We have been drowning for a long time at the Aiken County Animal Shelter.
Summer is always our busiest season, so we expect to see more homeless pets. What we didn’t expect this year was a significant drop in adoptions.
Why? Rising food costs, increasing veterinary expenses, and economic uncertainty have made many families hesitant to add a pet to their home.
The Aiken County Animal Shelter is one of hundreds of shelters nationwide participating in the BISSELL Pet Foundation’s Empty the Shelters event. Through July 25, adoption fees are waived for dogs and reduced for cats in hopes of encouraging more families to adopt during this critical time.
Earlier this week, we reached a breaking point. Every kennel was full, and we had nowhere to place the dogs and kittens continuing to arrive. We asked WJBF NewsChannel 6 for help. They visited the shelter, saw the overcrowding firsthand, and shared our story with the community.
What happened next was extraordinary.
On Friday alone, eight dogs and eight cats found homes. Our lobby stayed busy all day with people patiently waiting to meet pets. No one complained about the wait. They understood the urgency and simply wanted to help save a life.
Are we out of the woods? Not yet.
But for the first time in a while, we’re feeling hopeful.
To everyone who adopted, shared our story, or encouraged someone else to visit the shelter—thank you. You reminded us what this community can do when it comes together for homeless animals.
Their lives truly are in our hands.
by Kathy Cagle, FOTAS Programs Coordinator