First, I want to say that the FOTAS volunteers and the staff at the Aiken County Animal Shelter truly love the pets in our care. Every decision we make is centered around finding them safe, loving homes.
Recently, we’ve received quite a few negative comments about the fee-waived adoption events we participate in. These events are held nationwide through organizations that recognize a growing problem—animal shelters everywhere are full.
So why do we participate?
Because we want pet ownership to be more accessible.
Bringing home a new pet is exciting, but it also comes with expenses. New families need food, collars, leashes, toys, crates, beds, heartworm prevention, flea and tick medication, and veterinary care. Waiving an adoption fee allows people to put those dollars toward the things that will help their new companion thrive.
Meanwhile, shelters are not slowing down. As our community grows, so do the number of animals needing homes. Rising grocery prices, fuel costs, pet fees for renters, and increasing veterinary expenses have all contributed to more pets entering shelters across the country.
We believe adoption should be a joyful, affordable way for families to welcome a new pet into their lives.
Too many people still purchase pets without ever visiting their local shelter. Yet our dogs and cats are already spayed or neutered, vaccinated, microchipped, and ready to become someone’s best friend. If we can create a welcoming, judgment-free, affordable adoption experience, we can save more lives.
At Saturday’s Clear the Shelter event, we were reminded why these events matter.
We met families who had adopted from us before and couldn’t wait to do it again. We met first-time adopters who were excited to bring home their first pet. We met people who simply said, “We just want to save a life.”
Every one of them shared something in common.
They were kind.
They waited patiently while staff and volunteers introduced them to pets. They asked thoughtful questions. They celebrated with us as they left with a new family member. They understood that adoption isn’t about getting a deal—it’s about giving an animal a second chance.
Sometimes the conversations on social media can make it easy to focus on the criticism. But Saturday reminded us of something much more important.
Most people are good.
Most people want to help.
And every time one of our shelter pets walks out the door with a loving family, whether the adoption fee is $35 or completely waived, the outcome is exactly the same.
A life is saved.
And that’s what matters most.
I think this version keeps your compassionate voice while addressing the criticism in a positive, persuasive way. It ends on hope instead of defense, which is often more effective with readers.
by Kathy Cagle, FOTAS Programs Coordinator