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Keep up with all things FOTAS! Meet adoptable pets, hear from volunteers, and stay informed about events taking place in your community.

2024, Adoption

The Plight of the Only Pet

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
Whitney loves children and is easy to walk
01
Nov

The adoption staff at the Aiken County Animal Shelter does an amazing job of matching pets for new owners by analyzing their play styles and behavior.

There is one group of pets that has become a challenge to get adopted. This group is made up of wonderful animals who, for different reasons, want to be the only pet in the home. They don’t want to share their new home with another pet. This does not make them bad pets with behavioral issues. Instead, they are great pets who want to please their owners and want 100% of their owner’s love.

This week’s column introduces three fabulous available “only pet dogs” named Whitney, Jax, and Remi and one “only pet cat” named Cane. All are smart, well trained and family friendly that just can’t live in a home with other furry friends.

This really hurts their adoption chances.

WhitneyWhitney is terrific with children, she knows her commands and she is house-trained. She is easy to walk and absolutely devoted to anyone that shows her love and attention. She has gone on school trips and visited seniors. Whitney does not like cats or other dogs and just doesn’t want to share her home with them.

Jax is a fluffy, happy and very intelligent dog! He is a dog park dog, so good in playgroups. But in a home, he is jealous. He doesn’t want to share his toys or his person with other dogs and is not a fan of cats, which does not make him unique. Jax can fetch tennis balls (he will even seek out the squeaky ones if they are mixed in, total smarty!). Jax loves swimming in the pools at the shelter and has never had an accident!

Remi
Remi

Remi is a stunning black lab. He appears to be purebred. He is the BEST ever at fetch and carries his favorite ball around like a pacifier. He came to us after being attacked by another dog needing a lot of stitches and medical attention. Naturally he is now defensive around other dogs, who wouldn’t be? Remi will return each ball thrown and then will lay at your feet, falling over to cuddle with you. Dreamy!

These dogs will make the absolute best companions! They love to cuddle, they love belly rubs, they are fabulous pets. Finding a home in Aiken, what a challenge!

We get cats periodically that also don’t enjoy homes with other cats. Cane is one of these kitties. He originally came to us as a stray and was adopted. He was later picked up as a stray and returned to the owner. Then three years later was returned for not meeting the owner’s expectations. The poor kitty is an only pet. He is so frightened being back at the shelter which doesn’t help him find a home. He needs a person to adopt him and build that trust and love, he will be such a good friend!

Surely there are people that like one pet? Where are you?!

Don’t let these pets linger in kennels waiting for homes, they are truly the best of the best and deserve the most. Holidays are coming up, don’t spend them alone. Adopt a friend such as Whitney, Jax, Remi or Cane.

Their adoption fees are sponsored and waived.

Their lives are in our hands.

By Kathy Cagle, FOTAS Programs Coordinator

2024, Adoption, Foster, PUPPIES

Puppies, puppies, puppies!

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
One of the litters arrived, stuffed in a hot, dirty kennel.
27
Sep

A dozen puppies at the Aiken County Animal Shelter are looking for good homes, another 15 desperately need fostering, and there doesn’t seem to be an end in sight as more stray pups keep pouring into the shelter.

Why are we getting so many puppies? Well, there are a number of factors, including people overbreeding and dumping puppies on the side of the road or on other people’s property. In addition, adult dogs are increasingly being abandoned on the street, often by people facing financial hardships who can no longer afford to feed or house them. These wandering strays are breeding and producing pups. Also, Aiken County is growing and our veterinarian offices are not able to keep up with appointments. This means citizens sometimes find that spay and neuter surgeries are booked up and an appointment for surgery may not be available for months, resulting in many accidental litters.

Adopters needed for cute puppies
Because of this puppy explosion we’re experiencing, we have adorable canine babes available for adoption. Dilly, a chunky four-month-old, is squishy, lazy and loves snuggle time! Delilah is a more petite, super fun pup that loves to play.

The Hound/Shepherd litter is amazing! These pups, which include Bandit, Carrie, Rex, Rocky, Tina, Spicy, Zyla and Zeek, came to us shoved in a hot and filthy crate. They are so grateful for love, baths and no more fleas! This crew adores toys and any attention given.

The Labby litter, which includes Nigel, Niko, Nathan and Nolan, breaks our hearts. We couldn’t find a foster home for them so by the time we could get them fixed and ready for adoption, they were a little more shy than we would prefer. However, these cuties will be fine; they just need homes soon, so they can build confidence and gain more trust in people.

Short-term fosters needed now more than ever
Every kennel in our puppy section is full of litters. This is so hard to see. These babies need love and care. Are they safe and cared for? Of course. We have an amazing staff. But the shelter is full, and no one has enough time to work with puppies.

We need short-term foster homes now. What does that mean exactly? We have litters that need safe places to stay healthy and receive love until we can get the proper vaccinations for them. Every pup gets vaccinated when they arrive at the shelter. But they need a series of vaccinations, so they don’t get parvo or other awful things. FOTAS provides food, crates, toys… anything you need.

Foster homes are extremely important because they help puppies get proper socialization. If you have a farm, we would love to fill an open stall with a cute, grateful litter of puppies! A stall gives them so much room to play and sleep and the quiet of a farm is so much healthier than the noisy shelter.

We talk about our need for foster homes often because they are so vital to the health and happiness of our homeless pups. It is also one of the most rewarding experiences you can have as a volunteer.

If you can help, please contact us at info@fotasaiken.org.

Their lives are in our hands.
By Kathy Cagle, FOTAS Programs Coordinator

2024, adopter feedback

Adoption success stories from the County Animal Shelter

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
Big Bear is affectionate and loyal.
20
Sep

After pets are adopted from the Aiken County Animal Shelter, staff members follow up to see how they are doing in their new homes. Here is some recent feedback from our adopters.

Scout is learning new tricks
Scout is doing great! He’s a smart dog with plenty of love to share. He picks up on tricks quickly. He’s learned to sit, give paw, “boop” your hand, show his belly, lie down, and wait before eating his food. He goes to the door when he has to go out. 
Kevin Marshall

Big Bear is the perfect family member
We changed Mufasa’s name to “Big Bear.” He is the perfect family member! He gets brushed every other day and loves it. He loves giving hugs and kisses. He comes up and nestles his head on you while you’re sitting on the couch. He came potty trained! He is very protective of our new grand baby and also of me. I have taught him a few tricks as well. He is so spoiled and loved. He is the sweetest guy, and I love him dearly. 
Bethanny Troia

Pair of kittens find mentor in older cat
Tallahassee and Virginia are doing amazing! Our older cat took to them immediately and has been great showing them the ropes of cat life. They love playing with my toddler and watching Hot Wheels cars race, which my toddler thinks is the greatest thing ever. 
Kailyn Ryan

Patrick loves cuddling the kids and going to bed on time
Patrick has our schedule down pat. He even gets a bit judgmental when we don’t go to bed at the usual time and stands at the top of the stairs staring at me. He takes cuddling with the kids very seriously LOL. He also loves to watch the birds out the window rather than actually going outside to watch them. Silly boy! Adopting him has been the best thing we could have done.
Stephanie Sullivan 

Parker & Skye are besties in their new home
Parker and Skye have quickly made themselves at home. Skye is fussy about taking her heartworm medication, but other than that no complaints. They enjoy going on long walks, car rides, weekly showers and being dried off with a warm towel, eating at restaurants, and trips to Chick-fil-A on Fridays to split an ice cream. They’ve made the perfect addition to our family. Skye has taught Parker a great deal, and he is much more confident with her at his side. I cannot put into words how thankful I am that I got both of them together. 
Haley Payne 

The shelter is full and there are so many more wonderful pets who need loving homes. Please go to fotasaiken.org to see them or stop by and visit the dogs and cats at 333 Wire Road. Dogs and puppies are $35; cats and kittens are $10. All of our adoptable pets are vaccinated, microchipped & fixed.

Their lives are in our hands.

