SPCA membership has its perks and privileges 9/14/2009 9:14 PM By GARY WILLOUGHBY Executive Director, Aiken SPCA
The Aiken SPCA adopted nearly 700 animals in 2008. They came in all shapes and sizes, ages from 8 weeks to more than 10 years old.
While they vary in size, breed, temperament, personality and looks, they share one common thing. They are part of the Aiken SPCA family for the rest of their life.
What does that mean to an adopter?
First, your adopted pet comes with a microchip that offers you ease of mind that if it ever gets lost and picked up by animal control or turned in to a local veterinarian, a quick scan of the animal will register it back as an alumnus of the Aiken SPCA, which will help get it returned to its owner quickly.
If the previous owner didn't want the pet anymore and didn't bring it back to us, like they were supposed to do, the microchip assures that the dog or cat will come back to the Aiken SPCA, no matter where it was found.
Just last weekend, a boxer was found wandering in a small town in Georgia, more than 50 miles from our shelter. With a quick scan of the dog, we were notified. Now, the dog is back with us and is doing great.
Another important part of adopting from an animal welfare group like the Aiken SPCA is you get a lifetime support system for that adopted animal.
If you are having difficulty house training, need a referral for obedience training or other kind of advice to make the transition easier, we are only a phone call away.
Just as importantly, if something major happens in your life and you can no longer care for your pet, we will take it back and find it a new home, no matter how long it takes. We will, of course, make every effort to help you keep the pet in your home, if that is your first choice, such as helping research pet-friendly rentals, offer advice mentioned before or any other help we can offer.
Once we have exhausted those options, your adopted pet is welcome back with open arms anytime.
We've had dogs and cats returned that were adopted as much as nine or 10 years ago.
While, like those of you reading this, we are sad when a pet loses its home after such a long time, our commitment to finding it a new home is unwavering.
That commitment by our board of directors and staff offers great peace of mind when you are considering adopting a pet.
You can also feel proud that when you adopt a pet from a group like the Aiken SPCA, you are freeing up room in the kennel or cat area so that another stray animal will be saved and find a new home of its own.
Your adoption fee and support of the Aiken SPCA goes beyond just saving a pet.
You are also helping us support other programs besides adoption, such as our popular low-cost spay and neuter programs.
We are on pace for a clinic record number of surgeries this year, which will be so helpful in reducing the numbers of unwanted litters of puppies and kittens that come into area shelters every day.
Many of these pets' owners took the initiative to have their animals altered, in part because we were able to make it affordable for them.
Since 1935, people like you have seen the value of adopting your pets from the Aiken SPCA.
When you adopt from us, you get so much more than just a great pet.
You're part of a tradition of local animal lovers who are saving lives and helping us further our mission to continue to make the CSRA a great place for pets.
To learn more, visit www.aikenspca.org or give us a call at 648-6863.
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