Dorchester Paws

Welcome to Dorchester Paws, a dedicated nonprofit organization that has been improving the lives of animals in Dorchester County, South Carolina, since 1972. Formerly known as Frances R. Willis SPCA, we are proud to be the only open-admission shelter in the area, serving communities including Summerville, St. George, and Oakbrook. At Dorchester Paws, our mission is to care for every lost, abandoned, and abused animal that comes through our doors. We provide essential services, including food, shelter, and medical care, while also tirelessly advocating for responsible pet ownership and the prevention of cruelty. Our team is committed to reducing the fears and pains that animals face, proudly holding fear-free certifications among our staff and volunteers. As a partner of the No Kill South Carolina Coalition, we are firmly committed to ending unnecessary euthanasia. We have achieved a remarkable live release rate of 93% in 2021 and have not euthanized for time, space, or money since early 2017. We aim to help make South Carolina a no-kill state by 2024, inspiring compassion and humane treatment for all animals. Our core values guide our daily operations: promoting compassion with passion, building relationships between people and animals, being a courageous voice for the voiceless, and maintaining integrity in all our endeavors. We believe in fostering relationships to ensure a future where every animal is treated with kindness and respect. We invite you to join us at Dorchester Paws. Whether you're looking to adopt a pet, volunteer, or donate, your support makes a significant impact in our community. Together, we can continue our mission to provide a second chance to animals and work towards a compassionate future. For more information, visit us at our shelter located at 136 Four Paws Lane, Summerville, SC 29483, or call us at 843-871-3820. Let's collaborate to give every animal the chance they deserve!