Animal Services

WELCOME TO THE YORK COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER

ADOPT
Adoptions are by appointment basis. Call 803-628-3190 and speak with an Adoption Counselor to find your perfect match. A Counselor will set up a time for you to meet your best furry friend. You can see pets available for adoption above. Follow this link to complete an Adoption Survey: York County Animal Shelter Adoption Survey

RECLAIM
The shelter staff is available Monday - Friday between 10 AM to 4:30 PM to reclaim your pet. Please be prepared with your proof of ownership. This includes current pictures and either current vet records or your your yearly rabies tag or certificate.

STRAY
Stray dogs are accepted Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday between 11:30 AM and 3 PM. A valid York County ID must be presented at the time of drop off. Please go to the blue door facing the parking lot and ring the bell to the right of the door for service.

SURRENDER
Owner surrenders are accepted by appointment basis. You can schedule a surrender by calling 803-628-3190 weekdays between the hours of 10-4:30.

TNR (TRAP-NEUTER-RETURN)

TNR services are available between the hours of 11:30-1:30 Monday-Tuesday. All cats should arrive to the shelter in traps. The shelter can service up to two cats per week for each York County citizen. Limit of two cats per address.

If you are unable to reach a staff member at your time of arrival, please call 803-628-3190, choose Option 1 to reach our front desk.

DOGGY DAY OUT!
The Doggy Day Out program is a FUN way to help when you aren't quite ready to adopt. It's easy and it's so beneficial to the dogs AND the staff. Take selected dogs out on an outing for the day and enjoy some time with a furry friend.  This is a great way to provide a break from the shelter and socialization for dogs as well as help market them for adoption. 

** Apply to participate in the program at Doggy Day Out Application | Cognito Forms or stop by the shelter to complete an application. 
** Once approved you will be contacted by a YCAS representative who will review the program and answer any questions.  
Visit our Facebook Page for more information. 

𝑽𝑰𝑺𝑰𝑶𝑵
York County Animal Services’ Vision is to build a humane community where all animals are treated with respect and compassion.

𝑴𝑰𝑺𝑺𝑰𝑶𝑵
York County Animal Services’ Mission is to create a collaborative community dedicated to supporting and protecting its pets and people through humane sheltering, adoption, education, outreach, and enforcement.

𝑪𝑶𝑹𝑬 𝑽𝑨𝑳𝑼𝑬𝑺

𝑪𝑶𝑴𝑷𝑨𝑺𝑺𝑰𝑶𝑵- We believe that the values of our community are reflected in the stewardship of its animals. Animals and people should be treated with empathy, kindness, and dignity. 

𝑫𝑬𝑫𝑰𝑪𝑨𝑻𝑰𝑶𝑵- We believe education and outreach programs provide a pathway for responsible pet ownership.

𝑪𝑶𝑳𝑳𝑨𝑩𝑶𝑹𝑨𝑻𝑰𝑶𝑵- We believe developing partnerships with community stakeholders will enhance the resources available for the betterment of the pets in the community and the families that care for them.

𝑺𝑨𝑭𝑬𝑻𝒀- We believe the safety and welfare of the pets and people is addressed through proactive intervention and effective enforcement.

Functions

The Animal Control division serves the public by responding to and investigating animal complaints regarding stray, injured, and neglected domestic animals in York County. The department also monitors rabies vaccinations in domestic animals. This service is provided under the authority of local and state regulations.

All wildlife nuisance concerns are directed to SCDNR (South Carolina Department of Natural Resources) at 803-955-4000. In most nuisance cases DNR will refer callers to private trappers as listed on their website. Deceased animals animals on a State road are referred to SCDOT 803-327-6186. Deceased animals on private property are the property owner's responsibility.

The department operates a shelter to house animals being held for Animal Cruelty cases or law enforcement related investigations, animals picked up running at large, and animals that have been surrendered by their owners. Animals in violation of the leash law are housed for a minimum of five days prior to being eligible for evaluation and placement.

Responsibilities

Assisting public with the adoption process, including the spay/neutering of animals adopted from the shelter
Educating citizens on the importance of responsible pet ownership and the importance of spaying or neutering pets
Picking up and process suspected domestic animal rabies carriers that have had known contact with an individual or their pet
Picking up stray and injured dogs that are in violation of the leash law and injured stray cats
Public Education regarding local leash laws and legal restraint