When you decide to adopt rather than shop for a dog, check out the top dog rescues in South Carolina. Choosing where to adopt your canine friend can be challenging and overwhelming as the many dogs waiting to be rescued. With countless rescues claiming to raise their puppies in the most suitable conditions – how do you decide which rescue to opt for?
For starters, it’s necessary to pick a reputable dog rescue that focuses on saving dogs regardless of their age, gender, or medical conditions. A reputable dog rehabilitation organization will also ensure it properly rehabilitates the dogs under its care before they’re listed for rehoming.
Dog rescue centers in the USA, including South Carolina, work tirelessly to save, rehabilitate, and rehome abandoned, abused, and vulnerable dogs. However, many unethical operations are posing as shelters and charitable pet organizations to make some extra profit. Therefore, caution is necessary.
The 7 rescues below are well-known in South Carolina, and we’ve verified their validity independently. So, without further ado, let’s read on.
Before scrolling through dog rescues in South Carolina, check out these recommendations from our team at We Love Doodles: Best Great Dane Rescues in South Carolina and Best Poodle Rescues in South Carolina.
1. Eunoia Rescue
Located in Charleston, South Carolina, Eunoia Rescue is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization committed to saving the lives of countless homeless animals in South Carolina. The rescue does this by saving animals about to be euthanized in local shelters and placing them in loving foster homes until they’re adopted.
If you meet the requirements and are interested in adopting a dog, you must fill out an application form online and pay the application processing fee. Once your application has been approved, the rescue volunteers will contact you to ask a few questions to determine your eligibility. They ask questions such as whether you have children under the age of 1, a fenced yard, and so on.
If you meet the eligibility criteria, the rescue will schedule a virtual home check, and if that goes well, the rescue will conduct meet and greets to match you with a suitable dog. Next, you will sign a foster contract to get the matched dog for a trial period.
After this, you may choose to begin a trial period in your home to allow your family and the animal to get to know each other. Then you can finalize the adoption process by paying the adoption fee and signing the contract.
The adoption fee ranges from $350-$800 and includes a spay/neuter procedure, microchipping, age-appropriate vaccinations, and heartworm injections if necessary. You can view the dogs currently up for adoption here.
Eunoia Rescue Details:
- Location: Charleston, South Carolina
- Email: info@eunoiarescue.com
- Website: Eunoia Rescue (contact through form on website)
- Social Media: Facebook
2. Richardson Rescue
One of the best pet rescues in South Carolina is Richardson Rescue. The rescue is a nonprofit animal shelter in York, South Carolina committed to helping companion animals and preserving the sanctity of animal life. To that end, the rescue works tirelessly to find a loving, forever home for every pet under their care.
Richardson Rescue offers a “Seniors for Seniors Program,” which helps older dogs be adopted. The idea is that older dogs are mellow and gentle and are well-suited for seniors who are looking for a companion.
To adopt a pet, you will need to fill out an adoption application. Once you receive your approval email, you can call the rescue to make an appointment and visit the pets available for adoption. The rescue takes 48 hours on weekdays to process applications, so remain patient.
Visits to the rescue center are by appointment only. You can contact the rescue for more details regarding the adoption process, including the adoption fee, through the contact details mentioned below.
Richardson Rescue Details:
- Location: 1968 Garvin Road, York, South Carolina
- Phone Number: 803-628-5084
- Website: Richardson Rescue
- Social Media: Facebook
3. Pawmetto Lifeline
Founded in 1999, Pawmetto Lifeline was founded with the mission of creating a no-kill community in the Midlands of South Carolina. They have only grown since then to continue helping vulnerable animals in need by rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming them.
Pawmetto Lifeline hosts adoption events, a summer camp to teach kids about dogs, and dental care for dogs. This organization is committed to informing the public, starting with its website. There is a wealth of information about the adoption and surrender process, as well as caring for pets.
To adopt a dog from the rescue, you must be at least 21. If you’re the right age and interested in adopting a dog from Pawmetto Lifeline, you can complete an adoption application. The rescue will contact you if and when your application is approved to kickstart the adoption process.
Once you’ve submitted your adoption application, you can also email the adoption team at adoption@pawmettolifeline.org to set up a meet and greet with the animal you’d like to adopt.
