Georgetown County, S.C. — Local animal care facilities, which are continually packed to capacity, are calling for volunteers and donations from the public.
Two of these facilities, St. Frances Animal Center, a shelter for domestic animals, and SC-CARES, an animal sanctuary for exotic and non-releasable animals, are in critical need of help.
Both of these facilities are nonprofits.
St. Frances’ mission is to end the cycle of overpopulation, abuse, abandonment and neglect of all domestic animals in Georgetown County, said Wendy Goude, executive director of the center.
She said they house over 250 cats and dogs per day and are responsible for all of their needs: medical, social, physical and mental.
They receive animals from the Georgetown County Sheriff’s Office, Georgetown City Police, and the public.
In January, they completed 100 adoptions and 21 “foster-to-adoptions.”
“We only have a staff of 12 and the center depends heavily on volunteers to help with the care of the animals, maintenance of the grounds/facility and assistance during adoption and fund raising events,” Goude said.
She added that there are several ways volunteers can help: walk a dog for 30 minutes, entertain the cats in their play rooms, construct dog and cat houses/fencing and play yards, help with donation or food drives and be an ambassador for St. Frances.
“Unlike many animal shelters in this area, St. Frances is not a five-day hold, high-kill facility,” Goude said.
“We are determined to find homes for each and every animal that comes to us in need.”
She encourages anyone interested in finding a dog or cat to come visit the center. The center averages about 100 adoptions per month.
“When people come in, they expect loud barking and they can’t believe how calm, well-behaved, happy and content our animals are,” Goude said. “The best part of my job is that when they are leaving every single adopted animal looks back as if to say, ‘Thank you.’”
Call St. Frances at 843-546-0780, or visit the website at www.sfanimals.org.
If you are unable to volunteer and would like to contribute through a gift, visit the website and donate with the PayPal option, send a check to SFAC, or call with credit card information. Also, on Amazon.com people can view a wish list for donations through that site by typing in “St. Frances.”
SC-CARES
SC CARES (South Carolina Coastal Animal Rescue & Educational Sanctuary) is located in Georgetown County.
It is operated by volunteers who care for 164 exotic, domestic and non-releasable animals.
“We have a small army of volunteers who are dedicated to these creatures and feel grateful to be able to help them,” said Cindy Hedrick, co-founder and director.
She said they can always use more volunteers to feed and clean up after the animals, which include parrots and other birds, bunnies, guinea pigs, wolves, horses, tortoises, small flying squirrels (sugar gliders), snakes and lizards.
Cedrick added that people who would like information about exotic pets like parrots or lizards can call her at the sanctuary.
“Some people have no idea what to expect,” Cedrick said. “We can give them all the pros and cons of owning an exotic pet.”
She said although the sanctuary does not adopt animals, she does try to match people who are interested in the animals with people who are trying to find homes for them.
Cedrick said SC-CARES is preparing for its biggest fund raiser of the year, “Chocolate & Champagne for the Creatures” on Feb. 16 from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Cooper House off Highway 544 in Surfside Beach. Tickets are $30 per person, or $50 per couple.
For more information, or to volunteer or donate, visit www.sc-cares.org, or call 843-546-7893.
Some other local animal facilities
• All 4 Paws: 67 Waverly Rd., Pawleys Island, SC 29585. Call 843-237-7297, or visit www.all4pawssc.org.
• Coastal Animal Rescue: 1288 Limestone Drive, Murrells Inlet SC 29576. Call 843-652-0196, or visit coastalanimalrescue.org.
• Castaway Paws Rescue: 12137 Ocean Highway, Pawleys Island, SC 29585. Call 843-314-3849.
• Wild Heir Labrador Rescue: 1218 N. Fraser Street, Georgetown, SC 29440. Call 843-546-2044.
• Coastal Jack Russell Terrier Rescue: P.O. Box 292, Pawleys Island, SC 29585. Call 843-222-9085.
• Animal Control, Georgetown County Sheriff´s Office: 430 North Fraser Street, Georgetown SC, 29442. Call 843-546-5101.
By Clayton Stairs
cstairs@waccamawtimes.com