Gifting Tree Joins Friends of the Animal Shelter

There is no doubt the Friends of the Animal Shelter (FOTAS) volunteers provide a valuable service to our community.  Without their help, thousands of animals would needlessly suffer while our streets and neighborhoods are endangered by roaming animals.  

FOTAS, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization was established in 2009 to be the fundraising and volunteer arm of the Aiken County Animal Shelter.  FOTAS has recruited an army of volunteers that work at the shelter on a daily basis, foster animals, run charitable and educational events and provide health care for animals.  Its mission statement was to never have to euthanize an adoptable pet.  This was a bold statement considering the euthanasia rate at the shelter in 2009 was over 90%.  The save rate is now over 90% and in 2018 and 2019 no adoptable pet had to be euthanized.  This is no easy task as each year more than 5000 animals will be surrendered to the shelter or picked up as strays by animal control.

The Gifting Tree Foundation provided the $2500 to help pay for spay, neuter and veterinarian services.   Don Cheeks, The Gifting Tree Foundation Board Chair, said “FOTAS volunteers provide a valuable service to our community.  Without these services, the overpopulation of Aiken County cats and dogs will increase to a point that Aiken County would have no choice but to euthanize healthy animals.”  Cheeks went on to say, “Our Board is happy to partner with FOTAS to promote responsible pet ownership.”