Find your “furry soulmate” at Aiken Co. Animal Shelter event for Valentine’s Day weekend

AIKEN, S.C. (WJBF)- Love comes in all shapes and sizes, and that includes pets.

With the season of love in full swing, the Aiken County Animal Shelter is getting ready to celebrate a Shelter Pet Speed Dating event as a fun way to help you find a “furry soulmate”. 

FOTAS Programs Coordinator Kathy Cagle says the event couldn’t come at a better time, because the new year got off to a rocky start. 

“The start of 2025 has been horrific for us to be totally honest. We are seeing a huge spike in numbers,” said Cagle.

The shelter continues to be at full capacity.

They took in 270 animals last month, and more than 100 homeless pets in the first week of February.

Cagle says that high number could be partly due to the impacts from Hurricane Helene.

“A lot of people’s fences went down, their dogs are running loose. So, we’re getting a lot of unwanted litters. We also have people who just can’t afford to care for their animals, so those are coming in — it’s just a perfect storm,” Cagle said.

During Saturday’s speed dating event,  visitors will take a short survey, and adoption counselors will help them find the best pet that suits their needs. 

“Then we will pick the three that match their qualifications the most, and then we’ll do a quick speed dating where we introduce them one-on-one in an adoption room. That way, we’ll see which one the family, the couple or single person likes,” said Cagle.

Cagle says they do need the community’s help, but with more pets means a wide range of choices for visitors. 

“We have some of the best dogs I’ve seen in the years I’ve been here right now. We have lab dogs that want to cuddle, we have dogs that are great running buddies. We just have such a great selection, and people aren’t seeing that when they walk through the kennels — they’re seeing barking and desperation. So, I think in this atmosphere, we’ll be able to show people the actual dog, 1 on 1, and find them the right family member,” Cagle added.

The Shelter Pet Speed Dating Event kicks off on Saturday, February 15th at 11 AM at the shelter, located at 333 Wire Road in Aiken.

The event runs from 11 AM to 1 PM, but Cagle says they will still be open for adoptions until 4:30 PM.

Dog and puppy adoption fees are $14, and $10 for cats and kittens. 

For more information about FOTAS and Aiken County Animal Shelter, click here.