Compassion With Passion.
||
Voices For The Voiceless.
||
A Shelter For The Homeless.
||
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.
Learn More

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:HumphreyAsset 4

When Humphrey first came to Dorchester Paws, the world felt big and scary for this gentle guy. Then he went to foster. And everything changed. In foster, Humphrey found what the shelter can’t always give and that’s a quiet place to relax. Now he enjoys walks with friends, car rides, sunbathing in the yard, and living with his best dog friends. He’s crate trained, potty trained, well mannered, and learning every day that people can be trusted! He is looking for a forever home that is quiet and has dog friends so he’s more comfortable. He is incredibly sweet and just wants to find his person!
Meet Humphrey
View All Adoptable Dogs
View All Adoptable Cats

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!

View More Events

Nationally RecognizedGrant RecipientsAsset 4