This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in South Carolina. These remarkable organizations have been recognized for their unwavering dedication to the well-being of countless dogs. We've compiled this list by gathering heartfelt testimonials from both the Sniffspot community and the wider public, ensuring a comprehensive perspective on these exceptional shelters.
#64 in United States, #1 in South Carolina, #1 in Greenville
Greenville
Dog Squad is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit shelter-less animal rescue organization established in 2022. We rescue many of our dogs from euthanasia at overcrowded shelters. We also take in sick, injured, abused, and abandoned stray dogs who may not have been given a second chance otherwise. We work with dogs of all breeds, all ages, all sizes, and all medical issues. Dog Squad focuses on rehabilitating these dogs by providing them with proper veterinary care, unconditional love, basic training, and socialization as fosters until they are ready to be adopted into their furever home. Each rescue dog is fully vetted prior to adoption, which includes spay/neuter, microchipping, and vaccinations.
"I have been following the remarkable rescue they have been doing for a Great Pyrenees - truly outstanding."
— susan s.
Fan
"Our connection to Randy and his team was several years ago when we were looking for a second dog to..."
— magda, m.
Adoptee, Supporter, Fan
#162 in United States, #2 in South Carolina, #2 in Greenville
Greenville
Lucky Pup Rescue is a 501c3 non profit, foster based dog rescue in Greenville, SC. We are committed to saving as many homeless dogs as we can through community outreach and matching dogs to the perfect adopter.
"Lucky Pup is an amazing rescue! When we lost our 14 yr old lab we knew we wanted to add..."
— julianna b.
Adoptee
"I’ve been a foster for Lucky Pup Rescue for a year now. I am so thankful I took the..."
— becky j.
Volunteer / foster
#192 in United States, #3 in South Carolina, #3 in Greenville
Greenville
Rescue & rehome
"I’ve witnessed so many dogs receive loving attention from this shelter while they stay here. This shelter also does a..."
— ted h.
Supporter
"The Paw Project brought my sister, Remi! They went above and beyond with the adoption, transport, and support through out..."
— katie n.
Supporter, Fan
#266 in United States, #4 in South Carolina
"Love this rescue"
— kai c.
Fan
"The people there are absolutely amazing and do everything that they can for these dogs and cats that they get..."
— kendall l.
Adoptee, Supporter, Fan
#361 in United States, #5 in South Carolina
The Bridge Between Animal Rescue is a foster based animal rescue of the Carolinas. Our home base is in Charleston, SC, but we operate out of Charlotte, NC as well. Our purpose is to be the bridge between an animal's past and their future, and to help as many animals in need as we can through not only rescue, but educating and assisting our communities.
"Love this rescue , so well run and they care so much about the dogs! They take such care to..."
— barbara m.
Supporter
#600 in United States, #6 in South Carolina, #1 in Charleston
Charleston
Carolina Coonhound Rescue is a small 501c3 non-profit organization located in Charleston, South Carolina, established in 2010. Our goal is to rescue as many mistreated and abandoned hounds as we can. We provide these dogs with medical care, training, compassion, and love until they find their forever families. We are an all-volunteer organization which relies on foster families and donations to help us in this mission. We aim to save more dogs every single year and work hard to make sure we run our organization with integrity and honesty. We want to educate those who have never owned a hound or experienced the loving and goofy personality that makes them our favorite breed.
#600 in United States, #6 in South Carolina
Canine Rescue is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation located in North Augusta, South Carolina. We have no employees and are staffed by 4 volunteers; 2 fulltime, 2 part-time. All puppies/dogs are fostered in 1 of 2 private foster homes. We must limit the number of puppy/dog(s) we can foster due to our limited resources. Our team consists of more than 50 years (combined) of "hands on" pet care and training; pre-adoption counseling and post adoption support. We sincerely want to share the opportunity for others to experience the profound lesson in forgiveness, share the gift of unconditional love, and witness first-hand how truly appreciative these dogs are just to be a part of your life. We are a NO KILL organization.
