SUMMERVILLE, S.C. (WCBD) — Dorchester Paws received a $10,000 contribution to help expand its services and provide free vaccinations and microchips to pets across the community.
Dorchester Paws is the only open-admission animal shelter in Dorchester County, making it one of the first stops for lost and abandoned animals. The organization says it provides food, shelter, and medical care while working to place animals in permanent homes.
"The first goal for us is to make sure that they are safe and that they have all their basic needs met," Executive Director April Howard said. "So, we are there to provide them comfort until they can find their next home."
Providing that care can be expensive, the shelter said. The shelter regularly relies on donations and community support, as well as fosters, volunteers, and adopters.
State Sen. Sean Bennett said adoption remains one of the organization's greatest needs as the shelter continues taking in animals.
"I think if you ask them, they probably want people to come out and adopt animals," Bennett said. "I mean, that shelter is always filling up."
McElveen Buick GMC Summerville nominated Dorchester Paws to receive the funding through the South Carolina Automobile Dealers Association's Dealers in the Community program.
"We feel like it's our responsibility to take care of our animals," McElveen Buick GMC Summerville President Doug McElveen said.
McElveen has supported Dorchester Paws for years, including donating the organization's first animal transport van in 2017.
The latest contribution will support Dorchester Paws' Pet Community Day on Saturday, Sept. 19. The event will provide free vaccinations and microchips to pets in the community.
"This is going to help Dorchester Paws put on our next Pet Community Day on September 19th, this coming Saturday, where we will serve owned pets with free vaccinations and microchips," Howard said.
The additional funding is expected to help Dorchester Paws serve twice as many animals as it has at previous events.
"This is so exciting because it allows us to serve hopefully double the number of animals that we've been able to serve at events," Howard said.
Those interested in fostering, adopting or volunteering can visit Dorchester Paws at 136 Four Paws Lane in Summerville. The shelter is open from noon until 5:00 p.m.
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