Charleston Animal Shelter & Control: Adoption Hours 2026
Charleston Animal Shelter usually means Charleston Animal Society at 2455 Remount Road in North Charleston, South Carolina. This 2026 guide explains adoption hours, animal shelter hours, fees, adoptable dogs and cats, lost pets, found strays, animal control routing, surrender appointments, food bank help, spay/neuter contacts, official video resources and visit planning.
This article is written around real search intent: “Charleston animal shelter near me,” “Charleston Animal Society hours,” “Charleston animal control,” “lost dog Charleston SC,” “found cat Charleston,” “Charleston dog adoption,” “Charleston cat adoption,” “adoption fees,” “surrender pet,” “Berkeley campus,” and “Pet Helpers vs Charleston Animal Society.” Each section gives a practical answer instead of only repeating a keyword.
Charleston Animal Shelter Quick Details
Start here if you are trying to adopt, reclaim a lost pet, bring in a found stray, ask about animal control, donate, foster, surrender, or contact the correct department.
Main campus address
2455 Remount Road, North Charleston, SC 29406.
The organization notes it is just off I-26 and says to use the front entrance on Remount Road.
Main phone
843-747-4849.
For lost/found and Animal Resource Center questions, Charleston Animal Society also lists 843-329-1562 / extension 1531.
Adoption timing
Weekend hours are consistently listed as 10 AM–5 PM.
For weekdays, call before going after 3 PM because official pages show different weekday references.
Real-time pets
Charleston Animal Society says adoptable pets are listed in real time and the list changes daily or by the hour.
Charleston Animal Shelter Near Me: Which Place Do You Need?
A search for “Charleston animal shelter near me” can mean Charleston Animal Society, Berkeley Campus, Pet Helpers, Dorchester Paws, a local police non-emergency route, or a private rescue. The right answer depends on where the animal was found and what you need.
| Search / Situation | Likely User Intent | Practical Route |
|---|---|---|
| Charleston Animal Shelter | Adoption, shelter visit, lost/found in Charleston area. | Start with Charleston Animal Society Main Campus at 2455 Remount Road. |
| Charleston Animal Control | Loose, dangerous, neglected, injured or found animal. | Use the found-stray routing table and call police non-emergency or local animal control when shelter is closed or the animal is unsafe. |
| Berkeley Animal Center / Berkeley Campus | Animal found in Berkeley County outside North Charleston and Charleston. | Use Charleston Animal Society Berkeley Campus at 131 Central Berkeley Drive, Moncks Corner. |
| Unincorporated Charleston County | Found stray outside city/town intake routes. | Charleston Animal Society’s found-stray page points to Pet Helpers on Folly Road. |
| Dorchester County stray | Animal found outside North Charleston in Dorchester County. | Charleston Animal Society’s found-stray page points to Dorchester Paws in Summerville. |
Charleston Animal Shelter Adoption Hours 2026
The “hours” question has two layers: public adoption browsing and found-stray intake. Charleston Animal Society pages show more than one weekday hour reference, so the practical recommendation is to verify same-day hours before going late.
Current official hour picture
One official “New Adoption Hours” page lists Monday–Friday 12 PM–5 PM and Saturday–Sunday 10 AM–5 PM. The adoption process and footer areas list Main Campus adoption/shelter hours as 12 PM–3 PM weekdays and 10 AM–5 PM weekends. Treat weekday visits after 3 PM as “call first.”
| Need | Official Guidance Found | Practical Visitor Advice |
|---|---|---|
| Adoption weekdays | Official pages show both 12 PM–5 PM and 12 PM–3 PM references. | Call before a weekday visit after 3 PM, especially if you are driving from West Ashley, Mount Pleasant, James Island or Summerville. |
| Adoption weekends | Saturday and Sunday 10 AM–5 PM appears consistently. | Weekends are usually the safest public adoption window, but still check events and pet availability first. |
| Found stray intake | Found-stray page lists Monday–Friday 10 AM–3 PM for City of Charleston, North Charleston and Mount Pleasant routes. | Do not arrive late with a found animal. Check Petco Love Lost first and call if the animal is injured or unsafe. |
| New Year closure | Closed New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day is listed on official pages. | Confirm around holidays before visiting, adopting or bringing a found animal. |
| Offsite adoption event | Pets may be at area Petco, PetSmart, Doolittles, Pounce Cat Cafe or events. | Check the pet profile or event listing before assuming the animal is at Remount Road. |
How to Adopt from Charleston Animal Society
The adoption search intent is usually “Can I see pets now, what does it cost, can they hold a pet, and what should I bring?” Charleston Animal Society explains that pets are listed in real time and once adopted they are removed from the website, except certain offsite cases.