#600 in United States, #6 in South Carolina
Darlington County Humane Society is a non-profit organization with the mission of promoting humane care of dogs and cats in Darlington County. Provide humane and compassionate care for the abandoned and neglected dogs and cats brought to the Darlington County Animal Shelter. Place shelter pets in safe homes with responsible owners through reclaim, adoption, and rescue services. This includes the screening of potential adopters with the adoption application process, or the placement of animals with reputable rescue organizations by networking, coordination of placement, and providing transportation. Operate the Bridge Transitional Facility for dogs and cats with confirmed rescue or adoption, or those who need time to heal, and to make space available at the shelter for additional intake. Reduce the rate of euthanasia with a goal of becoming a no-kill shelter. Advance the goal of becoming a no-kill shelter by reducing the number of unwanted dogs and cats in Darlington County through education and spay/neuter outreach. Provide coordination and oversight of volunteers to support all aspects of the organization's operations.
#600 in United States, #6 in South Carolina, #1 in Charleston
Charleston
We are an all breed, all ages, all species animal rescue from dogs, cats, horses, pigs and even birds and chinchillas.
#600 in United States, #6 in South Carolina, #1 in Greeneville
Greeneville
Anderson, Oconee and Pickens Counties in South Carolina euthanize tens of thousands of dogs every year. Freedom Fences was co-founded in 2010 to try to reduce those numbers. We find ways to educate owners and help them provide better homes and living conditions for their pets. Today we are a 501C(3), tax free, not for profit charity run by volunteers who: Identify dogs living outside on short or encumbered chains, often with inadequate shelter and/or nutrition Offer kennels to owners at no cost, enabling the dog to benefit from freedom of movement within a generous safe space Pre-screen and then follow up to ensure the services we provide are being used according to our agreements with the pet's owners Advocate for strong anti-tethering laws, enforcement of responsible pet ownership and accountability of local civic leaders responsible for animal welfare
#600 in United States, #6 in South Carolina, #1 in Charleston
Charleston
The Berkeley County Animal Shelter is committed to maintain a fiscally-responsible, healthy, safe and loving environment for rescued, abandoned, abused, or neglected animals of Berkeley County where all animals receive appropriate care and attention at all times and are treated with dignity and respect while pursuing the placement of the animals into safe, lifelong homes.
#600 in United States, #6 in South Carolina, #1 in Charleston
Charleston
We strive to instill humane principles into society through the prevention of cruelty to animals by championing responsible pet ownership, ending unnecessary euthanasia, and ending over pet population. We are dedicated to reducing pain and fear in our community's animals and are proud to say that our staff and volunteers are fear free certified!
#600 in United States, #6 in South Carolina, #1 in Charleston
Charleston
About Charleston Animal Society Since 1874, the mission of Charleston Animal Society has always been the prevention of cruelty to animals. Over 15,000 animals will turn to Charleston Animal Society for caring, compassion and hope this year alone. In addition to caring for homeless animals, adopting them into new homes, and reuniting lost pets with their families, the organization responds to animals in crisis as a result of both man-made and natural disasters. The comprehensive shelter medicine program not only provides direct services for as many as 1,200 animals in our system of care at one time, the shelter veterinarians also spay or neuter upwards of 10,000 dogs and cats each year and they provide emergency medical services to critically ill and injured animals arriving at the shelter daily. For more information, visit www.CharlestonAnimalSociety.org.
