June 6, 2025
By: Sarah A. Neikam, SPCA Albrecht Center Marketing Director

At the SPCA Albrecht Center, we often say, “Every animal matters.” But what’s equally true, and sometimes harder to explain, is that every animal intake matters, too.

Recently, a well-meaning couple brought a kitten to our facility that they had found. They were concerned, and they wanted to make sure the kitten would be safe, which is something we can certainly appreciate. But when following our intake procedure and asking where the kitten was found, they declined to give an address. And when we explained that we may not be able to accept the kitten unless it was found within Aiken City limits, they made sure we knew they were significant donors, and things became tense.

A few of the many, many kittens in our care.

We know that no one wants to hear “no” when they’re trying to help an animal. But the truth is we don’t say no because we don’t want to help; we say no because we have to follow the rules that allow us to help animals fairly, effectively, and sustainably.

Here’s how our intake policy works: The SPCA Albrecht Center is a private, nonprofit organization. We are not government funded or managed, but we are contracted with the City of Aiken to accept stray animals found within the City only, on behalf of the City’s Animal Control department.

If an animal is found outside of City limits, the finder of that animal is directed to the Aiken County Animal Shelter, which is funded and staffed to serve the county.

We ask where an animal was found for two important reasons:

  1. To make certain that the animal is brought to the correct shelter based on jurisdiction to ensure fair and sustainable capacity and funding in both shelters.
  2. To document the location in case someone is searching for their missing pet. It gives lost pets a better chance at being reunited with their people.

Why can’t we just take them all? We wish we could. We really do. But every single animal that comes through our doors requires time, space, supplies, veterinary care, and staff attention. Multiply that by over 1,000 animals a year, and the impact becomes clear.

Last month alone we took in 229 animals and 156 went out. The remaining were added to this month’s intake which will most likely be that many or more. We had 47 cats at the end of March, 90 at the end of April, and 164 at the end of May. When we get crowded, illness can spread like wildfire, even with the best cleaning and sanitizing protocol. And when we run out of available dog rooms, some dogs may spend almost their entire day in a crate. If we exceed our capacity, the quality of care suffers, and that’s not fair to any animal.

Mama cats & their kittens in our care.

This isn’t about rules for the sake of rules. It’s about doing the right thing – for the animals, for the people who may be looking for them, and for the shelters trying to manage limited resources responsibly.

That’s why we have to follow our intake procedures, no matter who is bringing the animal in. We’ve had people offer large donations, name-drop board members or city officials, or imply consequences if we don’t bend the rules. But our mission requires consistency, transparency, and fairness. And yes, sometimes that means saying no, even when it’s hard.

Upholding our policies isn’t about being rigid. It’s about protecting our integrity. We do not, and will not, let money or influence dictate which animals we help. That’s what keeps our shelter ethical, effective, and here for the animals who need us most. And that’s not something we’re willing to compromise on.

What You Can Do if You Find a Stray Animal:

  • Get the exact address or nearest cross streets where the animal was found.
  • Call us at 803-648-6863 to determine if the animal falls within our jurisdiction.
  • Post a photo and location on local lost & found pet groups online, such as Aiken Pets Reunited.
  • If you’re able, consider fostering the animal temporarily while shelter arrangements are made.

Your willingness to help a lost or stray pet is a beautiful thing. We just ask that you help us help them by following the process we’ve put in place for everyone’s benefit.

If you’re not already involved in the SPCA Albrecht Center’s lifesaving mission, please join us! Visit LetLoveLive.org, follow us on Facebook, Instagram or Tiktok @spcaalbrechtcenter or meet us in person at 199 Willow Run Rd, in Aiken SC.

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.