June 12, 2026
By: Sarah A. Neikam, SPCA Albrecht Center Marketing Director

The SPCA Albrecht Center for Animal Welfare is excited to once again participate in Pick Me! SC, South Carolina’s largest collaborative pet adoption campaign. From June 12 through June 20, more than 90 animal shelters, rescue organizations, and Petco Pet Care Centers across the state will join forces with one shared goal: helping thousands of homeless pets find loving homes.

Organized by Charleston Animal Society’s No Kill South Carolina initiative and supported by Petco Love, Pick Me! SC has helped save more than 15,000 pets since its launch and played a tremendous role in helping shelters manage the seasonal influx of animals that occurs during the summer months. At the SPCA Albrecht Center alone, last year’s campaign resulted in 34 cats and 25 dogs finding their forever families.

As of the start of the campaign this year, the SPCA Albrecht Center is caring for 135 cats and kittens, 45 dogs and puppies and two rabbits. With so many animals waiting for homes, this adoption campaign arrives at the perfect time.

Among the many cats hoping to find a family during Pick Me! SC is Marvin, a handsome senior cat with a story that will touch your heart. Marvin arrived at our Veterinary Care Center after his owner sought euthanasia due to his advanced age. However, our veterinary team saw something special in him – a cat who still enjoyed life and wasn’t ready to say goodbye. 

Estimated to be around 22 years old, Marvin is a calm, loving soul who enjoys quiet companionship and a peaceful environment. Because of his age and kidney disease, Marvin is considered a hospice placement, but his needs are simple: comfort, stability, and someone willing to share their home and heart during his golden years. We believe every pet deserves love until the very end, and Marvin is no exception.

Another feline resident hoping to find her perfect match is Caper. While she may be a little shy when meeting new people, patience is richly rewarded with this sweet girl. Once she feels safe and comfortable, Caper blossoms into a loving companion. She gets along well with other cats and would do best in a calm household that can give her the time she needs to settle in and build trust.

Dog lovers will find plenty of great companions waiting as well. Pozole, a young Border Collie mix, is overflowing with energy and personality. He loves playtime, especially with other dogs, and is always ready for an adventure. Staff believe he would thrive in an active home, particularly one that can provide training, structure, and plenty of opportunities to put his sharp mind to work. Whether he’s chasing a ball, exploring outdoors, or learning new skills, Pozole approaches life with enthusiasm and joy.

For families looking for a well-rounded canine companion, Evren may be the perfect fit. This two-year-old mixed breed has quickly become a favorite among staff and volunteers thanks to his friendly personality and excellent manners. Evren enjoys spending time with other dogs and has done wonderfully on community outings through our Doggie Day Out program earning more than one “super good boy” report. He adapts well to new situations, and has all the qualities of a loyal family dog. 

During the Pick Me! SC campaign, adoption fees for adult dogs, adult cats, and kittens will be completely waived, making it even easier for families ready to welcome a new pet into their lives.

For those unfamiliar with fee-waived adoption events, it’s important to know that these promotions are about creating opportunities – not lowering standards. The SPCA Albrecht Center continues to use an application and conversation-based adoption process designed to help match each pet with the right family. Studies conducted by organizations such as Maddie’s Fund and the ASPCA have consistently shown that pets adopted through fee-waived events are retained and loved at rates equal to or greater than pets adopted through traditional fee structures.

We invite the community to take time this week to meet Marvin, Caper, Pozole, Evren and all of the wonderful animals awaiting homes at the SPCA Albrecht Center, located at 199 Willow Run Road in Aiken.

Adoption hours are Monday – Saturday, 11:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m, with extended hours until 6:00 p.m. on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Every adoption creates space for another homeless pet in need and moves our community one step closer to a future where every animal has a safe, loving home.

To learn more about the statewide campaign, visit PickMeSC.org.

Let’s work together to make South Carolina a shining example of animal compassion, one adoption at a time. 🐾

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 (CAWA), Sarah is a passionate advocate for animal welfare. She resides in Aiken with her husband and several beloved cats.