Summer is traditionally one of the most challenging times of the year for animal shelters. While adoption events like Pick Me SC shine a spotlight on homeless pets, they also remind us that the need doesn’t end when the event does.
We recently wrapped up the Petco Love Pick Me SC 2026 Adoption Event, and what an incredible success it was! Shelters across South Carolina joined forces to help find homes for the many dogs and cats waiting for families, and our community showed up in a big way.
One question we often hear is why waived adoption fees make such a difference when our regular fees are already so low—just $10 for cats and $35 for dogs. The truth is, our goal has never been to make money on adoptions. Every pet adopted from the Aiken County Animal Shelter is spayed or neutered, vaccinated, microchipped, and has received flea and tick prevention. We simply want to remove as many barriers as possible to help loving families connect with deserving pets.
Even as we celebrate the happy endings from Pick Me SC, new animals continue to arrive at the shelter every day. Many come to us because families are facing economic hardships, housing challenges, the loss of a loved one, or because they were found wandering alone.
We are incredibly grateful to everyone who adopted during this special event. You changed lives. But let’s not allow that momentum to stop here. The dogs and cats at the Aiken County Animal Shelter need families every day of the year.
And summer may just be the perfect time to adopt. The longer days make evening walks more enjoyable, children are home from school and can help welcome a new pet, and families often have more time to devote to training and bonding.
If you’ve been thinking about adding a furry family member, there’s no need to wait for the next big event. Your new best friend may be waiting at the shelter right now.
Their lives are in our hands.
By Kathy Cagle, FOTAS Programs Coordinator