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

Dec 10, 2024

 

The SPCA Albrecht Center for Animal Welfare is on the verge of a very meaningful milestone: 2024 is shaping up to be our best year ever for pet adoptions! As of December 7th, 1,068 adoptions have been finalized, putting us just 23 adoptions away from breaking our 2019 record of 1,091. This remarkable achievement reflects the dedication of our staff and volunteers, the resilience of our animals, and the overwhelming support of our community.

Over the past decade, the SPCA Albrecht Center has been proud to find homes for a wide range of animals. While cats and dogs are the most common, we’ve also facilitated adoptions for guinea pigs, pigs, rabbits, chickens, chinchillas, ferrets, birds, snakes, hamsters, iguanas, rats, hedgehogs, gerbils, goats, lizards, turtles, tortoises, ducks, and even a pheasant! Each animal comes with its own story and unique personality, and seeing them placed in loving homes is what fuels our mission.

Right now is an especially exciting time to adopt. As part of Bissell’s Empty the Shelters adoption event and our Home for the Holidays campaign, adoption fees are waived for cats and dogs six months and older. Kittens are available for just $25, and puppies for $50. These efforts aim to make adoption accessible to as many people as possible, helping our furry friends find homes in time for the holidays.

Our 12 Strays of Christmas promotion also highlights some incredible pets ready for adoption with $0 adoption fees. Come by and meet cats: Yeti, Lathander, Black Mage, Verity, and Chili; and dogs: Choppa, Oliver, Banana King, Lamour, Higgs, Cindy Lou Who, and Lanesra.

Each of them has a unique personality and is waiting for a family to love. Every pet available is spayed or neutered, vaccinated, microchipped and takes a bag of food home with them. 

I asked Shelter Manager Allison LaBorde about the factors contributing to this record-setting year. She credits several key changes that have made adoption more accessible and rewarding for everyone involved:

“We have tried to reduce barriers to adoption by simplifying the process and having more of a conversation with potential adopters so they can find their best match. We also have a strong adoption program for cats, which is dependent on our wonderful volunteer foster families. We don’t TNR* every adult cat that comes to our shelter, but we do TNR cats that wouldn’t be able to thrive in a home environment. Finally, we have a staff that truly cares for our animals and seeks to place them in homes where they will thrive.”

Allison’s leadership has played a pivotal role in streamlining the adoption process, empowering her staff and foster families, and ensuring every animal’s best interests are prioritized.

There’s still time to be part of this record-breaking year! Whether you’re ready to adopt, foster, or simply spread the word, your involvement makes a difference. Visit the SPCA Albrecht Center to meet our adoptable animals and find your perfect match. Together, we can give these deserving pets the gift of home this holiday season. 

*TNR stands for Trap-Neuter-Return, a program where free-roaming community cats (not belonging to particular humans) are humanely trapped; sterilized, medically treated, ear-tipped and returned to the outdoor locations where they were found.

 

 

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.