Category Archives: Spay/Neuter

FOTAS Fido Fixers Program: Combatting Overpopulation of Unwanted Animals

FOTAS is all about improving the quality of life for the animals in the Aiken County Animal Shelter, increasing the adoptability of the shelter residents and of going the extra mile to find every adoptable animal a home—and it’s worked. In only eleven short years, the FOTAS/County public/private partnership, coupled with the commitment of you, […]

FOTAS and 11 Years of Progress at the Aiken County Animal Shelter

On July 29, 2009, the South Carolina Secretary of State officially approved FOTAS as a charitable nonprofit organization dedicated to the care of the homeless, abandoned, and abused animals consigned to the County Shelter, kicking off the beginning of an extraordinary public/private partnership with the county and a new, comprehensive approach to caring for homeless […]

County Shelter Emergency: Transfers Cancelled Due to COVID-19

As the coronavirus spreads throughout the United States, the ways in which our daily lives are affected become more apparent with each passing day. Shortages in household goods, widespread closing of public places, self-quarantine, and social distancing are becoming the norm in a world stricken by the pandemic. Now is the time to focus on […]

Christmas Heartbreak at the County Animal Shelter

Help! Strays and owner-surrenders are pouring into the county shelter — 47 animals in the first three days of December! While the good citizens of Aiken County embrace a Christmas season of festivities, family, and hope, the shelter is experiencing the kind of intake numbers normally reserved for summer—the kind that keep us up at […]

It’s a Party! FOTAS Celebrates Ten Years of Saving Lives

On Saturday, November 2nd, FOTAS will host a party at the Aiken County Animal Shelter to celebrate its tenth anniversary partnering with the county and the shelter to save lives. What a ride it’s been. In 2009, a few dedicated and concerned citizens banded together to form FOTAS in response to the dismal conditions at […]

Good Samaritans rescue discarded, distressed puppies

On Friday, May 31, Lisa Brucchi walked out of her Windsor home into the blistering heat to check her mailbox. She was expecting an important letter from her mom and was eager to see if it had arrived. But as she walked up to her mailbox, she noticed a box on the ground. At first, […]

Teaching Children Well about Training and Responsible Pet Care

By Kathy Jacobs, FOTAS Program Director Educating our children is essential for promoting better pet care and reducing the number of homeless dogs and cats. Last week, Dog Trainer Susi Cohen and I were invited to Oakwood Windsor Elementary School to share what we do to support the Aiken County Animal Shelter (ACAS). Susi, a […]

Animal Control Officers: Friends, not Dog Catchers

by Kathy Jacobs, FOTAS Program Director I often go to area schools to talk to students about responsible pet ownership and proper animal care. When we talk about how animals come into the Aiken County Animal Shelter, I tell the students that animal control officers as well as members of our community rescue and bring […]