Cheddar came to the shelter as a stray on 10/3/25 and has shown himself to be a friendly, social, and affectionate dog who truly enjoys being around people. He is playful and energetic, loving to run and chase, and while he can be a bit pushy with his enthusiasm, he also has a sweet, cuddly side—often choosing to sit right next to you on the bench for attention. Volunteers report he knows “sit,” takes treats gently, and enjoys human companionship even more than toys. Recently, Cheddar was diagnosed with a high-grade cutaneous mast cell tumor. The bulk of the mass was removed, but due to its location, clean margins were not possible, and cancer cells extend beyond the main tumor. Because of this, Cheddar may be considered a hospice candidate, focusing on comfort and quality of life rather than further aggressive treatment. He deserves a calm, loving home where he can be spoiled, cherished, and kept comfortable for the time he has ahead—something no dog should have to wait for in a shelter.
Cheddar came to the shelter as a stray on 10/3/25 and has shown himself to be a friendly, social, and affectionate dog who truly enjoys being around people. He is playful and energetic, loving to run and chase, and while he can be a bit pushy with his enthusiasm, he also has a sweet, cuddly side—often choosing to sit right next to you on the bench for attention. Volunteers report he knows “sit,” takes treats gently, and enjoys human companionship even more than toys. Recently, Cheddar was diagnosed with a high-grade cutaneous mast cell tumor. The bulk of the mass was removed, but due to its location, clean margins were not possible, and cancer cells extend beyond the main tumor. Because of this, Cheddar may be considered a hospice candidate, focusing on comfort and quality of life rather than further aggressive treatment. He deserves a calm, loving home where he can be spoiled, cherished, and kept comfortable for the time he has ahead—something no dog should have to wait for in a shelter.
We occasionally have reduced adoption fees- check our MCAS Facebook page to see if we have a current special.
If you find an animal you'd like to adopt, come right in, there are no appointments necessary.
Our adoption fees are only $50.
We occasionally have reduced adoption fees- check our MCAS Facebook page to see if we have a current special.
If you find an animal you'd like to adopt, come right in, there are no appointments necessary.
Go meet their pets
If you see a pet that you like on this site, hurry in before someone else beats you to it! (No need to email us first.)
You are invited to meet our pets anytime during our business hours. We also have cats available at the Ocala Petsense (East Silver Springs Blvd) store everyday. We regularly have adoption events which we advertise on our Facebook page.
If you see a pet that you like on this site, hurry in before someone else beats you to it! (No need to email us first.)
You are invited to meet our pets anytime during our business hours. We also have cats available at the Ocala Petsense (East Silver Springs Blvd) store everyday. We regularly have adoption events which we advertise on our Facebook page.
More about this shelter
Marion County Animal Services is the largest animal shelter in our county. Operating as a no-kill shelter, our kennels are almost always full. We provide adoption, fostering opportunities, work with rescues, accept volunteers and provide the training for veterinary assisting students. In addition, we run the Neuter Commuter and provide all animal control services in Marion County.
Due to the sheer volume of animals in our care, we need lots of help from our community in our effort to adopt out more and save more!
We don't only accept the ideal animals into our shelter. We can offer you quite the array of animal breeds and personalites! Keep an open mind when visiting our shelter- you may find that your perfect match is not at all what you set out to find.
We're here to help you as well as our homeless and lovable animals.
Marion County Animal Services is the largest animal shelter in our county. Operating as a no-kill shelter, our kennels are almost always full. We provide adoption, fostering opportunities, work with rescues, accept volunteers and provide the training for veterinary assisting students. In addition, we run the Neuter Commuter and provide all animal control services in Marion County.
Due to the sheer volume of animals in our care, we need lots of help from our community in our effort to adopt out more and save more!
We don't only accept the ideal animals into our shelter. We can offer you quite the array of animal breeds and personalites! Keep an open mind when visiting our shelter- you may find that your perfect match is not at all what you set out to find.
We're here to help you as well as our homeless and lovable animals.
Other pets at this
shelter
We'll also keep you updated on CHOPS's adoption status with email updates.
