SUMMERVILLE, S.C. – 2021 was another busy year for Dorchester Paws. 3,841 animals came through our doors, which is a 4.69% increase in intakes, from 2020. 

Year over Year Snapshot:

·         In 2019 Dorchester Paws had 3,728 intakes, where 39% were brought in by Dorchester County Code Enforcement, 2,879 adoptions and ended with a 90% live release rate. 

·         In 2020 Dorchester Paws had 3,667 intakes, where 45% were brought in by Dorchester County Code Enforcement, 2,830 adoptions and ended with a 98% live release rate. 

·         In 2021, Dorchester Paws had 3,841 intakes where 44% were brought in by Dorchester County Code Enforcement, 2,363 adoptions and ended with a 93% live release rate.

2021, by the numbers:

·         3,841 animals came into Dorchester Paws (Dorchester Paws also saw more owner surrenders than ever before, and switched to a managed intake program because of it)

·         9,457 vaccinations were distributed

·         3,076 spay and neuter surgeries were performed

·         2,363 animals were adopted

·         1,405 animals were placed in foster homes

·         591 cats were part of our TNR program

·         365 were returned to their owners

·         256 animals were transferred out to rescue partners

·         137 life-saving special surgeries were performed

·         122 heartworm treatments were administered

·         Dorchester Paws incurred $1,293,943.17 in expenses, with the average cost per animal, being $337

The staff at Dorchester Paws works hard every day to care for all the neglected, abandoned, and stray animals that come in. We provide care, medical treatment, and other resources to ensure that these animals are returned to their owner or found a new forever home. Regardless of how the animal comes to our doors, each animal is processed upon intake and provided the care they need. Dorchester Paws relies on adopters, volunteers, fosters and donors to help carry out our mission.

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About Dorchester Paws

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 the towns of Rosinville, Ridgeville, Oakbrook, St. George, Summerville and Grover, South Carolina. Partnering with Dorchester Code Enforcement, the organization takes in every lost, abandoned and abused animal and provides food, shelter and medical attention until a “forever home” can be found. Since 2017, Dorchester Paws has been a no kill shelter and is a partner in the “No Kill South Carolina Community”