By Betsy Finklea
The new Dillon County Animal Shelter on the Old Latta Highway has been open for the past few months and is serving the public.
The shelter is open to the public from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Monday thru Friday. The shelter is equipped to hold 48 dogs and has nine cages for cats.
Dogs that enter the shelter with no collars and no identification are considered strays and after a five-day holding period become county property. If a dog has a collar, they are held 14 days. When the dogs are not claimed, they are evaluated and necessary action is taken. Some dogs go to rescues, who take in a large number of dogs each month and basically clear out the shelter, according to Erin Caulder, shelter director. Some dogs are adopted locally, but a $100 fee (subject to change in the future) is collected to pay for vaccinations and spaying/neutering which occurs prior to the adoption. Fees for the adoption go to the county office, and receipts are issued. Paper work must also be completed, and determinations are made as to whether the animals are going to a good home. After the adoption, if a complaint is made and it is found that the animal is not in a good home, the county can reclaim the animal.
Caulder said they are in the process of getting a computer, and when they have two years of records available, they can apply for grants.
At a future time, volunteers may be sought. Other plans are also in the works including a possible event later this year.
Caulder said any and all donations are welcomed. Anything needed to keep a pet at home is also needed at the shelter. Monetary donations are also accepted and may be mailed to the Dillon County Animal Shelter at 1020 Old Latta Highway, Dillon, SC 29536 or may be made at the Dillon Animal Hospital (Dr. Robert Hooker) to the county’s account there.
You can also keep up with the Dillon County Animal Shelter on Facebook®.