FAQ

Where can I find information on pet health care, behavioral issues and training?
I can't keep my animal. What do I do?
How can I locate a spay/neuter provider for my pet?
Where are you located?
What are the shelters hours?

Q: Where can I find information on pet health care, behavioral issues, and training

A: Your local bookstore as well as the internet are great resources for learning how to care for your pet. Some sites we suggest include www.peteducation.com. www.myhappypets.com, and www.puppytraininglessons.com

Q: I can't keep my animal. What do I do?

A: We're sorry to hear that you are planning to surrender your pet. We hope that you have considered all other options. However, we understand that circumstances arise where surrender can't be avoided. Please read this information to fully understand our surrender policies.

First, please determine if there is a local rescue that will accept your animal. Rescues specialize in their respective breeds and have resources to train and medically care for your animal that may not be available at your local shelter. Our RESCUE PAGE provides you with a list of local rescues.

If your animal is not suitable for rescue, you will need to arrange to surrender your pet to your local animal shelter. If you are a resident of Dorchester County, our facility will be happy to help you. Please note that we require appointments for animal surrenders. This policy is strictly followed as we have to ensure there is a suitable cage or kennel cleaned and waiting for your animals arrival. We also want to ensure that we have adequate time to get the information on your pet and help you during this difficult time.

Finally, please be aware that the Frances R. Willis SPCA does not act as a euthanasia service for owners wishing to have their animals put to sleep due to age or illness. To have your animal put to sleep, please contact your veterinarian. In addition, please be aware that once you have surrendered your animal to the SPCA, we can not guarantee that the animal will be adopted. We do everything in our power to see that healthy trainable pets are adopted, but overpopulation, irresponsible breeding, and fewer homes than we have animals do require that we euthanize animals.

To schedule an appointment to surrender your animal, please contact our facility at (843)871-3820 and ask for the Intake Department.

Q: How can I locate a spay/neuter provider for my pet?

A: If you adopted an animal from our shelter, the spay/neuter surgery was included in their adoption fee. A list of providers that accept our vouchers was included in your adoption information. Should you need a new list, please call or email us and we will gladly assist you in locating one of our participating veterinarians.

We firmly believe that every animal deserves regular care by a licensed vet. If you have adopted an animal from another facility, we suggest you locate a veterinarian near your home that can not only spay or neuter your pet, but also provide your animal with regular check-ups, flea and tick preventative, and vaccinations.

Another option for affordable spay/neuter includes local clinics. One local clinic offers surgeries for your cat at $35-$45 and surgeries for your dog between $45-$75 and is located in SuperPetz on Sam Rittenburg Blvd. With surgery prices being significantly less than the expenses in caring for a litter of puppies or kittens, it's hard to understand how someone can justify not putting an end to unwanted pets.

Q: Where are you located?

A: We are conveniently located off of Highway 78 in Summerville, SC. Please click on the Home Page for a fully interactive map and driving directions.

Q: What are the shelters hours?

A: We are open the following hours:

Monday: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Tuesday - Saturday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sunday: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.