August 6, 2024
By: Sarah A. Neikam, SPCA Albrecht Center Marketing Director
When it comes to providing support to your local animal shelters, many people think of monetary donations as the primary way to help. And while funding is always needed to feed and care for so many animals, to keep the bills paid and programs running, at the SPCA Albrecht Center for Animal Welfare, there are countless ways to make a difference without opening your wallet. Your time, compassion, and dedication can provide invaluable support to the animals in our care. Here are some impactful and enjoyable ways to get involved and help the animals at our center:
Are you planning a trip to the beach, lake or park and need a hiking buddy? Consider taking one of our shelter dogs on an Albrecht Adventure Day! This program is designed to give our dogs a much-needed break from the shelter environment, offering them the chance to explore the great outdoors, relax, and show their true personalities. These adventures not only provide the dogs with enrichment but also increase their chances of finding forever homes. Dogs who experience the outside world are often more relaxed and better able to connect with potential adopters.
If you’re looking for a friendly face to talk to, our cats are great listeners! Our facility houses a large number of cats, all of whom benefit greatly from human companionship. While cats are often seen as independent, they thrive with interaction and enrichment. Visitors are always welcome to provide socialization and pets. Spending time with our cats can be incredibly rewarding and helps them stay happy and socialized.
Have a novel on your nightstand that you’ve been meaning to read? Bring it along to our Read & Relax program! Developed by the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland in Westbrook, Maine, this initiative helps reduce stress levels in dogs by teaching them to relax in the presence of humans without needing to be the center of attention. Simply bring a folding chair or pillow and your book (or borrow one from us) and settle in for a quiet reading session with a shelter dog. This calm interaction helps our dogs learn to be calm around people, making them more adoptable.
When it’s too hot outside, our air-conditioned facility is the perfect place to cool off and spend quality time with our animals. While many people think of walking dogs as the primary way to volunteer, many of our dogs just appreciate the company. You can hang out in their rooms, practice commands like “sit,” read a book to them, or simply sit quietly together. These calm interactions help dogs adjust to spending time with humans in a more home-like environment, which is crucial for their adjustment when they are adopted.
Want to make a difference without leaving your home? Consider becoming a foster parent! Our facility sometimes runs out of space, especially during ‘Kitten Season.’ By temporarily opening your home to an animal in need, or a litter of kittens, you provide them with a safe, loving environment and help free up space at our shelter. Fostering is a wonderful way to give animals a quiet break from the shelter, provide them with individual attention, help them socialize, and prepare them for their forever homes.
The activities listed here don’t require special scheduling or extensive training. Simply visit the shelter during our normal business hours and check in at the front desk. Let us know what you’d like to do, and a staff member or registered volunteer will guide you on how to get started.
Your time and care can make a tremendous difference in the lives of the animals at the SPCA Albrecht Center. Whether it’s taking a dog on an adventure, reading to a shelter pup, or cuddling with our cats, there’s a way for everyone to contribute. Join us in our mission to provide the best care possible for our animals and help them find the loving homes they deserve.
Sarah Neikam is the Marketing Director for the SPCA Albrecht Center in Aiken, SC. She has been with the organization since 2012, holding various roles including Volunteer Coordinator and Director of Operations & HR. A Certified Animal Welfare Administrator as of 2022, Sarah is a passionate advocate for animal welfare. She resides in Aiken with her husband, Tom, and several beloved cats.
