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. 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.
We strive to instill humane principles into society through the prevention of cruelty to animals by championing responsible pet ownership, ending unnecessary euthanasia, and ending over pet population. We are dedicated to reducing pain and fear in our community’s animals and are proud to say that our staff and volunteers are fear free certified.
Our shelter was established in 1972 by Frances R. Willis with land donated by Westvaco. Dr. Brunson Westbury and Frances R. Willis worked to get the road built and land cleared to open the facility. Over the years, the shelter has been expanded, but we continue to reach and exceed our capacity because our community is growing and the pet overpopulation crisis is not abating.
Dorchester Paws strives to instill humane principles into society through the prevention of cruelty to animals.
Proud Partner in the
Dorchester Paws is a partner in the “No Kill South Carolina Coalition.” Since the beginning of 2017, we have made significant improvements to our shelter and the quality of care we provide to the animals. Our euthanasia rate has been steadily reduced and we have not euthanized for time, space, or money since January 2017. We are committed to meeting the live release rate of the national average. In 2021, we had an overall live release rate of 93%.
We are excited to announce that we will be joining No Kill South Carolina in their mission to make the whole state no-kill by 2024! Together we can create a no-kill community!
Our
At Dorchester Paws, our core values are at the heart of everything we do. They shape our commitment to compassion, integrity, and advocacy for animals in need. From building strong community relationships to being a voice for the voiceless, we strive to create a future where every animal is treated with kindness and respect. These guiding principles ensure that our mission is not just about rescue, but about making a lasting impact for pets and people alike.
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.
WAIT!
How is Dorchester County tied to Dorchester Paws?
Dorchester Paws is a private 501c3 not-for-profit organization. We are not owned or operated by the Dorchester County government.
By law, Dorchester County is required to provide a shelter for the welfare of animals within its borders. To fulfill this legal requirement, Dorchester County maintains an operating contract with Dorchester Paws, and as part of this contract, the county supplies 25% of the shelter’s approximate annual operating costs of $1.6 million.
The rest of our funding comes from grantors and individuals like you.
And because we are a private entity, we are able to provide critical services that go well beyond the usual scope of services offered by a county-owned and operated shelter.
We envision a world where every animal goes on the journey from
We are committed to:
Ending unnecessary euthanasia and giving every animal a chance
Combating overpopulation by encouraging spaying and neutering
Championing responsible pet ownership through public education
Feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, and protecting the abused
Reuniting lost pets with their families and finding homes for strays
Dorchester County is one of the fastest growing counties in South Carolina.
New industry and population numbers are on the rise and this has a direct impact on the need for Dorchester Paws’ mission.
All of our animals are vaccinated, microchipped and spayed or neutered before they are adopted to loving forever homes.
With a young, dynamic staff and a corps of dedicated volunteers, foster homes and community support, Dorchester Paws is poised to make significant improvements for animal welfare in Dorchester County.
2024 in Numbers:
