In 1983, a small group of community members concerned about the plight of the area’s soaring population of homeless dogs and cats
created the Georgetown County Humane Society. Led by Pawley’s Island resident Betty Harris, the group worked tirelessly to rescue abandoned pets and find adoptive homes.  They also initiated a program to educate the community about the joys and responsibilities of pet ownership. 

But this hearty band of animal lovers needed a facility to house the program’s growing number of dogs and cats.  Negotiations with city officials resulted in the acquisition of an old house that was placed on the lot behind the city dog pound on Ridge Road.  It was remodeled and repaired for use as an animal shelter, thanks to volunteer labor and funds from a trust established by local animal advocate Laura Abrams. 

On December 13, 1986, the Georgetown County Humane Society opened its doors. Originally set up to house 50 animals, the capacity was immediately exceeded. A manager and an assistant were hired to run shelter operations and Dr. Randy Smith served as veterinary advisor. The organization achieved some success and public support, but money was tight, staff turnover was high and the most basic needs were lacking.  A generous donation provided a cat room and an outside dog run, which proved helpful, but by 1998 the fate of the Humane Society looked bleak. There was only enough money to get through the end of the year.  

Miraculously, a long-time loyal supporter from Pawleys Island, Frances Bunnelle, came forward and set up a charitable trust for the society in accordance with her deceased husband’s wishes.  A grant from her gave the organization the immediate infusion it needed. 

The Saint Frances Animal Center was born.  Cooperative relationships with city and county animal control officials were also established, creating a unified approach to caring for the area’s homeless pets.  The center remains a favored charity of the Frances P. Bunnelle Foundation.  As a not-for-profit organization, the shelter’s operations are supported primarily by individual donations.   

Now Saint Frances Animal Center provides sheltering services for both the city and county of Georgetown, rescuing approximately 2000 homeless, abused, or neglected cats and dogs every year. Saint Frances also provides a low-cost, public veterinary clinic so that financial barriers never stand in the way of a family owning a pet and ensuring that pet is healthy and safe. 

Our Mission Statement

Our mission is to provide a safe and nurturing environment for abandoned and mistreated dogs and cats until they can be placed in loving homes.Raising awareness through public education, community outreach and an on-site veterinary wellness clinic, we seek to promote respect for the lives of cats and dogs by breaking the cycle of abuse, neglect and pet overpopulation in our community. 

 Saint Frances Animal Center is a 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit organization serving Georgetown County.  Our tax identification number is 57-0785170.