Do you have questions? We’ve got answers!
Below you will find some Frequetly Asked Questions (FAQ) that we receive at Saint Frances Animal Center.
Intake Policy
1What is your Intake Policy?
- Saint Frances Animal Center is an open admission shelter which means we are under contract to the city of Georgetown and the County of Georgetown to take all the dogs and cats they pick up. We must keep space available for these animals.
- If you wish to surrender your dog or cat, you must call the front desk at (843) 546-0780 or email frontdesk@sfanimals.org to make an appointment.
- Animals are accepted on a space available basis or if a determination is made that the welfare of the animal is in jeopardy.
- If you are returning an animal that was previously adopted from us, please call (843) 546-0780 to arrange the return.
General Questions, Adoption Questions, Funding & Service Questions
1Where do your animals come from?
Our animals come from the City of Georgetown and Georgetown County Animal Control. We also take in owner surrenders if we have space available.
2How do you decide which animals are adoptable?
Our goal is to place 100% of the pets received at our shelter. Pets placed up for adoption need to be of sound temperament and good health. Unfortunately, pets with a history of severe aggression are not suitable for our adoption program.
3How long do you keep animals?
Pets stay up for adoption as long as they remain physically and emotionally healthy. For some animals this can mean living at the shelter for six months or more until the right home is available.
4Do you ever get pure-bred dogs or cats?
We estimate that about 25% of the animals brought to the shelter are purebreds. Many times, these dogs are transferred from SFAC to rescue groups who specialize in adoption of a particular breed. That way SFAC has more room for mix breeds and the purebred gets the attention it needs as well.
5Do you require spaying or neutering of adopted pets?
We are committed to ending pet overpopulation and consider spay/neuter the number one solution to this tragic problem. Many of our pets are spayed or neutered before coming to SFAC. If not, we perform this procedure at our clinic. With rare exceptions due to illness, 100% of the animals adopted from Saint Frances are surgically altered.
6Is Saint Frances Animal Center a 'no kill' facility?
Animals are euthanized only due to aggression or suffering.
7What kind of food do you feed the dogs and cats at the shelter?
We are participants in the Science Diet Shelter program. Science Diet provides our regular food and we pay for any special foods our animals require.
8Does Saint Frances Animal Center test cats for feline leukemia?
Yes, all of our cats are tested for FELV and FIV.
9Does Saint Frances Animal Center receive money from my taxes and how is SFAC different from the county animal control agency?
We have a negotiated contract with the city of Georgetown and Georgetown County to take all the dogs and cats they pick up as strays or due to reported cases of abuse, neglect or hoarding.
10What is the difference between SFAC and other animal welfare organizations that solicit funds from me through the mail? (such as HSUS, PETA, ASPCA , Friends for Animals, American Humane etc.)
All of these organizations work to help animals but what sets Saint Frances apart is its commitment to operate a local shelter and clinic in cooperation with law enforcement and pet owners. SFAC works directly with residents to find adoptive homes for our animals and has a commitment to educate the community about responsible pet ownership.
11If I make a gift to a national organization does Saint Frances Animal Center receive a portion of my donation?
No, currently there are no national organizations that financially support local shelters.
12Can Saint Frances Animal Center help if I can't afford to have my pet spayed or neutered?
Through our on-site, low-cost veterinary clinic, you can schedule an affordable spay or neuter procedure.
13Can you recommend a veterinarian for me to see?
We have a low-cost veterinary clinic at the shelter that provides basic medical services to the public. We also have a list of local vets that we are happy to provide to pet owners.
14How do I report animal neglect or cruelty?
It needs to be reported to:
Georgetown County Sheriff´s Office
Phone: (843) 546-5101
Hours: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Response after hours is to emergency calls only.
15Who do I call when I see a stray dog, roaming cat or a dead animal in my yard, neighborhood or road?
Stray dogs warrant a call to:
Georgetown County Sheriff´s Office
Phone: (843) 546-5101
Hours: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Response after hours is to emergency calls only.
Cats are free roaming animals, however we have a Trap, Neuter and Release program to help control feral cat colonies. For more information, see TNR under Vet Services or call the clinic at 843-546-0780 for more information.
16I found an animal in my neighborhood. What should I do?
If you can keep the animal until his/her owners are located, here are some suggestions:
- Put up “found” posters around the area.
- Register the animal on Petfinder’s national listing.
- If you are unable to keep the animal, call the county animal control:
Georgetown County Sheriff´s Office
Phone: (843) 546-5101
17Help! I've lost my pet. What should I do?
- Call Saint Frances Animal Center and put in a lost report.
- Call local vet offices to let them know.
- Put out flyers in your neighborhood.
- Check Petfinder’s national listing at Petfinder.com