On Thursday, July 6, we launched this summer’s Empty the Shelters event. This is a nationwide promotion sponsored by the Bissell Pet Foundation to help save the lives of shelter pets. Summer is always the worst time for animal shelters. In June, our shelter took in more than 500 animals. Finding homes for these dogs and cats is becoming increasingly difficult.
Across the country, adoptions are at the lowest we have seen in years! Our kennels are full of incredible dogs right now. We have yellow and chocolate Labrador Retrievers, Beagles, Pointers, you name it! Most are active in playgroups with other dogs, which makes them easier to integrate into homes with existing pets.
There is no way we can save these lives if our community doesn’t adopt. Rescues are full, shelters are full, the model of no-kill is not sustainable if people don’t start adopting.
Aiken County schools have changed their schedule, which has shortened the summer for school kids. This means many families are traveling, resulting in fewer local adoptions, fewer foster homes and fewer volunteers.
Empty the Shelters is an event that promotes reduced and fee waived adoptions to limit the barriers to rehoming. Many people worry about the cost of adopting in addition to purchasing supplies such as leashes, collars, crates, litter boxes, etc. By reducing and waiving adoption fees, it allows people the flexibility to be able to buy these needed items for their pet.
Empty the Shelters runs through July 31st. If you are able to adopt, now is the time. The homeless pets need you.
Their lives are in our hands.
By Kathy Cagle, FOTAS Programs Coordinator
