Community Support at Dorchester Paws

We are evolving our organization to better serve the community and the pets that reside in Dorchester County. The mission of Community Support Services is to keep animals from entering the shelter system by providing resources to the community, increasing return to home rates, increasing communication within the community and ultimately reducing the number of animals entering the shelter. 

The change in pet population over the last two years has significantly changed the animal welfare world; there are not enough homes for the amount of animals in shelters. So supporting the pet owners who can keep their pet is the more realistic alternative.

Nail Trims

On Sunday’s you can get your animal’s (Cat and Dogs) nail trims at our clinic. There is a $20 fee per pet. Please know this is a donation back to our shelter. Please also note that all animals will be muzzled for the safety of our staff.

To book an appointment, click here.

Need Help with Your Pet?

The best option for your pet is to stay in its home with you! But, if there is something that you need help with to keep your pet, that is where we can try to help! Launching the new Community Support Services department in 2023 will help families like yours. 

Need help with spay/neuter for your pets?

Need help containing your dog?

Need help with behavior issues with your pet? 

Email us with your needs at petsupport@dorchesterpaws.org

Low Cost Veterinary Care

Dorchester Paws does not have a public clinic. We recommend looking up veterinary clinics in your area, below are some that are in the Summerville Area:

Summerville Pet Clinic

LowCountry Pet Wellness 

LowCountry Pet Vaccine Clinic

Charleston Animal Society

Emergency Vet Care

BluePearl-Summerville

Charleston Veterinary Referral Center 

Urgent Care

PawMed-West Ashley

FlowerTown Animal Hospital

Need to Rehome Your Pet? 

Times are tough right now, we get it! Rehoming a pet can be very stressful for all parties and we are here to help the best that we can. Surrendering to the shelter should be the very last option- if there is something keeping you and your pet from staying together we want to help! Sometimes it is the only option to rehome or surrender, we understand that- so to best help you and your pet please fill out the application below so we can get as much information as possible. Once the application is submitted and documents are emailed, a staff member will review to plan your pets best pathway

If you are able to keep your pet for a little while longer but ultimately cannot keep them, try these rehoming sites: 

• https://rehome.adoptapet.com/
• https://getyourpet.com/
• Facebook Groups for rehoming
• Nextdoor

Dorchester Paws has stayed at capacity for months, in fact most shelters across the country are at or over capacity. We cannot take same day surrenders because we simply have no kennel space. It is imperative that you reach out to us so we can SCHEDULE your pet.

Dog Rehoming Application:

https://www.shelterluv.com/matchme/owner-surrender/DPSC/Dog

Cat Rehoming Application:

https://www.shelterluv.com/matchme/owner-surrender/DPSC/Cat 

Once the application is submitted AND pictures and medical are emailed, a staff member will email you back with the next steps.

Things to keep in mind before submitting your application:

• No cat or dog does well in the shelter environment- its stressful, adoption rates are slowed resulting in long length of stays. Surrendering should be the absolute last resort
• Most of our adopters work full time, have kids and other pets. The ideal “no kids, no pets and a  fenced in yard” does not exist anymore! 
• We truly want to keep your pets in their home- so please let us know if there is anything we can do to help, we may have the resources to help!