Dorchester Paws
Voices for the Voiceless
Dorchester Paws is dedicated to improving the lives of animals in Dorchester County by providing compassionate care, medical attention, and a second chance at life for every pet in need. We are committed to fostering a community where every animal completes their journey from victim to victory.
Our History and Community Impact
Since our founding in 1972 by Frances R. Willis, we have served as the only open-admission shelter in Dorchester County. As a proud partner of the No Kill South Carolina Coalition, we have successfully eliminated euthanasia for time, space, or money, achieving a 93% live release rate in 2021.
Our Commitment to Compassionate Care
Operating as a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we combine shelter facilities with a robust foster network to provide a safe, nurturing environment for lost, abandoned, and abused animals. Our Fear Free certified staff and dedicated volunteers ensure that every animal receives vaccinations, microchipping, and spay or neuter surgeries before joining their new family. Through our community support programs, we work tirelessly to keep pets and their owners together.
Your Partner in Adoption
We believe in building lifelong bonds by carefully matching each pet’s unique personality with the right household. Our adoption counselors are here to guide you through the process, ensuring a joyful, well-supported transition for you and your new companion. We invite the whole family, including current pets, to visit us and meet our wonderful, adoptable residents.
Join Our Mission
Ready to meet your new best friend? Visit our shelter in Summerville to explore our adoptable dogs and cats, or reach out to our team at info@dorchesterpaws.org to learn more about how you can make a difference. Together, we can create a brighter, kinder future for animals in our community.
- Staff dedication
- Animal welfare focus
- OperationalFriction
10/14 - Adoption Event at Dorchester Petsmart | Dorchester Paws
Join us at Dorchester PetSmart for an adoption event! We’ll have adorable, adoptable dogs onsite who are ready to meet their forever families. Stop by to meet the pups, learn […]
9/15 - Lowcountry pet adoption service to provide free vaccines and microchips
Dorchester Paws will host its Community Day to provide free vaccinations and microchips to help pets stay safe, healthy and at home.
9/14 - McElveen donates $10,000 to Dorchester Paws in Monday check presentation
Dorchester Paws will be recieving aMcElveen Buick GMC Presents $10,000 Community Investment to Dorchester PawsMcElveen Buick GMC President Doug McElveen presen
8/26 - Dorchester Paws
WCIV ABC News 4, Charleston, South Carolina provides coverage of local and national news, sports, weather and community events in the region, including North Charleston, Mt Pleasant, Summerville, Hanahan, Goose Creek, Rantowles, Cottageville, St George, Moncks Corner, Jacksonboro, Ravenel, Cottageville, Walterboro, Sullivans Island, Dewees Island and Folly Beach.
8/17 - Dorchester County studying need for county-owned animal shelter - AOL
DORCHESTER COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD) – Dorchester County is studying whether a county-owned animal shelter is needed to meet future animal care and public health needs as the area’s population continues to grow. County officials recently held a public meeting to discuss an ongoing Animal Shelter and Services Feasibility Study and gather community feedback. The county […]
8/6 - Proposed animal shelter, livestock facility in Dorchester County raises concerns
Animal shelters across the country are facing severe overcrowding issues.
5/12 - Mel's Mutts: Mallory
Meet Mallory!She's about 2-years-old and believed to be a Lab/Shepherd mix.Mallory gets along with other dogs and kids and absolutely loves peanut butter and gi