#600 in United States, #6 in South Carolina, #1 in Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach
Grand Strand Humane Society exists to improve the quality of life for companion animals by providing shelter and care to the lost, homeless, helpless and unwanted animals of our community. We focus on finding adoptive homes for the animals in our shelter, providing low-cost veterinary care to the public, and through community involvement and education further the bond between people and animals. Grand Strand Humane Society is an open admission shelter taking in animals brought in by the City of Myrtle Beach Animal Control officers and from citizens within the Myrtle Beach city limits. Years ago we made the decision to stop euthanizing healthy, adoptable animals for space and it was the right decision and the only option for Grand Strand Humane Society. The decision did increase our financial struggle, but we will continue finding every healthy, adoptable animal a forever family as long as it is financially feasible. Because of these efforts we are now proud to be a part of the No-Kill South Carolina community. Grand Strand Humane Society is further committed to providing excellent customer service to those people visiting our facility in the hopes that all our animals can find caring and loving homes. Grand Strand Humane Society also strives to educate our community about responsible pet ownership and works hard to investigate and prevent animal cruelty of all kinds. We make every effort to provide all communities within our area cost-effective adoption rates as well as low-cost spay & neuter surgeries and preventative healthcare services.
#600 in United States, #6 in South Carolina, #1 in Charleston
Charleston
eunoia rescue is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Charleston, SC, dedicated to saving the lives of animals who find themselves at risk of euthanasia in local shelters. The word eunoia means "beautiful thinking" and we are hopeful that you will help us turn this beautiful thought into reality for animals in need.
#600 in United States, #6 in South Carolina
Here at Halfway There Rescue we believe that second hand animals, make first class pets! We are a Charlotte area pet rescue organization run by a group of dedicated volunteers. We save dogs and cats from over-crowded shelters and help find them loving, happy homes through temporary foster placements and transportation to rescues in others states. Adoption is the loving option; please give one of our available pets a forever home today!
#600 in United States, #6 in South Carolina
Noah's Arks Rescue is a 501c3 not for profit organization that supplies emergency medical, surgical and rehabilitation to abused animals. We are not a shelter. Our wish and lifelong hope is that our Society becomes educated in the ethical treatment of all animals and to stop the senseless killing of animals that have been tortured and abused.
#600 in United States, #6 in South Carolina
PAL opened its first Adoption Center on October 30, 2010 after 8 years of managing a network of loving foster families to house and care for our abandoned and homeless animals. The Adoption Center, which includes living space for approximately 150 adoption-ready cats and dogs, serves as headquarters for the League's operations. We offer animals a friendly, comfortable, low-stress environment which encourages humans to visit, adopt, volunteer and get involved. Our 7,700 square foot building is located in Riverwalk Business Park in Okatie, SC.
#600 in United States, #6 in South Carolina
Over the past year, more than 10,000 abandoned, injured, abused animals and feral cats have been cared for by the Hilton Head Humane Association. We spay/neuter and release feral cats and provide food, shelter, medical, and loving care for the domesticated cats and dogs until adoptive homes are found. Our organization, dedicated to providing a safe haven for the abandoned cats and dogs of the Low Country, is funded entirely by membership dues, private donations, and generous bequests. Enrich your life with a beautiful and healthy new family member. They are waiting for you.
#600 in United States, #6 in South Carolina, #1 in Columbia
Columbia
The Kershaw County Humane Society is experiencing an alarming number of dogs being surrendered to our facility. We are currently over capacity, but we are working diligently with foster programs and our rescues to keep our admissions department open. To keep this process flowing smoothly will be open for owner surrenders by appointment only so we can properly care and accommodate each new fur-baby coming in.
We are an all breed, all ages, all species animal rescue from dogs, cats, horses, pigs and even birds and chinchillas.
The Berkeley County Animal Shelter is committed to maintain a fiscally-responsible, healthy, safe and loving environment for rescued, abandoned, abused, or neglected animals of Berkeley County where all animals receive appropriate care and attention at all times and are treated with dignity and respect while pursuing the placement of the animals into safe, lifelong homes.
