Mission
Dorchester Paws strives to instill humane principles into society through the prevention of cruelty to animals.
For more than three decades, Lowcountry animal advocates have worked to build strong relationships with area pet stores to adopt out animals from local shelters and rescues in their stores. These efforts have paid off and thousands of homeless animals have been saved thanks to these community-minded stores who see the benefit in helping to adopt local, homeless animals.
Sadly, this lifesaving Lowcountry tradition is being threatened by Petland in Summerville. The new owner has made it public that starting Saturday, August 4, Petland will be selling puppies purchased from large scale commercial breeding facilities in other parts of the country. These animals will not be spayed or neutered upon their sale to the public.
Learn more about the issue here.
Each year, over 3,200 animals come to Dorchester Paws. Before these dogs and cats move to the adoption floor, each is spayed/neutered.
But Dorchester Paws doesn’t have a spay/neuter clinic.
We partner with other shelters to spay/neuter our animals to ensure they don’t continue to contribute to the pet overpopulation crisis. Pet overpopulation is a serious issue, which is not abating. It’s why there are days when 50+ animals come through our doors at once. The shelter cannot house all of these animals.
Our goal is to open this spay/neuter clinic by September 2018, to help our shelter animals and serve as a low-cost resource for our community. Through Petco Foundation grant funding, we’re part of the way there, but we need YOU to make this clinic a reality.
Become a fundraiser for the spay/neuter clinic at Dorchester Paws. Make a difference – give today.
PetSmart Charities National Adoption Weekend
Due to Hurricane Florence, this event has been rescheduled to September 29-30.
Let’s keep the momentum for adoptions going during PetSmart Charities National Adoption Weekend at PetSmart in Azalea Square September 29-30! Find unconditional love and inspire others to adopt their best friend by sharing your adoption story on social media using #iadopted.
Dorchester Paws will be at PetSmart in Azalea Square with adoptable animals Saturday, September 29 from 11-3 pm and Sunday, September 30 from 12-3 pm.
Adopt your new best friend from Dorchester Paws!
Adoption Event at Magnolia Plantation
This event has been rescheduled for September 30.
Once again Lowcountry Dog Magazine is bringing you the largest adoption event in the Lowcountry: 16 local rescues and shelters all coming together to find homes for dogs!
Come out to Magnolia Plantation and Garden on Sunday, September 30 from 1 to 4 p.m. to meet your new best friend! This event is FREE but admission is required to enter the gardens.
PLUS, any dog adoption during August & September from Dorchester Paws receives a free annual membership to Magnolia Plantation and Garden!
View more details here.
About Dorchester Paws
Dorchester Paws, formerly known as Frances R. Willis SPCA, is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of animals in Dorchester County, South Carolina. Dorchester Paws is the only open-admission shelter in Dorchester County, serving towns including Rosinville, Ridgeville, Oakbrook, St. George, Summerville and Grover, SC. Partnering with Dorchester Code Enforcement, we take in every lost, abandoned and abused animal and provide them with food, shelter and medical attention until they find their forever home.
Setting the Standard for Dorchester County
Thank You to Our Paws Partners!
