2022 Top-Rated Nonprofit

Dorchester Paws

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Nonprofit Overview

Causes: Animal Protection & Welfare, Animals

Mission: 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 private shelter in Dorchester County. We take in every lost, abandoned, and abused animal and provide them with food, shelter, and medical attention until they find their forever home. This year, Dorchester Paws celebrates its 50th Anniversary. That also means that the facility that provides shelter for the nearly 4,000 cats and dogs, that we take in each year, is 50 years old. The facility is falling a part and often floods when it rains. In 2021, Dorchester Paws had 3,841 cats and dogs come through our doors. 3,100 of those animals were spayed and neutered on our campus, with our part-time Veterinarian who is only able to do surgeries twice a week. There were many times in 2021, that we had over 400 animals in our care, with a facility that only has 180 kennels. Dorchester Paw is not a county owned facility rather we hold the county's contract as the facility in which animals must come to. Our operating budget is $1.1 million dollars, and the county only provides 13% of it to help. 87% of our budget, comes from donations and grants so we can continue to care for every neglected and abandoned animal of Dorchester County. Dorchester Paws is proud to be part of the No Kill Community as we do not euthanize for space, time or money. In 2021, our live release rate was 93%.

Community Stories

10 Stories from Volunteers, Donors & Supporters

Josh Ayers Board Member

Rating: 5

08/01/2022

I am a volunteer Foster and board member at Dorchester Paws.this staff goes above and beyond not only to take care of the animals in their shelter, but also to provide support for the community. They recently sought out partnerships to provide 35,000 pounds of food, microchips, and vaccines for free to the public.

slwhalen Volunteer

Rating: 5

07/18/2022

The dedication and care they give to each animal is very commendable, particularly with the challenges of an outdated facility and small (but hardworking) staff. The help they could give more animals in need in a new, larger, updated facility is limitless. They give back to the community helping people keep their pets in their homes that might otherwise go into the shelter system. As a Volunteer I see first-hand the dedication of the staff. These animals and their dedicated caregivers deserve a new facility!

bjewett Volunteer

Rating: 5

07/16/2022

I’ve been a volunteer at Dorchester Paws for 1.5 years now. The staff really does everything they can for each and every animal. They are responsible with the animals that come into their care and they do their best to get them into the right home, foster home, or rescue. The animals that come through Dorchester Paws are cared for with much love! We adopted 2/3 dogs from DP!

lckearney Client Served

Rating: 5

07/08/2022

I am both an adopter and a volunteer at Dorchester Paws and interacted with many of the staff and I was so impressed with the level of care the animals receive there. The staff genuinely care about the animals in their care.
Our Dolly was adopted in 2007 and Rudy was supposed to be a foster, but we could not let him go, so… yes, I am a foster fail and proud of it!

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Jeanne Taylor Photography Volunteer

Rating: 5

07/08/2022

Dorchester Paws has come so far and continues to climb! Although they work with a very small staff in an outdated facility, their volunteer base is committed and strong. Their social media efforts have been truly commendable and effective, and they are pulling out all the stops to get their animals adopted. They also understand the value of community support efforts and are responding to needs within the community that will keep pets out of the sheltering system. I appreciate that they are transparent and responsive and doing so much to help the animals of Dorchester County.

zimmermancay Volunteer

Rating: 5

07/08/2022

I have volunteered with this organization for years, the staff works so hard and does the best they can with a facility that is literally falling apart daily. The last few years have made things even harder on the shelters with increasing owner surrenders and animal abuse cases on the rise. The shelter staff treats each animal as if they are their own. They give back to the community, they help people who cannot keep their animals instead of looking down upon them. They deserve a facility that matches their amazing staff.

brownieking General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

07/08/2022

The most caring and friendly staff I’ve ever had the pleasure to meet! They take great care and consideration into making sure that each pet adopted is a perfect fit for their new family. Their support and accommodations for volunteers and fosters is top notch!

alikiah113 Client Served

Rating: 5

07/08/2022

Almost a year ago we adopted a beautiful 10 month old blue tick hound. We named him Goose. He was very nervous when we went to meet him. I can't get over how great the staff and volunteers are to each and every animal in the shelter. They made the adoption process and the getting to know Goose so easy and loving. I highly recommend this rescue and all of the people that are involved in such a great cause to help these poor animals find a furever and loving home like our Goose.

ScarlettsMom Volunteer

Rating: 5

07/08/2022

Every animal is so important to the staff and volunteers. Even with the very challenging facility, the best of care is given to each and every animal. I have volunteered, fostered and adopted and will continue to do so. I would highly recommend you become involved with Dorchester Paws. Adopt if you can, if you can't, volunteer or donate.

Bengals12 Client Served

Rating: 5

07/08/2022

I have found a stray in terrible shape and they took her right in and immediately started getting her cleaned up and help. We also fostered three kittens there last summer and ended up adopting our Midas. Such a wonderful experience for our family I’ll never forget it. I collect items monthly and drop in their 24 hour donation shed. People don’t realize how much Dorchester Paws do for the animals in need!

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