NKSC in Action

Saving Lives SAVING LIVES

The lives of thousands of animals in shelters across South Carolina were at stake, as homeless animals poured into shelters over the summer. “Nearly every shelter in the state, including the largest shelters [Greenville County Animal Care, Charleston Animal Society, Horry County Animal Care Center and Columbia Animal Services] were at the breaking point and needed immediate help,” said No Kill South Carolina 2024 Chief Project Officer Abigail Appleton, CAWA, PMP. “These lifesaving organizations were critically overcapacity because folks were not getting out as much as they did earlier this summer”

To solve this unprecedented crisis in South Carolina, shelters across the state joined together to launch “Summer Slam Emergency Rescue Operation.” This emergency event was led by No Kill South Carolina 2024 (a program of Charleston Animal Society) and the South Carolina Animal Care and Control Association (SCACCA). “We were in unchartered waters, in a perfect storm. We had the end of summer slowdown in adoptions, the peak of hurricane season and the pandemic resurgence,” stated Shelly Simmons, President of SCACCA.

To help with the emergency, No Kill South Carolina 2024 encouraged shelters across the state to offer low-cost adoption deals. No Kill South Carolina 2024 also placed thousands of dollars in advertising buys across every major region of the state. As a result, the lifesaving call to action was on Facebook, TV, radio and across the internet.

People were encouraged to visit their local shelters to adopt or foster at-risk animals. “This was a community crisis, not just an animal shelter crisis, just as COVID is a community crisis, not only a hospital crisis. Everyone had a role to play,” stated Simmons.

At the same time, businesses, veterinarians, rescue groups, governments, shelters and media were also encouraged to help. • Citizens were urged to adopt or foster • Businesses could become adoption ambassadors for animals • Veterinarians were asked to help shelters through the backlog of animals with spay/neuter • Rescue groups could take in additional at-risk animals • Government shelters and animal control agencies could implement managed moratoriums (intake only at-risk animals)

After the dust settled, countless lives had been saved. In spite of the ongoing veterinarian shortage (pg. 13), the “Emergency Summer Slam” was a success. “Everyone wants to save lives and No Kill South Carolina 2024 is a vehicle for connecting people and shelters and solving crises like this that impact us all,” said Appleton.

Pick Me! SC was a huge success, with 51 animal rescue shelters and Petco locations around the state opening their doors for pet adoptions June 18 – 27. “As the number of animals in shelters reached crisis levels, South Carolinians once again responded to their local animal rescue shelters to make room for one more family member,” said Charleston Animal Society President and CEO Joe Elmore, CAWA. “We are thrilled that this year’s event broke all previous records by topping 1,700 adoptions; it was a milestone for South Carolina animals!”

The statewide adoption event is sponsored by Petco Love (formerly the Petco Foundation), in partnership with BOBS from Skechers. Pick Me! SC is organized by No Kill South Carolina 2024, an initiative of Charleston Animal Society. “We want to give a big thank you to Petco Love and BOBS from Skechers for their continued support and belief in this annual adoption event,” said No Kill South Carolina 2024 Chief Project Director Abigail Appleton, PMP, CAWA. “We believe this is the nation’s only annual statewide adoption event for both dogs and cats.”

The 2021 goal was to save 1,500 lives through adoptions and as the final adoption tally rolled in, the number of adoptions climbed to 1,723. Most shelters and adoption centers offered “no-fee” or “low-fee” adoptions as a gesture of gratitude in this lifesaving campaign for families making room for one more.

The record-breaking adoptions came despite lingering concerns over the pandemic. Four animal rescue shelters had more than 100 adoptions: • Greenville County Animal Care: 247 • Charleston Animal Society: 238 • Anderson County PAWS: 164 • Berkeley Animal Center: 105 699 dogs and 1,024 cats were adopted during the statewide adoption campaign. Adding to the fun? Cat adopters were surprised with an additional treat of an adoption kit from World’s Best Cat Litter.

Many people who adopted at Pick Me! SC in the past shared that they had never visited their local animal rescue shelter before the Pick Me! SC events. Animal welfare leaders throughout the state hope events like this will show people the value that animal rescue shelters bring to their individual communities. During the statewide Pick Me! SC adoption event, 699 dogs were adopted and the lives of more than 1,000 cats were saved. Photos: Jeanne Taylor/jtpetpics.com