By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

2024, Foster, fostering, kitten season

Finder fosters rescue and save hundreds of kittens

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
Jack is one of seven kittens fostered by the citizen who found them. They were all adopted from the County Shelter in just two days.
18
Sep

This year, the Aiken County Animal Shelter (ACAS) has navigated the most challenging kitten season in years. Kitten season is an annual occurrence when felines are reproducing at a high rate, resulting in many orphaned kittens who need nurturing and care in order to survive and thrive.

Four-month-old Baby was fostered by her finder and is now available for adoption at the ACAS.
Four-month-old Baby was fostered by her finder and is now available for adoption at the ACAS


From late April to the end of August, hundreds of orphaned kittens were found by citizens and brought to the shelter. So many, in fact, that there is no way we could have saved and rehomed them all on our own.

Thankfully, we received a great deal of help.

Most of the citizens who found lost and orphaned kittens in 2024, were able to foster and save them with the support of ACAS resources and the guidance of shelter staff. So far this year, 60 citizens have volunteered their time to foster the kittens they found – and in many cases even placed them in loving homes!

“There’s a good chance that if these folks had not fostered these kittens, they wouldn’t have survived,” said Hillary Clark-Kulis, who manages the ACAS kitten foster program. She said about 75 percent of the more than 200 kittens found during the peak of kitten season were adopted directly from the homes of finder fosters. The remaining 25 percent were returned to the shelter once they were healthy and old enough, then adopted from 333 Wire Road.

While the shelter has provided kitten kits to foster finders since 2019, this year the program had to be dramatically expanded to manage the volume of kittens being found. Thanks to FOTAS donors, the shelter was able to provide all needed supplies, food and veterinary care to fosters. In turn, the fosters nurtured and helped socialize the kittens until they were old enough for adoption.

Kitten kits are provided to citizens who can foster the homeless felines they find.
Kitten kits are provided to citizens who can foster the homeless felines they find.

Clark-Kulis works closely with fosters, providing instructions, support and answering questions as they arise.

“We’ve been so lucky to have these wonderful people step up and foster these homeless kittens,” Clark-Kulis said. “Even taking in one litter or part of a litter makes a huge difference, especially when so many babies are being found during the peak of kitten season.”

Sometimes the kittens found are malnourished or have upper respiratory infections that threaten their eyesight. In such cases, the shelter vet provides fosters with medication. The kittens recover more quickly in a quiet, cozy home than they do in a packed, loud shelter where we can only provide limited attention to individual animals.

Unless more cats are spayed/neutered, we will continue to need this kind of foster help from the community. The TNR (Trap, Neuter & Return) program is making a significant positive impact. So is the County spay/neuter voucher program. But there are still too many pet owners who are not fixing their animals.

Although this year’s kitten season is finally slowing down, we expect to see more baby felines pop up around the county until mid-October. If you find kittens, don’t take them in until you’re sure their mother is not returning to care for them. Then, call the County Shelter for kitten kits and any support you need, (803) 642-1537, or email info@fotasaiken.org.

Their lives are in our hands.
By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

2024, Adoption, Volunteer

Join us for the FOTAS Furry 5K to have fun for a good cause

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
Bring your dogs (leashed) on Sept. 21 to participate in the Furry 5K. FOTAS will be taking adoptable dogs to the event as well.
18
Sep

The FOTAS Furry 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run is coming soon! You don’t have to be a runner to enjoy this event. Sign up to walk, jog or run with your dog in support of Friends of the Animal Shelter!

2 Girls and a Clock Race and Timing Services, led by Alecia Kinard and Chrystie Weimer, are organizing this special event. These women are incredibly busy educators and mothers that devote their time and energy to help the Aiken County Animal Shelter. Chrystie and her family have adopted from our Home to Home program and her children were in our Junior FOTAS Club.

Bring your dogs (leashed) on Sept. 21 to participate in the Furry 5K. FOTAS will be taking adoptable dogs to the event as well.
Bring your dogs (leashed) on Sept. 21 to participate in the Furry 5K. FOTAS will be taking adoptable dogs to the event as well.

2 Girls and a Clock came to us four years ago wanting to hold a 5K that would help support the many programs that save our shelter pets. Our first Furry 5K event, in 2020, was a huge success. Then the Covid pandemic hit and slowed our momentum a bit. This year, we are hoping to draw a large number of participants again.