Search adoptable pets in real time
Start with the official adoptable pets search. Write down the animal’s name, species, age, location and any profile notes. Do not rely only on screenshots because pet status can change by the hour.
Confirm location: shelter, offsite or event
Dogs may be available at the shelter or area Petco, PetSmart and Doolittles locations. Cats may be available at the shelter, Pounce Cat Cafe, Petco, PetSmart, Doolittles and some sponsored events.
Call before driving for one specific pet
Charleston Animal Society states purebred dogs and puppies are often adopted quickly and that they cannot hold a dog or animal for adoption. Call if your visit depends on one specific pet.
Ask match questions, not only breed questions
Ask about age estimate, energy, fear, handling, medical notes, heartworm status, other pets, children, housing, noise sensitivity, leash behavior and first-week adjustment.
Bring safe transport
Dogs must leave on leash and collar. Cats and kittens must leave in a carrier. You can bring your own or ask whether supplies can be purchased at the facility.
Charleston Animal Shelter Adoption Fees
People searching “Charleston Animal Society adoption fees” need more than a number. The useful answer explains fee categories, offsite differences, what is included, and what can change during specials.
Dog adoption fee intent
- Large breeds 1 year and older: listed at $100.
- Small breed dogs: listed at $300+.
- Pure breed dogs: listed at $300+.
- Puppies: listed at $300+.
- Dog adoption specials only apply at the shelter and do not extend to offsite adoption locations unless official rules say otherwise.
Cat and kitten fee intent
- Adult cats onsite: listed at $75, with specialty breeds at $150.
- Adult cats offsite: listed at $75, with specialty breeds at $150.
- Kittens onsite: listed at $125, with specialty breeds at $150.
- Kittens offsite: listed at $150, with specialty breeds at $175.
- All cats and kittens must leave in a pet carrier.
What fees include
- Spay or neuter.
- Vaccinations and veterinary exam.
- Microchip and registration.
- Deworming and preventives.
- Dog heartworm testing for dogs 6 months or older.
- Cat FeLV/FIV or FeLV testing based on age.
Charleston Dogs, Cats, Kittens and Offsite Pets
Searches like “Charleston dog adoption,” “Charleston cat adoption,” “Charleston kittens,” and “Charleston Animal Society puppies” each have different problems. Puppies and purebred dogs may move quickly; cats and kittens require carrier planning; offsite pets may follow different event rules.
Dogs
Ask about heartworm status, leash behavior, dog introductions, energy, fear, housing fit and whether a meet-and-greet is recommended with resident dogs.
Puppies
Puppies are popular and may be adopted quickly. Ask about vaccination timing, potty training, crate training and safe socialization.
Cats
Ask about shy behavior, litter habits, indoor-only needs, other cats, children, carrier transport and starter-room setup.
Offsite pets
If the pet is at Petco, PetSmart, Doolittles, Pounce Cat Cafe or an event, verify that location before going to Remount Road.
| Keyword / Search Intent | User Problem | Practical Answer |
|---|---|---|
| Charleston Animal Society dogs | User wants available dogs today. | Use the official real-time adoptable pet search, then call if driving for one dog. |
| Charleston Animal Society cats | User wants cats or kittens and may not know carrier rules. | Check whether the cat is onsite or offsite and bring a secure carrier. |
| Charleston puppy adoption | User wants a puppy quickly. | Check listings early and call; puppies may move quickly and cannot be held. |
| Charleston offsite adoption | User sees a pet at Petco/PetSmart/Pounce/Doolittles. | Confirm location, event time, fee rule and supply requirements before visiting. |
Lost and Found Pets in Charleston SC
Lost-pet intent is urgent. Charleston Animal Society’s lost/found page points users to Petco Love Lost and gives a dedicated lost/found contact route. Do not only search adoptable pets.
If your pet is missing
- Report the pet using Petco Love Lost and upload a recent clear photo.
- Search found pets in your area through the same tool.
- Call 843-329-1562 or 843-747-4849 extension 1531 for lost/found questions.
