July 23, 2024
by Jade Garrett, Events and Fundraising Manager
Having spent more than 500 days in the shelter, Ranch enjoys a good game of tug-o-war and relaxing by your side. Adopting Ranch means endless days of laughter, joy, and unforgettable memories.
Until Saturday, July 27th, the SPCA Albrecht Center for Animal Welfare will be participating in the statewide “Pick Me! SC” adoption event, a week-long initiative aimed at finding loving homes for thousands of homeless pets across South Carolina.
“Pick Me! SC” is an annual event spearheaded by the No Kill SC 2024 project. The initiative involves participating shelters, rescues, and Petco stores across the state offering free or low-fee adoptions. This year, the event is aiming for a remarkable goal of 2,000 adoptions statewide. Last year’s event saw significant success at the SPCA Albrecht Center with 41 dogs, 37 cats, and even a parakeet all finding homes.
According to research by leading organizations like ASPCA, Maddie’s Fund, and Best Friends Animal Society, fee-waived adoptions are an effective way of saving animal lives. These studies have shown that a well-structured, conversation-based adoption
Franklin is a spirited pup who brings boundless enthusiasm and love to any home. His infectious zest for life and friendly nature make him a perfect lifelong friend, ready to spread joy wherever he goes.
process can ensure the safety and well-being of adopted pets without the need for high adoption fees.
For instance, a Maddie’s Fund study from 2011 revealed that 95% of dogs and 93% of cats remained in their forever homes 6 to 12 months post-adoption, a lower return rate than most shelters typically experience. Additionally, waiving adoption fees does not devalue the animals in adopters’ eyes, as people exhibit the same level of attachment to pets adopted for free as those for which they paid full fees.
Reducing or eliminating adoption fees also leads to financial savings for animal welfare organizations. The longer an animal remains in a shelter, the higher the likelihood of developing health or behavioral issues, which incur treatment costs. Speedier adoptions mean reduced expenditure on pet care and, most importantly, happier, healthier animals with more lives saved.
With shelters across the nation dealing with the crisis of overcrowding, events like “Pick Me! SC” helps raise awareness and support for the homeless animals in our community, which ultimately helps them find new families. Here are a few pets eagerly awaiting their forever homes:
Visit us at the SPCA Albrecht center before “Pick Me! SC” ends! We look forward to welcoming prospective pet owners and matching them with their new furry family members. Your new best friend might just be waiting for you at the SPCA Albrecht Center for Animal Welfare!
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.
