About us

The Friends of the Animal Shelter – Aiken County (FOTAS) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3), volunteer organization created in 2009 to supplement the resources of the Aiken County Animal Shelter in the care of over 4,000 homeless and abandoned animals consigned to its care each year. FOTAS is wholly funded by private donations.

The mission of FOTAS is to support the Aiken County Animal Shelter by promoting animal welfare, responsible pet ownership, and the elimination of euthanasia of all adoptable animals.

Before FOTAS was established, the county’s live release rate was only 9% but we are happy to say last year, 2021 year-end status, it was 92.73%, saving every adoptable animal as a result of the efforts of FOTAS and its volunteers (total animals saved divided by total animals received). 

2023 Aiken County Animal Shelter
Total Dogs and Cats Intake = 3,344
Total Cats TNR (not included in intake) = 1,424
Total Dogs and Cats Adopted = 1,331
Total Dogs and Cats Transferred = 1,302
Total TNR/RTF= 1,478
Total Returned to Owner = 255
Total Dogs and Cats Saved = 4,366, including community cats

Dogs and Cats Euthanized = 204
Dogs and Cats Euthanized requested by owner = 70
Dogs and Cats Died (due to neglect or injury) = 43
Total Dogs and Cats Euthanized = 317

Live Release Rate = 91.57% (total animals saved (4,366) divided by total animal intake plus total cats TNR (4,768))

To read more about 2023 accomplishments, click here.

Become a Volunteer

Our volunteers are the lifeblood of our organization. Through their efforts, FOTAS and the County have saved the lives of more animals than any time in the shelter’s past. Our volunteers truly make a difference. Call us today at 803-514-4313—we will find a place where your love and efforts will save even more animals in the future.

Learn More

What we do

Since its inception in 2009, FOTAS has made a difference in the lives of the 4,000 homeless and abandoned animals consigned to the County’s care each year.

Developed a public/private partnership with the County for the purpose of supporting the Aiken County Animal Shelter by promoting animal welfare, responsible pet ownership, and the elimination of euthanasia of all adoptable animals. FOTAS is a volunteer-based organization with no brick-and-mortar.

FOTAS works closely with local and state government to help pass several important laws on behalf of animal advocacy.

Funded the architectural and functional design plans of the needed new shelter facility that met basic standards of responsible and humane care which opened in March 2014.

Funded all the needed equipment, kennels, stainless steel cage banks, and other equipment in the new shelter.

Funded a needed Handy House for pet food storage at the shelter.

Funded landscaping and irrigation system on the new shelter site.

Developed an extensive volunteer program to augment the County staff and provide daily human interaction with the animals at the shelter to properly socialize them and therefore increase their adoptability.

Funded the architectural design, construction, and equipment for the needed new P.A.W.S building which opened in 2023.

Developed a foster program for animals and their offspring until the pups/kittens are weaned and for dogs/cats in need of fostering before being transferred to a no-kill shelter in other parts of the country.

Established a transfer program to “no kill” shelters all over the country and funds incurred transport expenses.

Initiated and supplemented an Aiken County spay/neuter voucher financial assistance program for citizens in need of fixing their pets and community cats.

Best Pet-Friendly Event: Woofstock Doggie Derby Day in Aiken Standard’s Aiken Choice “Best of Aiken” Awards.

Funded humane runners to get pet dogs off chains as well as needed dog houses for shelter.

Funded and provided pet food for citizens in need of food for their pets as well as funding needed medical care.

Funded a fenced-in exercise yard, supplies pet food and care items for shelter animals, and provides supplemental medicine as well as outside vet clinic care when needed.

Purchased a needed shelter FOTAS adoption van for bringing shelter-adoptable animals to off-site adoption events.

Purchased several cat condos to house adoptable felines in the Shelter lobby and purchased a grooming/ wash tub for the intake area and funded the installation of hot water.

Supplemented the music system for the adoption pods.

FOTAS purchased a canine treadmill for the shelter that volunteers use to help high-energy and shy dogs get more exercise.

FOTAS sponsors adoptions for US veterans and active US military personnel to thank them for their service.

Developed an educational outreach program in the community schools, with an active Junior FOTAS program.