigation, and helped hundreds of animals find their way home or to new families. I'm incredibly proud of the compassion our team brings to this work every day and all that we've accomplished together."

Residents can take part in the anniversary by finding a new four-legged family member, with adoption fees waived Thursday, Oct. 1, through Saturday, Oct. 3. The shelter, located at 2120 E. International Speedway Blvd. in DeLand, is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Those interested in adopting can get a head start by viewing pets currently awaiting their new homes at www.volusia.gov/adoption.