The 2024 event is being held Saturday morning, September 21, at Generations Park. The One Mile Fun Run begins at 8:00 a.m. and the 5K will begin at 8:30.

“All of us with 2 Girls and a Clock are passionate about animals, especially dogs,” Weimer said. “We hold a special place in our hearts for our own fur babies. The Furry 5K event allows us to give back to a wonderful cause in a fun and rewarding way. We hope this event continues for years!”

This fundraiser is incredibly gratifying, and we have seen individuals from 8 to 80 years old come out and walk or run to help the pets. The atmosphere is full of good energy and people bring their families to root them on.

FOTAS Volunteers are bringing adoptable dogs to the Furry 5K in hopes of finding them loving homes. We also will be taking food donations – dry and cat wet food for dogs and cats as well as toys! If you bring your own furry friend to run with you, we will have dog treats for them.

To sign up for the FOTAS Furry 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run, please go to: https://runsignup.com/Race/SC/Aiken/Furry5Kand1MileFunRun2024

Sponsors include South Aiken Physical Therapy and Wellness as well as Lionel Smith. Ltd Gentlemen’s Clothiers.

Their lives are in our hands.
By Kathy Cagle, FOTAS Programs Coordinator

By the Numbers
In the month of August, the Aiken County Animal Shelter took in 514 stray and surrendered pets, including 139 feral cats that were spayed/neutered for the TNR (Trap, Neuter, Return) program.

2024, abandoned animals, Adoption

Are you ready to run with the big dogs?

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
Sampson likes to show off his toys to visitors and is a champion ball fetcher.
17
Sep

Large dogs are fun, have big personalities and are loyal companions. They’re great exercise partners and tend to love car rides and going on adventures. Many large breeds are known for their patience and tolerance, making them great playmates for children. They also are loving and terrific cuddlers.

Yet large dogs, canines who are over 50 pounds, are often overlooked in the shelter because people mistakenly assume that these breeds need more training and require more work than a smaller breed.

Not true. In fact, some studies indicate big dog breeds are smarter and learn faster than small and medium-sized dogs. Larger dogs have better short-term memory and self-control than smaller breeds. Bigger dogs, with larger brains, also perform better on certain measures of intelligence than their smaller canine counterparts, according to a 2019 study led by the University of Arizona.

Whether you’re an active person who loves to be on the go or a laidback TV watcher, here are some of the Aiken County Animal Shelter’s available big dogs to consider adopting:

Sampson: Handsome, gray and white Sampson is 3 years old and weighs 78 pounds. He always has a dog toy or ball in his mouth, even when you walk him. We think he uses them like pacifiers to feel more comfortable and secure. Sampson likes to play fetch and is the perfect dog for an active person or family.

Sonny, a longtime resident of the County Shelter, is one of the sweetest dogs you’ll meet.
Sonny, a longtime resident of the County Shelter, is one of the sweetest dogs you’ll meet.

Sonny: White and black Sonny likes to hold two tennis balls in his mouth when he is in the play yard. He’s a good fetcher, too. You won’t find a more affectionate dog than 3-year-old, 74-pound Sonny. He loves his walks but cuddle time is the best time for this big boy.

Grover: Brindle coated Grover is always ready to play or go on a walk. He is 4 years old, 72 pounds and enjoys getting quality couch time with volunteers. He is here because his owner’s health declined to such an extent that she could no longer take care of him.

Brian: Three-year-old, 60-pound, mixed breed Brian loves playing with dogs or his toys, followed by a nap on the couch. He doesn’t jump up but instead just comes to you and licks your hand to say, “Hello.” This boy is going to be a terrific pet for the lucky person who adopts him.

King Butter: We’re not sure why this sweet boy is butter royalty, but King Butter is a terrific dog who walks well on a leash and loves other dogs. He is 2-1/2 years old, 60 pounds and a lot of fun to be around. This poor guy was abandoned but he is looking toward the future and ready for a new, more loving, home.

Doberman mix Bruno will make a terrific jogging partner.
Doberman mix Bruno will make a terrific jogging partner.