Carolina Coonhound Rescue is a small 501c3 non-profit organization located in Charleston, South Carolina, established in 2010. Our goal is to rescue as many mistreated and abandoned hounds as we can. We provide these dogs with medical care, training, compassion, and love until they find their forever families. We are an all-volunteer organization which relies on foster families and donations to help us in this mission. We aim to save more dogs every single year and work hard to make sure we run our organization with integrity and honesty. We want to educate those who have never owned a hound or experienced the loving and goofy personality that makes them our favorite breed.
The Kershaw County Humane Society is experiencing an alarming number of dogs being surrendered to our facility. We are currently over capacity, but we are working diligently with foster programs and our rescues to keep our admissions department open. To keep this process flowing smoothly will be open for owner surrenders by appointment only so we can properly care and accommodate each new fur-baby coming in.
Pawmetto Lifeline is the only organization with a comprehensive plan to solve the problem of homelessness, as it relates to our companion pets, through education, legislation, adoptions and an aggressive spay/neuter program. With the success of these programs, citizens are enlightened and motivated to be responsible life-long pet owners. With the success of these programs, millions of dollars can be saved that can be used as investments that improve the quality of life for the Midlands.
Fostering Foster Animal Rescue was founded by Andrea Walker and a close knit group of devoted animal rescuers that were determined to make a difference in their community. Fostering Foster Animal Rescue is a volunteer based nonprofit. We are dedicated to rescuing animals, primarily dogs, that are in southern kill shelters and that are in desperate need of help. We know that spay and neuter is one way to reduce the number of animals on death row in shelters. We primarily collaborate with northern rescues, shelters and animal leagues to save as many lives as possible. We rely solely on foster homes to help us save lives and donations to keep us funded. The more foster homes and supporters that we have the more lives we can save.
Anderson, Oconee and Pickens Counties in South Carolina euthanize tens of thousands of dogs every year. Freedom Fences was co-founded in 2010 to try to reduce those numbers. We find ways to educate owners and help them provide better homes and living conditions for their pets. Today we are a 501C(3), tax free, not for profit charity run by volunteers who: Identify dogs living outside on short or encumbered chains, often with inadequate shelter and/or nutrition Offer kennels to owners at no cost, enabling the dog to benefit from freedom of movement within a generous safe space Pre-screen and then follow up to ensure the services we provide are being used according to our agreements with the pet's owners Advocate for strong anti-tethering laws, enforcement of responsible pet ownership and accountability of local civic leaders responsible for animal welfare
Dog Squad is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit shelter-less animal rescue organization established in 2022. We rescue many of our dogs from euthanasia at overcrowded shelters. We also take in sick, injured, abused, and abandoned stray dogs who may not have been given a second chance otherwise. We work with dogs of all breeds, all ages, all sizes, and all medical issues. Dog Squad focuses on rehabilitating these dogs by providing them with proper veterinary care, unconditional love, basic training, and socialization as fosters until they are ready to be adopted into their furever home. Each rescue dog is fully vetted prior to adoption, which includes spay/neuter, microchipping, and vaccinations.
Lucky Pup Rescue is a 501c3 non profit, foster based dog rescue in Greenville, SC. We are committed to saving as many homeless dogs as we can through community outreach and matching dogs to the perfect adopter.
Rescue & rehome
Grand Strand Humane Society exists to improve the quality of life for companion animals by providing shelter and care to the lost, homeless, helpless and unwanted animals of our community. We focus on finding adoptive homes for the animals in our shelter, providing low-cost veterinary care to the public, and through community involvement and education further the bond between people and animals. Grand Strand Humane Society is an open admission shelter taking in animals brought in by the City of Myrtle Beach Animal Control officers and from citizens within the Myrtle Beach city limits. Years ago we made the decision to stop euthanizing healthy, adoptable animals for space and it was the right decision and the only option for Grand Strand Humane Society. The decision did increase our financial struggle, but we will continue finding every healthy, adoptable animal a forever family as long as it is financially feasible. Because of these efforts we are now proud to be a part of the No-Kill South Carolina community. Grand Strand Humane Society is further committed to providing excellent customer service to those people visiting our facility in the hopes that all our animals can find caring and loving homes. Grand Strand Humane Society also strives to educate our community about responsible pet ownership and works hard to investigate and prevent animal cruelty of all kinds. We make every effort to provide all communities within our area cost-effective adoption rates as well as low-cost spay & neuter surgeries and preventative healthcare services.