- Update your microchip company with the correct phone and address.
- Check shelter listings repeatedly because new animals can arrive later.
- Bring proof of ownership if a pet may match: photos, vet records, microchip, adoption papers or license.
If you found a pet
- Check Petco Love Lost first to see if the owner is already searching.
- If safe, scan for a microchip at a vet, shelter or appropriate location.
- Use the correct found-stray shelter based on where the animal was found.
- If found after hours, Charleston Animal Society asks finders to consider holding the pet until the shelter opens.
- If you cannot safely hold the animal overnight, call the local police non-emergency number for guidance.
Where to Take Found Stray Animals in Charleston
This is one of the most important “animal control” intents. The correct shelter depends on where the animal was found. Taking an animal to the wrong shelter can slow the owner’s search.
| Where Animal Was Found | Official Found-Stray Route | Timing / Practical Note |
|---|---|---|
| City of Charleston | Charleston Animal Society, 2455 Remount Road, North Charleston. | Found-stray page lists Monday–Friday 10 AM–3 PM. |
| City of North Charleston | Charleston Animal Society, 2455 Remount Road, North Charleston. | Found-stray page lists Monday–Friday 10 AM–3 PM. |
| Town of Mount Pleasant | Charleston Animal Society, 2455 Remount Road, North Charleston. | Found-stray page lists Monday–Friday 10 AM–3 PM. |
| Berkeley County outside North Charleston and Charleston | Charleston Animal Society Berkeley Campus, 131 Central Berkeley Drive, Moncks Corner. | Office phone listed: 843-719-5050. |
| Unincorporated Charleston County | Pet Helpers Adoption Center, 1447 Folly Road, James Island. | Call first before transporting if injured, aggressive or after hours. |
| Dorchester County outside North Charleston | Dorchester Paws, 136 Four Paws Lane, Summerville. | Phone listed: 843-871-3820. |
Charleston Animal Control, Cruelty, Injured Strays and After-Hours Help
A person searching “Charleston Animal Shelter & Control” may not be trying to adopt. They may need help with an aggressive dog, injured stray, cruelty, abandoned animal, bite, loose pet, deceased animal or after-hours situation.
Call Charleston Animal Society
Use 843-747-4849 for general shelter questions, adoption, found-pet routing, surrender appointments and pet-owner support.
Use non-emergency guidance
Charleston Animal Society says if you find a pet after operating hours and cannot hold it until opening, call your local police non-emergency number for guidance.
Use emergency routing
For active attacks, severe public-safety danger, cruelty in progress or serious injury, use emergency services or the appropriate local authority.
Surrendering or Rehoming a Pet at Charleston Animal Society
Surrender searches usually come from stress: housing, cost, behavior, illness, allergies or family changes. Charleston Animal Society says surrendered animals are accepted by appointment only and urges owners to try every possible alternative first.
Before asking to surrender
- Call 843-747-4849 before bringing an owned animal.
- Prepare medical records, vaccine records, medication list and behavior notes.
- Be honest about bite history, escaping, fear, reactivity, litter issues or separation anxiety.
- Ask about behavior classes, pet food help, pet-friendly housing ideas or rehoming support before surrendering.
- Do not abandon a pet outside the shelter or in a public place.
Alternatives to ask about
- Pet food bank support for qualifying families.
- Behavior or obedience training.
- Spay/neuter or pet resource guidance.
- Temporary help from friends, family or coworkers.
- Pet-friendly housing search resources.
Pet Food Bank, Spay/Neuter, Foster and Pet Owner Support
Helpful content should answer support searches too. Some people searching for a shelter do not want to give up a pet; they need food, behavior help, spay/neuter support, foster options or a temporary solution.
Food bank
Charleston Animal Society states dog and cat food is available to qualifying families weekdays from 10 AM–12 PM and asks first-time visitors to call 747-4849 before visiting.
Spay / neuter
The contact page lists spay or neuter questions through email and 843-556-7729. Use the official contact route for current clinic details.
Foster support
Fostering can help animals decompress and free shelter space. Use the official foster contact route if you want short-term or longer-term foster opportunities.
Official Charleston Animal Society Video Resource
Charleston Animal Society lists YouTube as an official social media account. Use the official channel for shelter stories, adoption awareness and public updates, but always use the official website or phone number for today’s hours, pet availability and intake rules.
