SPCA Albrecht Center for Animal Welfare

Established in 1935, the SPCA Albrecht Center for Animal Welfare is a private, non-profit organization operating under IRS Section 501c3. We have been placing thousands of homeless and neglected animals into loving forever homes for over 85 years.
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We depend solely upon local donations to support our efforts to save the lives of homeless dogs and cats in our community, and receive no regular funding from state or federal agencies, or from the ASPCA (a completely separate entity).

Our success is due to the efforts of dedicated SPCA Albrecht Center employees and volunteers, support from our Board of Directors, as well as the generous donations and continued support of our animal-loving community.

MISSION

We strive to improve the lives of companion animals by rehoming abused, abandoned, and neglected pets while fighting for their well-being through vigorous legislative efforts, humane education, and by offering affordable veterinary care for all.

VISION

We envision a world in which every animal has a safe and loving home, access to quality veterinary care, and where the unfailing love and devotion of a companion animal is valued by all.

VALUES

INTEGRITY

Always act honestly, ethically and transparently for the benefit of abandoned, abused and neglected animals to ensure their highest wellbeing.

KNOWLEDGE

Sharing our skills and spreading awareness of our mission to help reduce pet overpopulation.

COMMITMENT

Dedication to Aiken and beyond as a resource center for the community’s homeless animals, as well as personal pets.

RESPECT

Ensure respect for animals’ lives through education and action in our community and beyond.
The SPCA Albrecht Center for Animal Welfare consistently maintains a live release rate above 90%, exceeding the commonly accepted benchmark for what is often called a “no-kill” animal shelter. However, the term “no-kill” has become increasingly misunderstood.Many people understandably interpret it to mean that no animal is ever euthanized. In reality, humane euthanasia remains an important, though heartbreaking, part of responsible animal sheltering.

When an animal is suffering with no reasonable hope of recovery or poses an unmanageable danger that cannot be safely treated or rehabilitated, euthanasia may be the kindest and most humane option. We never make these decisions lightly, and they are never made out of convenience or lack of compassion.Humane euthanasia is, by definition, intended to relieve suffering – not to cause it – and when it becomes necessary, it is performed with the utmost care, respect, and compassion for the animal.

The term also oversimplifies the complex work of animal shelters.Perhaps most importantly, it unintentionally creates the impression that shelters fall into “good” and “bad” categories, when in reality animal welfare organizations across the country are working within vastly different legal responsibilities, community resources, and operational challenges.Every organization operates under different circumstances. Some shelters are open-admission and mandated to accept every animal that comes through their doors. Others have the ability to limit admissions or transfer animals elsewhere.

Communities also differ dramatically in the resources available to support homeless pets, including access to affordable veterinary care, spay/neuter services, foster homes, volunteers, rescue partners, adopters, and funding.These factors have a significant impact on shelter outcomes and are often beyond the control of the people working tirelessly inside them. Rather than focusing on a single label or statistic, we believe a shelter should be evaluated by the quality of care it provides, its commitment to each animal, its transparency, and the programs it invests in to save lives and keep pets with their families whenever possible.

Our Commitment to Lifesaving

We are committed to providing every healthy and treatable animal with compassionate care, individualized medical and behavioral treatment, and every reasonable opportunity for a positive outcome through adoption, foster care, medical treatment, behavior support, and community programs.

We do not euthanize animals because they have been here too long or simply to create space for another pet. When an animal is suffering beyond recovery or cannot be safely rehabilitated, however, humane euthanasia may be the most compassionate choice.Every decision we make is guided by one principle: the welfare of the individual animal. That includes providing every animal with the highest standard of care, treating each life with dignity and compassion, and continually working to improve outcomes for the animals and people who depend on us.

Visit our Impact page to see how your support + our dedicated team makes a positive difference in the lives of thousands of animals in our community.

The SPCA’s triumphs are the community’s triumphs and we are honored to be supported by the people of Aiken, SC and surrounding areas.