September 30, 2025
By: Jade Garrett – SPCA Albrecht Center Events & Fundraising Manager

This Saturday, October 4th at 11 a.m. at Good Girl Brewing Co – 880 Banks Mill Rd, Aiken Sc, the Albrecht Center for Animal Welfare invites the community to gather for the first-ever Aiken’s Top Dog live competition. After weeks of online voting, the excitement is far from over, because when the event begins, the playing field resets. Every contestant starts fresh, and it will be the audience’s votes that decide who takes home the title of Aiken’s Top Dog.

Admission is free, and there’s something for everyone! Enjoy delicious food and drinks, live entertainment, and the chance to meet friendly dogs. Browse our SPCA and Top Dog merchandise, available online now and at the event. Plus, don’t miss the opportunity to meet a few of our shelter pets who will be there and ready for adoption! This is more than just a fundraiser, it’s a celebration of community spirit and the bond we share with our pets.

And the stakes are higher than ever. The crowned winner won’t just receive bragging rights and prizes, they will also earn a spotlight feature at Good Girl Brewing Co., where a specialty craft beer will be named in their honor.

While the event promises plenty of fun, its purpose is deeply important. This fundraiser has already reached its goal but with intake numbers higher than ever, the need continues to grow.

On average, it takes between $400 and $700 to prepare a single animal for adoption. That covers intake exams, vaccinations, spay/neuter surgery, microchipping, daily food and clean bedding, enrichment activities, and basic medical care. For animals who need extensive treatment, rehabilitation, or extended stays, the cost climbs even higher.

For us, adoption fees rarely cover the full cost of care. The SPCA charges $75 for adult cats and dogs, and often offers specials or discounts to help pets get into homes more quickly. That’s because our mission is not to profit, but to place abused, neglected, and homeless animals in our community into a safe and loving forever home.

Without the generosity of neighbors and supporters, this mission would be impossible. Fundraisers like Aiken’s Top Dog ensure that our shelter can continue to say “yes” when an animal is in need, even when resources are stretched thin.

Contestants for Aiken’s Top Dog

Whether you’ve been following the competition online or are just now hearing about it, the live event is where the real magic happens. Contestants you’ve been rooting for will have one last chance to win, but only if the community shows up to cast their votes in person.

So bring your family, bring your friends, and bring your pup! Come for the food and fun, stay for the excitement of the competition, and know that every vote, and every cheer helps make a difference for local animals in need.

The title of Aiken’s Top Dog may only go to one winner, but the real victory will be shared by every animal who benefits from the generosity of this community. Don’t miss your chance to be part of Aiken’s first-ever Top Dog celebration.

Join us Saturday, October 4th at 11 a.m. at Good Girl Brewing Co, and help us change lives – one paw at a time. 🐾

Thank you to our generous sponsors for their support!

Scenthound | Downtown Dog | SRP Federal Credit Union | Sullivan Turner Team at Meybohm Real Estate – Aiken, South Carolina | Breezy Hill Self Storage | Good Girl Brewing Co

 

 

Jade Garrett is the Events & Fundraising Manager for the SPCA Albrecht Center in Aiken, SC. She is a seasoned marketing professional who found her way to the shelter in the fall of 2023. With a lifelong passion for animal welfare, she is excited to continue making a difference in the lives of homeless animals in our community for many years to come.