What to Bring Before Visiting Charleston Animal Shelter
A prepared visitor gets better help. Bring different items depending on adoption, lost-pet reclaim, found stray, surrender or support services.
Photo ID
Bring valid identification for adoption, reclaim, surrender appointment questions or official service help.
Payment method
Confirm the current fee, special, offsite rule and supply cost before checkout.
Housing approval
If you rent, confirm pet permission, breed restrictions, size limits, pet deposit and maximum pet count first.
Carrier
Cats and kittens must leave in a carrier. Bring one or ask whether you can purchase one onsite.
Leash and collar
Dogs must leave on leash and collar. Bring a secure setup and a safe vehicle plan.
Proof for lost pet reclaim
Bring photos, vet records, microchip details, license, adoption paperwork or other proof of ownership.
After Adoption: First 7 Days at Home
The best shelter guide should help after adoption too. A calm first week reduces returns, stress and behavior problems.
First 24 hours
- Use a quiet starter space instead of giving full-house access immediately.
- Keep leash, collar or carrier secure from the shelter to your home.
- Do not force introductions with every person and pet on day one.
- Expect hiding, pacing, barking, whining, reduced appetite or nervous behavior.
- Keep adoption paperwork, microchip information and medical notes together.
Days 2–7
- Build a predictable feeding, potty, walk and sleep routine.
- Schedule veterinary follow-up if recommended.
- Introduce resident pets slowly and safely.
- Watch for coughing, diarrhea, vomiting, limping, refusal to eat or severe anxiety.
- Ask for behavior help early instead of waiting until a problem grows.
Charleston Animal Shelter Map, Directions & Visit Tips
Use the map for directions to Charleston Animal Society Main Campus at 2455 Remount Road. The official contact page notes the shelter is off I-26 and says to use the front entrance on Remount Road because some map routes may send visitors around the back.
Arrive early
Weekday hours can be confusing across official pages. Arrive earlier or call first if you plan to visit after 3 PM.
Confirm location
Check whether the animal is at the shelter, offsite, Berkeley Campus, Pounce Cat Cafe or an adoption event.
Transport safely
Dogs leave on leash and collar; cats leave in a carrier. Do not plan a loose-car ride.
Common Mistakes to Avoid at Charleston Animal Shelter
These mistakes answer common PASF-style queries like “why was the pet gone,” “can they hold a dog,” “where do I take a stray,” and “why are hours different?”
Before adoption
- Do not assume a screenshot means the pet is still available.
- Do not expect a puppy, purebred or popular pet to be held for you.
- Do not arrive late on weekdays without confirming same-day hours.
- Do not go to Remount Road if the pet is listed at an offsite location.
- Do not forget leash/collar for dogs or carrier for cats.
Before lost/found or control help
- Do not take a found stray to the wrong county or town shelter.
- Do not permanently rehome a found pet without reporting and checking for an owner.
- Do not bring unsafe or injured animals without calling for guidance.
- Do not surrender a pet without an appointment.
- Do not wait until the next day for active cruelty or immediate danger.
Official Charleston Animal Society Links
Use official links for final decisions. This guide explains the process, but Charleston Animal Society controls current hours, availability, fees, event rules and intake routing.
Charleston Animal Shelter FAQ
What is Charleston Animal Shelter officially called?
Most searches for Charleston Animal Shelter in South Carolina point to Charleston Animal Society, located at 2455 Remount Road in North Charleston.
Where is Charleston Animal Society located?
Charleston Animal Society is located at 2455 Remount Road, North Charleston, SC 29406.
What is the Charleston Animal Society phone number?
The main phone number is 843-747-4849. For lost/found and Animal Resource Center questions, Charleston Animal Society also lists 843-329-1562 and extension 1531.
What are Charleston Animal Shelter adoption hours?
Official pages show a weekday conflict: one page lists Monday–Friday 12 PM–5 PM and Saturday–Sunday 10 AM–5 PM, while adoption process sections list 12 PM–3 PM weekdays and 10 AM–5 PM weekends. Call before a weekday visit after 3 PM.
Can Charleston Animal Society hold a dog for me?
Charleston Animal Society’s adoption process page says purebred dogs and puppies are often adopted quickly and that they cannot hold a dog or animal for adoption. Call before driving for one specific pet.