Bruno: When Doberman mix Bruno greets you, his whole backside wags and his tail just comes along for the ride. He is a dog who loves life and enjoys all it has to bring. He arrived at the County Shelter when a Good Samaritan rescued him from the road and brought him in as a stray. Bruno is 3 years old and 55 pounds.

Please visit these big dogs and maybe give them a new home and better life. For more information and to see all of the available pets at the County Shelter, please go to fotasaiken.org.

Their lives are in our hands.
By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

2024, Adoption, kennel stress

Boo Boo’s long, difficult journey ends with a loving home

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
Boo Boo leaves the County Animal Shelter with his new mom, Shannon.
16
Sep

With thousands of homeless animals coming through the Aiken County Animal Shelter each year, it is hard to remember them all. But the special ones stand out. Ones like Boo Boo.

Boo Boo was adopted Aug. 9 and is doing well in his new, quiet home. His new “mom” is making sure his golden years are good ones.
Boo Boo was adopted Aug. 9 and is doing well in his new, quiet home. His new “mom”
is making sure his golden years are good ones.

Boo Boo is only 7 years old, but he looks ancient — probably due to how hard some of his years have been and the health issues he’s experienced. He first arrived at the County Shelter as a 3-year-old stray in the spring of 2020. He had scars on his face and his head tilted a little to the left. His ears were infected and he tested positive for heartworms. But despite his difficult past, this blond, white and black mixed breed had a sweet, goofy grin and was a charmer.

“Boo Boo was the first dog I got attached to here,” said County Shelter Lead Kennel Tech Brandi Dobbins. “He looks like a cartoon character, has the sweetest personality and I love the way he talks…everyone here just fell in love with him.”

In late July, Boo Boo was adopted. Everything was going wonderfully for him in his new home until three months later, when his adopter had to move and couldn’t take Boo Boo with her.

Boo Boo was disappointed when he returned to the shelter, but he kept smiling and talking like always. His grunts, short barks, mumbles and whines echoed through the kennels, letting us all know he was back. While it was good to see our old friend, we knew we had to find him a loving home as soon as possible.

In November, the shelter was over capacity and Boo Boo still had no prospects. While Boo Boo’s strong personality and charm are great qualities, he didn’t get along with most dogs and was competing with younger, prettier pups. Plus, he was now our longest resident. Not a good spot to be in. We went into overdrive on social media to put the word out that Boo Boo was in desperate need of a home, and an older gentleman, Curtis Boseman of North Augusta, came to his rescue.

“Getting Boo Boo was one of the best things I have done in this life of mine,” he said. “I love him so much and he loves me right back. All my family members and friends are constantly coming by to see him. Every move I make in my house he goes right with me. I think he rescued me more than I rescued him.”

For four years, Boo Boo had the best life with Curtis. They went on walks, drove to the store, went on errands together and spent quality time at home. They were inseparable.

But two months ago, Curtis passed away. His son brought Boo Boo back to the shelter.

Boo Boo was devastated. He was no longer talking but crying out in agony for Curtis. His goofy grin was gone and he didn’t want to do much of anything. Now a senior dog, Boo Boo had arthritis in his back legs and could only go on short walks.
Poor Boo Boo was depressed and going downhill fast. Again, our team went into action, posting about his dire situation. He needed a small miracle.

On Aug. 9, he got one. Georgia resident Shannon Overton came to Boo Boo’s rescue and adopted him. She sent us a picture of Boo Boo in his new forever home, looking cozy and content in a big dog bed surrounded by blankets. If you look closely, you can see a hint of his goofy grin returning.

Their lives are in our hands.
By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

2024, kittens, PUPPIES, Spay/Neuter

When it rains, it pours

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
Due to nerve damage in her left front leg, Daisy had to have it amputated. But this gorgeous cat gets around like she’s been on three legs her whole life.

08
Aug

As the steady rain of Tropical Storm Debby threatened to cause flooding in the area this week, the Aiken County Animal Shelter was overflowing with homeless animals in need.

They just keep coming. Litters of puppies, sick kittens, lost dogs, injured cats, etc. Not because of Debby. Her rain had little impact on our intake of strays and surrendered pets. No, it is because people are not spaying/neutering their pets, not microchipping their pets, and not keeping their pets contained on their property with a fenced-in yard or by walking them on a leash.