Welcome to the 2024 South Carolina Sniffspot Top Dog Rescue & Shelter List, highlighting the top rescues and shelters in South Carolina chosen by the Sniffspot community and the public.
Sponsored by Sniffspot, the largest global network of private dog parks, each park offers secure, private bookings on private land, including fenced, water, indoor, and beach parks. As a hub for rescue dogs, our sponsorship underscores our dedication to supporting shelters and rescues. Explore South Carolina dog parks on Sniffspot's platform.
We have a comprehensive screening process for potential adopters which includes a thorough application, conducting veterinarian reference checks, in-depth telephone or in-person interviews, home visits, and patiently waiting for the best match for each dog, no matter how much time it takes. Our adoption fee is $100 no matter how much was spent vetting.
Does your dog ever growl when you walk by their food dish? Maybe they get possessive of treats, carrying them far away and giving you side-eye when you start to approach — or snarling at your other pets or children if they get too close.
As almost every dog owner is aware, the nose of a dog is an amazing thing. Just as they can pick up sounds we can’t hear, their sense of smell and ability to pick up scents is well beyond ours. In fact, dogs have 40 times the number of olfactory receptors as humans.
More than 80 million Americans rely on their service dogs to help them navigate the world. Task-trained assistance animals perform a huge range of life-changing—in many cases, life-saving—services: These dogs act as eyes for visually impaired handlers, provide mobility support, alert to seizures and blood sugar crashes, interrupt anxiety attacks, remind their people to take medications, and so much more.
You thought your dog was house trained. Your home was clean from puddles of pee, those dreaded middle-of-the-night bathroom breaks were behind you, and you loved every minute of dog ownership… until your four-legged best friend started using the bathroom inside again. What’s going on?
Ah, poop. We humans think it’s disgusting… but many of our dogs seem to love the stuff. If you’re wondering why your canine companion tries to eat feces (either their own or that of other animals) you’re not alone!
Do you have a water-loving dog looking to burn some energy? There are countless dog parks to visit throughout our country — but some of them become far too hot in the midday sun to be safe for your pets to play. That’s why we’ve put together a list of some of the best dog water parks throughout the United States! At these locations, your pup can frolic, splash, and swim to their heart’s content.
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
Does your dog destroy every toy you give them? Is your house littered with remnants of fabric and stuffing of all different sizes? Are you tired of investing in “indestructible” toys only for your pup to still dismantle—or worse, get bored of—them in just a few days?
You’ve been told your dog needs regular exercise. There’s a reason “walking the dog” is a classic daily activity: Frequent excursions give your pup a chance to experience the world, maintain a healthy weight, and — most importantly — spend time with you! Consistent physical activity can also improve their strength, muscle tone, coordination, and mental ability over time.
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
Many dogs have gotten a bad reputation over the years for being "dangerous breeds." Rottweilers are among them. Like pit bulls and other large, blocky-headed types of dogs, these powerful and beautiful animals are often assumed to be aggressive.
Your dog is reactive. They’ll see another dog, person, or other stimulus in the environment (like a car or bike) while out on a walk and suddenly go crazy at the end of their leash. The barking, lunging, and growling feels embarrassing for you — and it’s clear that your pup isn’t having a great time either.
Does your dog display reactivity to other pets or people? Maybe they’re a new rescue pup and are still settling into your home. Or they were sick growing up, so you missed their critical socialization period. Possibly they’ve had a bad experience after being raised as a normal puppy.
Do you have a reactive dog or suspect you may have one? You’re not alone!
