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.