April 30, 2024
By: Jade Garrett – Events & Fundraising Manager

Theda one of the adoptable dogs with a waived adoption fee during BPF Empty the Shelters. She loves making new furry friends and is always up for playtime and cuddles.

As we step into the month of May, the SPCA Albrecht Center finds itself facing an all too familiar yet all too distressing challenge: overcrowding. This is not an issue unique to our shelter alone; animal shelters across the country are dealing with a surge in intake, placing a huge strain on resources and space. With economic hardships, housing instability, and a myriad of other factors contributing to the rising number of pets in need of homes.

As of Saturday April 28th, the shelter has a total of 209 animals in it’s care. While adoptions are greatly celebrated, the work never stops as it feels like for every animal that leaves the shelter, two more take it’s place.

Nevertheless, the Albrecht Center is looking forward to joining our fourth Bissell Pet Foundation’s Empty the Shelters event. Established in 2016, this initiative has been instrumental in finding loving homes for thousands of pets across the nation. The premise is simple yet powerful: waive adoption fees to remove barriers and encourage more adoptions. It’s a testament to the belief that every animal deserves a second chance, and the impact it has had on countless lives cannot be overstated.

Beginning Wednesday, May 1st, the shelter will open it’s doors to the community; offering FREE ADOPTIONS on all available adult animals. It’s an opportunity to find your perfect companion while also making a lifesaving difference for a shelter pet in need.

But what about those who are unable to adopt? We want to see you at an event! Your participation in upcoming events helps raise funds, awareness, and ultimately contributes to the mission of providing care and compassion to animals in need.

So whether you’re looking to add a furry friend to your family or simply want to lend a helping hand, we invite you to join us in our efforts to support shelter pets. Together, we can make a difference and ensure that every animal receives the love and care they deserve.

Latke one of the adoptable dogs with a waived adoption fee during BPF Empty the Shelters. While she might seem a bit reserved at first, with a little time, she’ll become your loyal buddy ready for any and all adventures

More Upcoming Events in May:

Saturday May 11, 10am – 6pm: Thrift Store Second Saturday Sale

  • Location: SPCA Thrift Store, 1589 Whiskey Road, Mitchell Shopping Center
  • Shop ‘Where Shopping Saves Lives’ at our Thrift Store on the Second Saturday of Every Month. Enjoy special deals across the store while knowing that your purchases are supporting local animals in need.

Sunday May 12, 2pm – 5pm: Purrs & Pours

  • Location: The Alley Downtown Taproom
  • Kick back and relax at The Alley Downtown Taproom while enjoying good beer, quality cuddles, and kittens galore. Adoption fees are waived, so you might just find your purr-fect match.

Friday May 15th, 6pm- 8pm: Yappy Hour

  • Location: SPCA Albrecht Center, 199 Willow Run Rd
  • Live music, raffle prizes, grilled burgers & hotdogs, a cash bar, open dog park, and FREE Pet Adoptions! Sponsored by Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Lulu’s Car Wash, and Hannah Swanson State Farm Agency.

Saturday May 25th, 9am – 12pm: Pups ‘n Suds Dog Wash

  • Location: SPCA Albrecht Center, 199 Willow Run Rd
  • Treat your canine companion to a spa day at our Pups ‘n Suds Dog Wash. We’ll take care of everything from baths to nail trims, leaving your pup squeaky clean and smelling fresh.

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.