Compassion With Passion.
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Voices For The Voiceless.
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A Shelter For The Homeless.
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Heroes for the Cause.

Saving Animal Lives Every Day Since 1972.
How Can I Help?

Helping our Four-legged friends in Dorchester County, SC since 1972Asset 4

Dorchester Paws, formerly known as Frances R. Willis SPCA, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of animals in Dorchester County, South Carolina. As the only open-admission shelter in the county, we serve towns such as Rosinville, Ridgeville, Oakbrook, St. George, Summerville, and Grover, SC. We take in all lost, abandoned, and abused animals, providing them with food, shelter, medical care, and ultimately, a chance for a loving forever home. Since 1972, we’ve worked tirelessly to reduce pet overpopulation, prevent cruelty, and champion responsible pet ownership in our community.
Our commitment to the well-being of animals extends beyond sheltering. Dorchester Paws is proud to be part of the “No Kill South Carolina Coalition,” and we have significantly reduced our euthanasia rate, achieving a 93% live release rate in 2021. We have not euthanized for time, space, or money since 2017, and we’ve worked to make South Carolina a no-kill state by 2024. With support from the county and donors like you, we continue to expand our efforts to provide compassionate care and strive to make a lasting, positive impact on the lives of the animals in our community.
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Unleash your kindness!

Make a Donation Today

Your support can make a world of difference for the animals at Dorchester Paws. Every donation helps provide food, shelter, medical care, and a second chance at life for homeless pets in our community. Whether it’s a one-time gift or a monthly contribution, your generosity enables us to continue our lifesaving work and achieve our mission of a no-kill South Carolina. Donate today and help us create a brighter future for animals in need!
One-Time Donation

Pet Spotlight:MacAsset 4

Picture of Mac laying on bed
Mac is a gentle, affectionate girl who thrives on attention and companionship. She’s fully housetrained, though she may scent mark when first adjusting to a new home. She’s quiet and calm—barking isn’t her thing—and she’s highly food-motivated, so mealtime is her love language (a slow feeder helps her pace herself!). Mac gets along wonderfully with other dogs and even learns from them, making her a great addition to a multi-dog home. Once she trusts you, she enjoys being touched, snuggling up, and even sporting cute outfits. She’s not much of a toy lover—she’s happiest spending time outdoors and soaking up affection from her humans.
Meet Mac
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OurCore ValuesAsset 4

Make a direct impact by donating to a specific fund at Dorchester Paws! Whether it’s providing lifesaving heartworm treatment, covering adoption fees to help pets find loving homes, or funding essential spay and neuter procedures to prevent overpopulation, your donation makes a difference. Give today and help us provide second chances to the animals who need it most!

Promote Compassion with Passion.

Influence compassion into society through passion for your work and caring of animals.

Relationship Building/Stewardship

Inspire positive relationships between people and animals and ensure the future of the organization.

Courage to be a voice for the voiceless

Do what’s right by the animals and our community.

Integrity

We are trustworthy and strive to do the right thing. We make sound decisions and are not easily influenced by others.

Tails Up for What’s Next!

Upcoming EventsAsset 4

Join Dorchester Paws at our upcoming events and help make a difference for animals in need! From adoption events to fundraising initiatives, there are plenty of ways to get involved. We also offer Trap, Neuter, Release Community Cat Clinics to help manage the local cat population. Check out our full event calendar and be part of our mission to find loving homes for every pet!

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Our PartnersAsset 4

Make A Paw Print that Lasts

Join the Paw Print Society - Our monthly giving program!

By becoming a member of the Paw Print Society, you provide the dependable monthly support that gives homeless animals a second chance. Your reoccurring gift ensures Dorchester Paws has reliable funding year-round to provide food, shelter, medical care, enrichment, and hope for the thousands of animals who come through our doors each year.

Become a monthly donor today and help change more stories, one paw at a time.

Join the Society Today!