When pets are not properly cared for and become strays, there is a good chance they will get sick or injured. Some aren’t so lucky and end up flattened by a vehicle or starving to death.

County Animal Shelter Veterinarian Nancy Rodriguez and her team of vet technicians do all they can to help the injured pets that come into our facility, and do an amazing job of caring for them. But to help them recover more quickly, we need fosters and adopters that can nurture these sweet animals and provide them with wonderful, loving homes.

Here are some of the current available pets at the County Shelter who need homes and extra TLC:

Chappy was so skinny when he got here, we weren’t sure if he would survive. But he is a tough guy and getting better. A brown, 2-year-old, 47-pound mixed breed, Chappy needs a home where he can get back to health and enjoy a happy future.

Tippy is a 7-month-old, tan and white, Terrier mix puppy who arrived with a broken pelvis.
Tippy is a 7-month-old, tan and white, Terrier mix puppy who arrived with a broken pelvis.

Tippy is a 7-month-old, 12-pound, tan and white, Terrier mix puppy who came to us with a broken pelvis. She is adoptable as special needs but needs crate rest, no rough play, and will be x-rayed in one month to see how she is healing. Tippy needs a soft, quiet place to recover.

Ermes is a 5-month-old, 31-pound, chocolate Retriever pup that came to us bald and in pain from neglect. He was suffering from demodectic mange that was treated immediately upon his arrival at the shelter. He is doing well now and needs a good home.

Boo Boo is here because his owner passed away. This 7-year-old, 76-pound, mixed breed isn’t in physical pain, but he is in mourning and needs to get away from the stress of the shelter. Boo Boo needs an adopter who will give him the love and care he deserves.

Daisy is a sweet, 4-month-old, 5-pound kitten who arrived at the shelter with nerve damage in her left front leg. The leg was causing her pain and couldn’t be saved. However, this stunning blue eyed, charming kitten gets around amazingly well with three legs.

Charlie has had a difficult past. Despite this, he has love for every person he meets.
Charlie has had a difficult past. Despite this, he has love for every person he meets.

Charlie always has a smile on his face, but his past indicates signs of abuse. This 2-year-old, 48-pound, white, mixed breed arrived as a stray with an ulcerated lesion on his back, most likely from being burned. He still loves everyone and is a superstar in playgroup.

To see all of the pets available for adoption at the County Shelter, please go to fotasaiken.org. If you are interested in volunteering, fostering or adopting, visit us at 333 Wire Road in Aiken, SC. You can also call the shelter, (803) 642-1357 or send an email to info@fotasaiken.org.

Their lives are in our hands.

By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director

By the numbers: In July, Aiken County Animal Shelter received 499 dogs and cats with 22 animals received every business day.
Volunteers, fosters and adopters are urgently needed!

Doggie Day Out, Volunteer

Need student service hours? Volunteer at the ACAS

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
To earn service hours, students can go on “dates” with our friendliest shelter dogs, like Sarah.
08
Aug

Back to school came early this year! We will miss seeing children at the shelter volunteering with their parents, but let’s focus on volunteer opportunities for families during this school year.

Many students need service hours for their school, their clubs or to beef up their college applications. How about volunteering at the Aiken County Animal Shelter?

We do ask our volunteers to be 18 years old, but when parents or guardians can volunteer with their kids (12 years or older), it’s awesome! We love seeing families volunteering together at the shelter. It’s as easy as emailing us at info@fotasaiken.org and letting us know you want to come for a volunteer training session.

This summer, we had quite a few mother/daughter teams that came and walked dogs for us. The dogs and cats love seeing young people and it really benefits everyone. Teenagers especially need exercise, time away from phones and social media, and the benefits of caring for homeless pets in our community.

Our Doggie Day Out program is perfect for active families with parents that work. It can be really difficult to find time to help your kids earn service hours. Therefore, we have a program designed to make it easy! Just call the shelter, (803) 642-1537, ext. 3 and set up a time to pick up a dog for an hour after school or on a Saturday morning.

