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

The timing couldn’t be better for FOTAS and the ACAS to participate in Pick Me! SC, an adoption event that includes more than 50 shelters, rescue organizations, and Petco locations across the state uniting to save homeless animals. 

During Pick Me! SC, which starts today and continues through next Saturday, July 27, the adoption fees for adult dogs will be waived ($0), puppies are $35, and cats/kittens are just $10. The goal this year is to adopt out at least 2,000 homeless pets across the state. 

This is Pick Me! SC’s sixth statewide adoption campaign and cumulatively, 10,000 animals in the Palmetto State have been saved and rehomed through the effort. With so many participating organizations, this state-wide adoption effort is the largest of its kind in the United States.

“Shelters such as ours face their greatest challenges during the summer, and our mission is to find as many dogs and cats safe, loving homes as possible,” said ACAS Manager Bobby Arthurs. 

The County Animal shelter is crowded with outstanding dogs and cats who will make wonderful family pets, including:

Penny: This brown and tan cutie greets everyone who comes to her kennel. Penny is 5 years old, 53 pounds and excels in playgroup. She arrived at the shelter as a stray, but her good behavior indicates she had a good home at one time.

Lucy: Two-year-old, 42-pound, tan & white, Collie mix Lucy is one of the nicest, most easygoing dogs available at the County Shelter. This sweet girl is wonderful with other dogs and walks well on a leash.

Tippi: Beautiful, 2-year-old, 8-pound, Tiger Tabby Tippi nurtured her kittens until they were old enough for adoption. Now, it’s her turn to find a loving home.

 

 

Lil Man: Petite German Shepherd Lil Man is as sweet as they come and likes to play with other dogs. Three years old and just 41 pounds, this wonderful boy is a staff favorite.

Pearl: One-year-old, white & black Pearl is about 35 pounds and loves to play with other dogs. This mixed breed darling arrived at the County Shelter as a stray but is extremely social.

“It is heartbreaking to see so many sweet, wonderful dogs and cats end up here at the shelter through no fault of their own,” said FOTAS President Jennifer Miller. “But we are excited to participate in Pick Me! SC again this summer because it gives us the opportunity to reduce and even waive adoption fees during this challenging time.”

Their lives are in our hands.

By Bob Gordon, FOTAS Communications Director