Dorchester Paws is a private 501c3 not-for-profit organization. Dorchester County supplies 17% of the shelters approximate operating budget of $1.2 million. That means the rest of our funding (83%) must come from grantors and donors, like you.

We are proud to say that here at Dorchester Paws, we are able to provide critical services that go well beyond the usual scope of services offered by a county owned and operated shelter. As an open admission private shelter, 3,850 animals entered Dorchester Paws in 2021.

All animals before they leave Dorchester Paws are spayed or neutered, put on monthly preventatives, tested for heartworm (and treated), vaccinated, and microchipped. Dorchester Paws does not euthanize for space nor do we turn away any medical treatment needed to save a life. We do our best everyday to care for the animals, while providing medical resources (on and off campus), behavior support, and other elements needed to get these animals thriving again. While we do our best to stick to the budget, we can never predict what may come through our doors as an open admission shelter. but we do see it all between intense medical cases, owner surrenders, and stray intakes.

The shelter often operates at max capacity multiple times this year, as daily intake numbers range between 10-20 animals a day. Upon arrival, a healthy adult animal will receive about $35 in shelter resources within the first hour. Your donation makes it possible to provide second chances and to provide care for all lost, abandoned, and abused animals including those who need life-saving medical treatment.

Our current and future residents entrust us daily with their lives and depend on Dorchester Paws to give them their second chance at life. Please partner with us, so we all can be the voice for the voiceless, in Dorchester County.

Will you help?