Why Dorchester County Is Exploring a County-Owned Animal Shelter 

Dorchester County is conducting a feasibility study to determine how it can best meet its animal control responsibilities and address current and future animal care needs. Under South Carolina law, governmental animal control officers or county or municipal shelter personnel are responsible for providing certain animal impoundment and quarantine provisions, as well as reducing the spread of diseases (rabies).

Dorchester County provides animal control services for the towns of Summerville, Ridgeville, Harleyville, St. George and Reevesville, as well as throughout the County’s unincorporated areas. In addition, the City of North Charleston, the County’s second-largest municipality by population, provides animal control services within its city limits. The County also contracts with Dorchester Paws, a nonprofit organization, to provide sheltering services for dogs and cats. Dorchester Paws also supports adoption, foster and rescue programs and maintains information related to the microchipping of animals brought to the organization by the County. With the current Dorchester Paws facility now more than 40 years old and the region experiencing substantial growth over the past two decades, the County is considering how to make a responsible, long-term investment in animal care that meets the needs of its growing community.

The feasibility study includes the following scope of work to help the County evaluate existing resources, understand current service needs and plan for future animal care and public health demands through 2050: 

1. Review existing conditions of vacant county-owned buildings
a. Evaluate the current County-owned facility at 216 Orangeburg Road, Summerville SC –
existing buildings and site
b. Incorporate space planning needs for the County’s Mosquito Abatement Operations

2. Receive input regarding the current animal services model

3. Consider current Animal Services Analysis

4. Conduct Regional and Demographic Planning
a. Consider historical intake, capacity and staffing data
b. Review population trends and growth projections
c. Anticipate future demand for animal shelter services through 2050

5. Receive input from key stakeholders including: County departments, municipalities,
public safety officials, Dorchester Paws

Dorchester County Neighborhood Services' core mission is to reduce or eliminate the transmission of diseases like rabies, bacterial viruses, and mosquito-borne illnesses. Currently, Dorchester County has no dedicated holding space for livestock, horses, birds, reptiles, or other small animals. The study also examines the need for appropriate spaces for animal intake, short-term holding, medical and behavioral assessments, disease isolation and bite observation. It considers the County’s continued population growth and the need to care for animals during severe weather, evacuations or other emergencies.

The county owned facility would complement the work of the County’s animal welfare partners. Partnerships for fostering, adoption, specialized care and animal placement would remain an important part of the County’s approach.

To review the Animal Shelter and Services Feasibility Study presentation,click here. 

Dorchester County’s Continued Support of Dorchester Paws

Dorchester County continues to provide financial support to Dorchester Paws. The County and Dorchester Paws serve different but complementary roles within the community’s animal welfare system.

Through its service agreement with Dorchester Paws, the County provides monthly payments for the care of dogs and cats delivered to the organization. The financial support figures shown reflect only the care of dogs and cats and do not include other species. Dorchester County Animal Control responds to and handles concerns involving many other types of animals, including livestock, horses, birds, reptiles and other small animals.

Dorchester County increased funding to Dorchester Paws by 27% for the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2026. In addition to annual payments for animal care services, Dorchester County committed $1 million toward the development of Dorchester Paws’ new facility in FY2018-2019. Of that amount, $125,996 was spent on professional design services, with the remaining $874,004 made available as a contribution toward construction under the County’s construction contribution agreement with Dorchester Paws. 

View the agreements documenting Dorchester County’s financial contributions and continued support of Dorchester Paws:

Dorchester County Contribution to the New Dorchester Paws Facility

2017 Animal Shelter Services Agreement

2022 Amendment to the Animal Shelter Services Agreement

Second Amendment to the Animal Shelter Services Agreement

Facts About the Animal Shelter Feasibility Study

Dorchester County is committed to providing accurate information about the Animal Shelter and Services Feasibility Study. The following information addresses several questions and claims circulating in the community.

How many feasibility studies has Dorchester County conducted?

Dorchester County has commissioned one feasibility study. McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture and M.B. Kahn Construction are completing the study.

At its own expense, Charleston County requested that the consultants also evaluate the possibility of developing a larger facility that could serve both Dorchester County and unincorporated Charleston County at one location. That evaluation is part of the ongoing study, and the County is awaiting the results.

Was Dorchester Paws involved in selecting the consultants?

Yes. Representatives from Dorchester Paws participated in the committee that evaluated and scored responses to the County’s request for proposals. The committee included:

When did the feasibility study begin?

The County issued the notice to proceed on January 27, 2026. The study remains underway, and no final decisions have been made regarding the facility’s design, size, cost or construction.

How much does the feasibility study cost?

Dorchester County’s portion of the feasibility study costs $120,000. Any additional work related specifically to evaluating a potential shared facility with Charleston County is being paid for by Charleston County.

Will a Dorchester County animal shelter cost County taxpayers $17 million?

No. The $17.3 million figure represents the estimated combined cost of a potential shared facility serving both Dorchester County and unincorporated Charleston County.

Under that preliminary scenario, Dorchester County’s estimated share would be $8.65 million, and Charleston County’s estimated share would be $8.65 million. Page 42 of Dorchester County’s 2027-2031 Capital Improvement Plan reflects this proposed division.

The estimated amount includes design, construction, furniture, fixtures, equipment and contingency costs. The project has not been fully designed or advertised for construction bids, so these figures remain preliminary. No final funding or construction decision has been made.

Share Your Feedback

Dorchester County wants to hear from you. Please use the form below to share your comments, questions or concerns about the Animal Shelter and Services Feasibility Study. Your feedback will help inform the County’s continued evaluation of the proposed facility and the community’s animal-care needs.