June 22, 2025
By: Sarah A. Neikam, SPCA Albrecht Center Marketing Director

The SPCA Albrecht Center for Animal Welfare is happy to once again take part in Pick Me! SC, South Carolina’s largest collaborative pet adoption campaign. Running through June 29, this annual lifesaving event brings together over 90 animal shelters, rescues, and Petco Pet Care Centers across the state—all united under one mission: to find loving homes for as many pets as possible.

Thanks to generous support from Petco Love, adoption fees at the SPCA Albrecht Center are waived during this event; giving new families the chance to fall in love without financial barriers.

“Pick Me! SC” is organized by Charleston Animal Society’s No Kill South Carolina initiative, and over 12,000 pets have been saved since its launch. This year’s campaign goal? 2,500 pets adopted statewide in just 10 days.

If you’re not familiar with the idea of fee-waived adoptions, rest assured—it’s not about giving pets away without care. In fact, extensive studies from organizations like Maddie’s Fund and ASPCA have shown that pets adopted through fee-waived events are just as loved and retained at equal or better rates than those adopted with full fees. Adoption staff at the SPCA Albrecht Center continue to follow an application and conversation-based process to help ensure the best match between every adopter and pet.

Over the past few years, Pick Me! SC has played a huge role in helping reduce shelter overcrowding during the peak of summer intake. At the SPCA Albrecht Center alone, last year’s campaign resulted in 45 cats and 22 dogs finding their forever homes. This year, we’re hoping to surpass that number and unite even more pets with loving families.

As of the end of the day on Saturday, June 21st, the SPCA held 177 cats and kittens and 69 dogs and puppies in their care – so this adoption campaign comes at a great time.

Zion is waiting to meet you!

One of the fantastic felines awaiting a home is Zion. This handsome cat has been through more than any cat should but you’d never guess it by the friendly and excited way he greets you at the door.

Zion came to the Albrecht Center from a heartbreaking neglect case, but this guy didn’t let it break him. He’s friendly, playful, and loves being around people and other cats. He’s the kind of cat who makes himself at home wherever he lands, and we’re hoping that next place is with a loving adopter who will make him part of their family forever.

His teeth show the wear of an older cat, but everything else about him says otherwise. Zion has the energy, curiosity, and spirit of a much younger cat. He’s just waiting on a fresh start with someone who’ll treat him like he’s always deserved.

Petunia’s ready to play fetch!

As for dogs, we have so many waiting for their chance at a home. Petunia is just one and she’s the perfect mix of playful and peaceful, mature but still fun enough to keep life interesting. She’s house-trained, walks like a dream on a leash, and loves a good game of fetch, which she’ll happily play for hours if you’re up for it.

Petunia came back to the Albrecht Center after her adopter passed away, and while she’s handling it all with grace, she’s ready to move on to her next chapter — hopefully one filled with soft beds, sunny walks, and lots of tennis balls.

Take time this week to meet Zion, Petunia and all of the wonderful pets awaiting adoption at 199 Willow Run Road in Aiken, SC. Adoption hours are 11 am to 4:30pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday and 11am until 6pm Wednesday and Saturday.

Let’s work together to make South Carolina a shining example of animal compassion. 🐾

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.