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.
community cat clinic
Dorchester Paws’ Community Cat Clinics are on a mission to help our neighborhood’s whiskered wanderers. Through our Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program, we ensure these feline free spirits are spayed or neutered, vaccinated, microchipped, and sport a stylish ear tip—the universal sign of a cat that’s been cared for. By joining forces, we can keep our community cats healthy and happy while preventing the pitter-patter of unexpected kitten paws. Ready to be a part of this pawsome initiative? Check out our upcoming clinic dates and let’s make a difference, one meow at a time!
UPCOMING CLINICS
Dorchester Paws has a donation based pantry for pet food that is open to anyone needing assistance within Dorchester County. Our supporters donate dog and cat food throughout the year for members of the public that need some help!
If you are needing assistance with pet food, fill out the form below and a Community Support staff member will get back to you! Once the form is submitted, you will receive an email with further instructions on when and where to pick up- so keep an eye on your email!
What is the pet food pantry
Dorchester Paws’ Pet Food Pantry is a temporary service offered to those who are in need of food and or supplies for their pets. It should not be considered as a permanent source of pet food.
How often can I get food for my pet?
We will provide food once per month. The recipient will be allowed to be in the program for 6 months only. If your situation changes and you no longer require assistance, please let us know so we are able to assist another family. Once a recipient has completed his/her allotted time, a waiting period of 6 months will be needed before you can reapply.
How do I qualify for the program?
You must be at least 18 years old and have a valid ID.
Only one person per household/address can receive benefits from the Pet Food Pantry. The recipient, family member, or acquaintances living or staying with the animals in this program cannot have any animal neglect or cruelty charges against or pending against them.
Pet food recipients cannot take on any additional animals while receiving assistance.
Recipients agree not to hold Dorchester Paws, its volunteers, and benefactors legally liable in the unfortunate event your pet(s) become ill or the food upsets a pet(s) stomach.
Recipients understand that the food and supplies are given as a donation and are to be treated as such. Food and supplies are not to be sold, given away, or returned to the store.
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:
Rehome by Adopt a Pet Website
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.
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!
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
– SweetSpire Vet Clinic
Emergency Vet Care
– BluePearl-Summerville
– Charleston Veterinary Referral Center
Urgent Care
– PawMed-West Ashley
– FlowerTown Animal Hospital