All animals under the care of the rescue are microchipped, up-to-date on their current vaccinations, spayed/neutered, and have also started their flea/heartworm preventative. This dog rescue in South Carolina updates their dogs available for adoption frequently.
Pawmetto Lifeline Details:
- Location: 1275 Bower Pkwy, Columbia, South Carolina
- Phone Number: 803-465-9150
- Website: Pawmetto Lifeline
- Social Media: Facebook
4. Pet Helpers
Pet Helpers is another excellent option to consider if you’re looking for puppy and dog rescues in South Carolina. This organization aims to end the euthanasia of all adoptable cats and dogs by operating a no-kill shelter, promoting adoptions, humane education, and providing low-cost spay/neuter surgeries.
To adopt, you can visit the rescue’s facility during business hours to speak with one of their staff members and complete an adoption application. You can also fill out an adoption application online and email your application to office@pethelpers.org. Make sure to save the application pdf with the dog’s name and your name as the title.
All animals under the care of the rescue receive a comprehensive vet exam, appropriate vaccinations, spay/neuter surgery, and any other medical treatment that may be required before adoption. So, you can rest assured you’ll only get a healthy and fit puppy from the Pet Helpers.
The adoption fee is as follows:
- Puppies Under 5 Months: $350
- 5 Months to 1 Year: $200
- 1-7 Years Old: $150
- 8+ Years Old: $125
- Small Breed: $300
- Large Breed: $250
You can contact the rescue for more details regarding the adoption process through the contact details mentioned below.
Pet Helpers Details:
- Location: 1447 Folly Rd, Charleston, South Carolina
- Phone Number: 843-795-1110
- Email: office@pethelpers.org
- Website: Pet Helpers
- Social Media: Facebook
5. Charleston Animal Society
Founded in 1874, Charleston Animal Society was formed as the first animal protection organization in South Carolina. The rescue – counted among the top big and small dog rescues in South Carolina – envisions a world where every animal in need can be saved, rehabilitated, and rehomed. The rescue also strongly stands against animal cruelty.
The Charleston Animal Society is committed to education, and its website is a great resource for dog adoption in SC, animal care, and more. They are also a part of the No Kill South Carolina Initiative, which has significantly reduced euthanasia in South Carolina since 2016.
This pet rescue works tirelessly toward its mission. In 2023, Charleson Animal Society vaccinated and microchipped approximately 2,000 dogs and cats in a single day, which is on track to be a world record.
To adopt a dog, you will need to visit the rescue’s adoption center. Adoption hours are as follows:
- 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm (weekdays)
- 10:00 am – 5:00 pm (weekends)
The cost of adoption is primarily based on demand for the animals in their care. Adoption prices at the rescue are as follows:
- Large breed dogs: $95
- Small breed dogs: $125-$250
- Pure breed dogs: $125-$250
- Puppies: $125-$250
All animals under the care of the rescue are spayed/neutered, microchipped, and vaccinated. You can email the rescue for further details regarding the adoption process through the contact details mentioned below.
Charleston Animal Society Details:
- Location: 2455 Remount Rd North Charleston, South Carolina
- Phone Number: 843-747-4849
- Email: community@charlestonanimalsociety.org
- Website: Charleston Animal Society
- Social Media: Facebook
6. Danny & Ron’s Rescue
One of the top dog rescues in South Carolina is Danny & Ron’s Rescue. This rescue is the voice for helpless animals that cannot speak for themselves. The animal shelter works tirelessly to rescue puppy mill dogs, bait dogs used for dog-fighting, and hundreds of dogs from shelters. The animals are rehabilitated and cared for until they can go to their loving forever homes.
Potential adopters are required to fill out an adoption application to adopt one of Danny & Ron’s dogs. The rescue will review your application and contact any references you’ve listed, including your veterinary reference.
If your profile passes its screening process, the rescue will assess your information to match you with a dog that is right for you. Danny & Ron’s Rescue may require a home visit prior to the adoption.
D&R’R also does not charge an adoption fee. So, if you’re not willing to pay for adoption, Danny & Ron’s Rescue might not be the right rescue for you.
