May 13, 2025
By: Sarah A. Neikam, SPCA Albrecht Center Marketing Director

It’s not uncommon for animal shelters to experience times of high intake and low adoption, but lately, the SPCA Albrecht Center for Animal Welfare’s intake of animals has far exceeded not only our sheltering capacity, but also adoption numbers. So we’re reaching out with an urgent call for help – for adopters and for something a bit more temporary: foster homes.

We have far too many puppies, adult dogs, and kittens waiting for a safe place to land and not nearly enough space for them all. Many are young and curious, others older and unsure, but they all have one thing in common — they are stressed and scared in the crowded shelter environment, and they desperately need a calm, loving space to decompress.

We’re not asking for forever. A few days, a week, two weeks — even short-term fosters can make a life-changing difference. When you open your heart and home to a shelter pet in need, you’re not just giving them a break from the noise and chaos — you’re giving them the chance to truly shine, to show their personality, and to heal. In many cases, fosters are the reason a pet finally gets adopted.

Shelter puppies in need of fostering.

All you need to provide is just a little space and a lot of love. The SPCA Albrecht Center covers the rest — food, supplies, vet care, and guidance. Our Foster Coordinators are always available by phone or text to answer questions and make sure you’re never in this alone. We even have two dedicated, private Facebook groups for dog fosters and for cat fosters, so there is plenty of support.

A few have suggested that we reduce adoption fees to help, or transfer dogs to shelters up north. The truth is, adoption fees are $0 right now under the Bissell Pet Foundation Empty the Shelters adoption event.

And while there are transfer programs that move pets from high-intake shelters in the south to shelters up north, they typically prioritize open-admission municipal shelters where euthanasia is a daily reality. As a limited-admission, no-kill shelter, we don’t always qualify for those programs. Some also feel it shifts the burden elsewhere rather than addressing the root issue locally.

What we need — what the animals need — is a local solution. That’s why fostering is so vital. When local families step up, we can continue helping animals right here in Aiken and the surrounding communities.

Our foster program is open to anyone over the age of 18 who has the time, space, and love to give. It’s especially well-suited to retirees, remote workers, stay-at-home parents, or anyone with a flexible schedule. We do ask that current pets in your home be vaccinated and spayed or neutered, and that you have approval from your landlord if you rent.

Duddy, a senior cat available for adoption or fostering.

We’re currently in need of homes for adult dogs and puppies, and occasionally cats and kittens. Whether you want a playful puppy, a mellow senior dog, or a dog that just needs a quiet corner to nap in peace, we’ll find the right match for you.

Foster homes are the bridge between homelessness and adoption. They help us learn more about a pet’s personality, behavior, and preferences — valuable information that helps us find them the perfect forever home. But more than that, fosters provide a kind of healing that we simply can’t offer in a kennel.

If you’ve ever thought about fostering — now is the time. Visit LetLoveLive.org/Foster to fill out the form, and someone from our team will be in touch. Or, just give us a call at 803-648-6863 and ask for a Foster Coordinator.

To everyone who has already stepped up — thank you. And to those still considering it, we hope you’ll take the leap. Because fostering doesn’t just change the life of a shelter pet. It might just change yours too.

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.