We try and make it as easy as checking out a library book, but way more fun! Students and their families can pick up a friendly dog selected by staff members and take it to the park, downtown or to Starbucks for a pup cup. These field trips give our homeless dogs a well-deserved break from the shelter.

Student Hannah Wildoner makes bracelets and sells them, donating all of her earnings to FOTAS.
Student Hannah Wildoner makes bracelets and sells them, donating all of her earnings to FOTAS.

Students can also think outside the box. This summer, Hannah Wildoner made artwork and bracelets that she sold to friends and community members. She donated her earnings to the shelter to help our pets – so cool!

We encourage students to come up with new ways to help the County Shelter’s animals. Start a club at your school, plan a fundraiser or organize a donation drive. We love partnering with students in these efforts. FOTAS is happy to send a wish list to schools and bring a shelter pet to pick up the items and meet with students.

Lemonade stands, garage sales and social media donation drives are all ways to earn service hours. Post a video of a student with their mission to help pets and collect either financial donations or items from our Wish List. Go to neighbors’ mailboxes and leave copies of what your student is trying to do along with a wish list and a date to leave items by their mailboxes for pick up. Safe and easy!

There are so many ways young people can help our homeless pets. FOTAS and the Aiken County Animal Shelter will help students get started and celebrate their efforts!

Their lives are in our hands.
By Kathy Cagle, FOTAS Programs Coordinator

2024, Cats, community cats, kitten season, kittens

We all need to do our part to control the cat population

Posted on by Shana Ryberg
Orphaned stray kittens, like Tang, are vulnerable to upper respiratory infections, which can do irreparable damage to their eyes. Treated when he arrived at the shelter, the vet staff saved one of Tang’s eyes and he was adopted to a loving home.
26
Jul

We are in the middle of our most challenging kitten season since the Covid pandemic hit in 2020. This year’s stream of stray kittens into the Aiken County Animal Shelter began in May and turned into a flood of baby felines that shows no signs of subsiding.

Kitten season is an annual occurrence, starting in May, peaking in July and August, and usually ending by autumn. Cats mate at a high rate during the warmer months, resulting in the greater influx of kittens.

During this time, it takes teamwork and dedication to save and rehome as many kittens as possible. Of course, the best way to avoid this surge of kittens is to spay/neuter cats before they can reproduce.

This year, the surge of kittens (and mama cats) has been more relentless than usual.
This year, the surge of kittens (and mama cats) has been more relentless than usual.

Pet owners need to spay/neuter their cats or we will never solve the overpopulation problem. Female kittens are old enough to have their own kittens at four months old, so it’s important to get them fixed as soon as possible. The County has a voucher program for citizens in financial need that greatly reduces the cost of getting your feline fixed at participating veterinarian offices and hospitals. If you live in Aiken County, vouchers are distributed to qualified citizens at the Aiken County Government Building.

For County citizens who have feral cats on or around their property, the Aiken County/FOTAS TNR program (Trap/Neuter/Return) is available free of charge. This is a humane population management plan where outdoor cats are trapped, checked by a veterinarian, spayed or neutered, vaccinated, ear-tipped to identify them as sterilized and returned to their territory, where they continue to thrive on their own. In 2023, more than 1,300 community cats were fixed through this TNR program. Please contact the shelter or email info@fotasaiken.org for more information.

Other ways to help:
– Adopt from the shelter: All of the County Animal Shelter’s cats/kittens for adoption are spayed/neutered, vaccinated, microchipped – and there is just a $10.00 fee to adopt them.

– Sign up to foster kittens. It’s fun and saves lives. Not all kittens in need are bottle babies – some just need care and socialization until they are old enough to be spayed or neutered, vaccinated and placed for adoption. Our staff will provide direction, support and tools (such as kitten kits) to help you.

– Donate kitten care supplies to FOTAS. The County Shelter needs kitten formula, warmers, feeding bottles, litter, wet kitten food and other items for our kitten kits.

– Don’t pick up stray kittens unless they are sick, injured or their mother is no longer around to care for them. Their best chance for survival is with their mother and her nutrient-filled milk.

Kitten season is always challenging. But if we work together, we can save many more lives, reduce suffering and stop the flood of felines.

Their lives are in our hands.

By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director