Danny & Ron’s Rescue Details:
- Location: South Carolina
- Phone Number: 803-900-9800
- Website: Danny & Ron’s Rescue
- Social Media: Facebook
7. All4Paws
Last on the list of dog rescues in South Carolina is All4Paws, a rescue organization founded in 2011 to save as many homeless, abandoned, and threatened dogs as possible. It is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization helping countless animals find their forever homes.
To adopt a dog from All4Paws, all you need to do is fill out an adoption application and wait for the rescue to get back to you once it has reviewed your form. All4Paws frequently updates the dog adoption page on their website.
All animals under the care of the rescue are up-to-date on their vaccinations, heartworm tested, dewormed, on flea preventative, spayed/neutered, microchipped, and examined by a board-certified vet.
You can contact the rescue for more details regarding the adoption process through the contact details listed below.
All4Paws Details:
- Location: 708 Petigru Dr. Pawleys Island, South Carolina
- Phone Number: 843-237-7297
- Website: All4Paws
- Social Media: Facebook
How to Choose Dog Rescues in South Carolina
With so many canine rescues in South Carolina, it is only normal to find the process of choosing a rescue challenging. Here are some factors we strongly recommend looking out for in a reputable dog rescue:
- Reputation: Carry out thorough research online or through previous adopters to get an idea about the rescue organization’s reputation and track record. You can get this information through Google or social media reviews and reading testimonials from previous adopters on the rescue’s website.
- Prioritizes the Health of the Animals: A reputable rescue will always ensure the health and well-being of the animals under their care remain a top priority. A reputable rescue will vaccinate its animals, conduct regular vet exams, and spay/neuter all animals under its care.
- Location: Consider the location of the rescue. Sometimes it may be more convenient if you pick a rescue near your location so you can easily follow up and visit the rescue in case of a problem.
FAQs
Each animal shelter or rescue has a different cost for adopting a dog. Plan to spend at least $250 for an adoption fee, however, the cost to adopt has a wide range from $100-$800.
Next, set a budget for the supplies your new dog will need. Some things will be needed immediately if you don’t already have them on hand, such as food, bowls, a collar, a leash, heartworm preventive, flea repellant, brushes, toys, and often a crate. Other things that can be purchased as you go, are shampoo, toys, treats, a dog bed, and more. These items can be as inexpensive or pricey as you want, but be expecting this in your initial expense.
The state of South Carolina does not have any laws against how many pets you can have. However, renters have limits that are specific to their landlords or contracts. Be sure to contact your landlord anytime you rescue a dog.
Homeowners should assess their current space before taking in new animals. Also, assess your resources. Consider whether or not you are able to financially and mindfully take care of another pet.
Large dogs, black dogs, and mutts are the animals that are the least likely to get adopted from animal shelters in South Carolina. Keep an open mind when you go to a shelter, and ask to see the dogs that have been there the longest.
The best dog to get from a shelter is ultimately the dog that best fits your lifestyle. Take into consideration the amount of energy, and training the dog already has and needs. Consider the temperament of their breed and how they act when you meet them.
Conclusion For “The Best Dog Rescues in South Carolina”
If you’re open to adopting any dog and not looking for any specific breed, you’ll find many dog rescues in South Carolina that save and rehome a wide variety of dog breeds. All of these organizations are dedicated to maintaining the good physical and mental health of the dogs under their care. So, you do not need to be concerned for the health of the dog you’d bring home.
The dog rescues mentioned above are some of the best dog rescues you’d find in South Carolina. We wish you the best of luck in bringing your dog home.
For more guides similar to this list of dog rescues in South Carolina, you can check out these other dog-related recommendations from our team:
- Tips for Choosing a Good Dog Food
- Where to Buy Puppies in South Carolina for Under $300
- Best Dog Breeders in South Carolina
Before you adopt a dog from a rescue shelter in South Carolina, you can learn more about dogs by watching “5 Big Tips When Bringing Home a New Dog” down below:
Garrett loves animals and is a huge advocate for all Doodle dog breeds. He owns his own Goldendoodle named Kona. In addition, he volunteers at the Humane Society of Silicon Valley, where he fosters dogs and helps animals. Garrett enjoys writing about Doodles and believes that dogs can teach humans more about how to live than humans can teach a dog.
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