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
From 2009 to 2020, there was a 40 percent increase in the development of public dog parks. Designated spots for canine exercise have become commonplace in every major city in North America — many pet owners won’t even consider renting an apartment that doesn’t have its own fenced-in pet area for their canine companions.
Thousand Oaks, California has been a safe haven for Sniffspot host, Jen, since childhood. Having grown up in busy Santa Barbara, Jen, an introvert from an early age, would seek out solitude and serenity away from tourists attractions and droves of people visiting from elsewhere. “My grandparents own 60 acres about a 30 minute drive from here, and I grew up spending every summer and every holiday visiting them on the ranch,” Jen explained. “In Santa Barbara, we wouldn't go to the beach on the weekend because that's where everybody was, so you'd find places off the beaten path where the tourists weren't. For me, the ranch was just my happy place.”
Ellen is the host of Country Pasture Getaway, one of Sniffspot's most popular sniff spots. She has taken the time to write up the lessons she has learned about how to be a great sniff spot host.
Just 20 minutes outside of the busy city of Portland, Oregon, and settled right on the banks of the Columbia River, you’ll find what countless visitors have flocked to the area in search of – mountain views, crisp, clean air, and running water for miles. What you might not expect to find, however, is a hidden oasis designed just for dogs and their people, owned and operated by a farming couple and enjoyed by visitors on two legs, and four.
Fran is the host of Ranch Setting, one of Sniffspot's most popular spots. She has taken the time to write up the lessons she has learned about how to be a great Sniffspot host.
Looking for a space to play with your dog no matter what the weather’s like outside? Look no further than our list of the best indoor dog parks in the United States! These climate-controlled spaces are growing in popularity as pet ownership increases throughout the country. As a bonus, many of them also offer dog training, boarding, grooming, or daycare services on the premises.
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog? We’ve got you covered! It’s hard to narrow down, but we’ve put together some of the best off-leash dog parks throughout the country so you can plan your next adventure — along with a checklist of what to bring, what to know beforehand, and some frequently asked questions.
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog in Las Vegas? We’ve got you covered! Take a look at the best local dog parks to plan for your next adventure in Sin City.
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog? We’ve got you covered!
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog in Portland? We’ve got you covered! Take a look at the best local dog parks and plan for your next adventure in the City of Roses.
Discover the German Shepherd Dog, a breed celebrated for its intelligence, loyalty, and versatility. Known for its impressive size and smooth, graceful movements, German Shepherds excel in various roles, including as guide, therapy, bomb detection, and police dogs, while being a devoted family companion.
Discover the Labrador Retriever, a breed celebrated for its playful nature, affectionate temperament, and trainability. Labradors are known for their friendly demeanor and adaptability, making them perfect family companions and versatile working dogs. As one of the most popular types of retrievers, Labs are ideal companions for various lifestyles and are recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as an excellent breed for families.
Discover the Golden Retriever, a popular breed celebrated for its affectionate, playful, and trainable nature. Considered a large dog, Golden Retrievers were originally bred in Scotland for hunting and retrieving game beginning in the 1860s. Today, they're recognized by the Kennel Club and the American Kennel Club (AKC) as one of the most beloved companion dog breeds.
Discover the American Staffordshire Terrier, a distinct breed celebrated for its playful, friendly, and loyal nature. Often confused with the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, a separate breed of British origin, the American Staffordshire Terrier (AmStaff) is considered a medium-sized dog. While both breeds share some similarities, the AmStaff is generally larger and has been developed as a distinct breed in the United States.
Discover the Australian Shepherd, an AKC breed celebrated for its trainable, playful, and affectionate nature. Despite its name, the Australian Shepherd is actually a native breed to the United States, originally developed to breed on farms and ranches. Considered a medium dog, Australian Shepherds were bred for herding beginning in the 1950s. As one of the high-energy breeds, Aussies are known for their boundless energy and need for regular exercise, including aerobic exercise.