Aiken County Animal Shelter Faces Crisis After Storm Helene: Community Urged to Adopt or Volunteer

Aiken County: A Call to Action for Animal Lovers!

Living in Aiken, you might have noticed that the sunny days can sometimes give way to stormy weather. Recently, our community faced the aftermath of Storm Helene, which unfortunately left our local animal shelter in quite a bind. If you’ve ever thought about adopting a pet or simply lending a helping hand, now is the perfect time!

The Growing Need at Aiken County Animal Shelter

The kennels are full at the Aiken County Animal Shelter, and they are in dire need of our help. Just imagine walking through a place filled with wagging tails and hopeful meows, yet knowing that there aren’t enough forever homes for them all. Before the storm hit, the shelter was already at capacity with more than 90 animals. And since then, the shelter has welcomed nearly 60 additional pets!

When the storm knocked out power, the shelter had to close its doors temporarily, which meant no adoptions during a critical time. Now that they’ve reopened, the staff is eager to find loving families to take these animals home. Every pet at the shelter is there through no fault of their own; they are seeking new loving caretakers.

Waiving Adoption Fees

Here’s the good news: the shelter is collaborating with the **Bissell Pet Foundation** to host an Empty the Shelter event that runs until October 15. To encourage families to adopt, they are waiving all adoption fees! This is a fantastic opportunity to welcome a furry friend into your life. Not only will you be gaining a loyal companion, but you’ll also be helping clear out the kennels for even more pets in need.

Ways You Can Help

If you can’t adopt right now, there are still plenty of ways you can make a big difference! The shelter is always looking for volunteers to help care for the countless animals that come through their doors. Whether it’s walking dogs, socializing cats, or helping with administrative duties, every little bit counts.

Fostering is another wonderful option! If you can’t commit to a long-term adoption, consider temporarily taking in a pet. Fostering gives animals a chance to experience home life, which makes them more adoptable later on. Plus, it’s a fulfilling experience that allows you to bond with a pet while they wait for their forever family.

Join the Movement!

Jennifer Miller, president of Friends of the Animal Shelter, has spoken passionately about the situation. “These animals’ lives are in our hands,” she says. With nearly 5,000 animals entering the shelter last year alone, it’s apparent that community involvement is crucial. The shelter cannot do it alone; they need our support.

If you’re thinking about adopting, fostering, or even just volunteering, now is the time to step up. Picture snuggling up with a new furry friend, or spending time with these animals as they await their forever homes. Every effort counts, and together we can make a significant impact in the lives of these pets.

Visit the Shelter

The Aiken County Animal Shelter is located right here in our community, and it’s open for you to come in and meet all the loving animals looking for homes. Whether you’re ready to adopt or simply want to help out, your involvement will be greatly appreciated.

So, Aiken residents, let’s show our community spirit! Visit the shelter, spread the word, and consider opening your heart and home to a furry friend who needs you. They are waiting for a second chance, and together, we can help make that happen.