Animal shelters in Richmond, Columbia and Aiken Counties are offering special adoption fees trying to get pets adopted in time for the holidays.
For one shelter, the need to adopt out has become critical.
“We are in crisis mode at the shelter due to so many strays and surrendered pets coming in the last couple of months,” said volunteer Bob Gordon with Friends of the Animal Shelter.
The intake wing is over capacity and staff must double up dogs in each kennel.
“It is highly unusual for the shelter to be so full during this time of year,” added FOTAS President Jennifer Miller. “And it is disheartening to be in crisis mode so close to Christmas.”
Volunteers are hoping for a big turn out from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Dec. 18 for the shelter’s Home for the Holidays/Clear the Shelter event. Most pets will be available for no fee and adopters can have their picture taken with Santa. The shelter is at 333 Wire Road in Aiken.
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At the SPCA Albrecht Center the “Empty the Shelters – Holiday Hope” event continues through Dec. 20. The center is partnering with the Bissell Pet foundation to offer reduced adoption fees of $25.
Barbara Nelson, president and CEO of the Albrecht Center, said “We sincerely appreciate the Bissell foundation and other foundations like that because what they do is they create that level of awareness to the public. As much as we put out marketing materials and say, ‘Please come adopt’ when you have a foundation like Bissell it gets us out into the community and exposes our poor animals to the community.”
The center, at 199 Willow Run Rd. in Aiken will be open 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for the event.
In Columbia County, Animal Services is not dealing with overcrowding, but is offering its annual special.
Spokeswoman Cassidy Harris said they are offering adoptions for $15 until Jan. 1. Most will include vaccinations and spay or neuter along with giveaways of blankets and toys.
The shelter is at 1940 William Few Pkwy in Grovetown. It is open 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
For anyone not sure if they are ready to adopt, Augusta Animal Service is offering its Christmas Home for the Holidays.
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They are looking for families that will not be traveling for the holidays and would be able to pick up a dog or cat Sunday, Dec. 19th to Wednesday, Dec. 22nd or on Monday, Dec. 27th from 1-to-4 p.m. Pets can be returned to the shelter on Monday, Dec. 27th or Sunday, Jan. 2 and Monday, Jan. 3 from 1-to-4 p.m.
“We have pets that would love to cuddle on their couch, watch TV and enjoy the holiday festivities,” said Deputy Director Crysal Eskola. “Of course, we hope that the match is perfect and the family falls in love and wants to adopt or have a friend that does.”
Pets available to participate are spayed/neutered, up to date on shots and microchipped. Families are advised to bring children and their own pets for a meet-and-greet to ensure an animal is a good fit for their family. If needed, Augusta Animal Services will provide the necessary supplies for the holiday.
Augusta Animal Services is at 4164 Mack Lane.
Dana Lynn McIntyre is a Staff Reporter with The Augusta Press. You can reach her at dana@theaugustapress.com