How much does it cost to adopt a dog at Charleston Animal Society?
Listed dog fees include large breeds 1 year and older at $100, small breed dogs at $300+, pure breed dogs at $300+, and puppies at $300+. Confirm current pricing and specials before checkout.
How much does it cost to adopt a cat or kitten?
Adult cats are listed at $75 onsite or offsite, with specialty breeds at $150. Kittens are listed at $125 onsite or $150 offsite, with specialty breed kitten pricing higher. Confirm current fees before adopting.
What is included in the adoption fee?
Adoption fees include items such as spay/neuter, vaccinations, veterinary exam, microchip and registration, deworming, preventives, testing based on species and age, and a starter food bag.
Where do I take a found stray animal in Charleston?
If the animal was found in the City of Charleston, North Charleston or Mount Pleasant, Charleston Animal Society’s found-stray page points to Charleston Animal Society on Remount Road during listed weekday found-stray hours. For Berkeley, Dorchester or unincorporated Charleston County, the route may be different.
What should I do if I lost my pet in Charleston?
Report the pet using Petco Love Lost, upload a recent photo, search found-pet matches, update the microchip company, call the lost/found contact route, and check shelter listings repeatedly.
What should I do if I find a pet after Charleston Animal Society is closed?
Charleston Animal Society asks finders to consider holding the pet until the shelter opens. If you cannot keep the animal overnight, call your local police non-emergency number for guidance.
Does Charleston Animal Society take owner surrenders?
Yes, but surrendered animals are accepted by appointment only. Call 843-747-4849 and ask about alternatives before giving up your pet.
Does Charleston Animal Society offer a pet food bank?
Charleston Animal Society says dog and cat food is available to qualifying families weekdays from 10 AM to 12 PM and asks first-time visitors to call 747-4849 before visiting the food bank.
Is Charleston Animal Society the same as animal control?
Charleston Animal Society is the open-admissions shelter serving Charleston County, but animal-control routing depends on city, town, county jurisdiction and whether the animal is injured, aggressive or found after hours.
Is this guide for Charleston, West Virginia?
No. This guide is for Charleston, South Carolina / North Charleston. For Charleston, West Virginia, search for Kanawha-Charleston Humane Association instead.
Final Take: Use Charleston Animal Shelter the Right Way
Charleston Animal Shelter searches usually point to Charleston Animal Society in North Charleston. The key visitor details are simple: start with the official adoptable pet search, call 843-747-4849 if you are driving for one specific animal, verify weekday hours before a late visit, and bring the right transport supplies.
For lost/found pets and animal-control questions, the most important detail is location. A found animal from Charleston, North Charleston, Mount Pleasant, Berkeley County, unincorporated Charleston County or Dorchester County may have a different intake route. Use the official found-stray page and call before transporting unsafe, injured or after-hours animals.
Animal-Shelter.org is an independent informational guide and is not affiliated with Charleston Animal Society, Berkeley Campus, Pet Helpers, Dorchester Paws, any city or county animal-control office, police department, emergency service, veterinarian, rescue, microchip registry, Petco Love Lost, Pounce Cat Cafe, Petco, PetSmart, Doolittles or any official shelter portal. Always verify current details with official sources before visiting, adopting, surrendering, reclaiming, reporting or transporting an animal.
Animal Shelter Action Planner: Lost Pet, Found Pet, Adoption, Reclaim & Surrender Helper
Use this free tool to create a practical next-step plan before visiting or contacting an animal shelter, humane society, rescue, or animal control agency. It does not search a live shelter database, but it helps you prepare the right documents, questions, safety steps, and official-source searches.
Build a USA-wide shelter action plan
Select your situation and location. The tool will create a general action plan, search links, call questions, and a copyable checklist.
Lost pet recovery checklist
Check the steps you have completed. This helps you stay organized during the first urgent hours and days.
Found pet safety decision helper
Use this when you find a stray or loose pet and need a safe next step.
Adoption readiness checker
This helps adopters prepare before visiting a shelter or rescue. It is not a guarantee of approval.
Pet reclaim document checklist
If your pet may be at a shelter, prepare proof before visiting. Exact requirements and fees vary by agency.
Owner surrender preparation helper
Surrender rules vary. Many shelters require appointments, proof of residence, behavior/medical information, and may offer alternatives.
Animal control contact decision helper
Choose the situation and get a general USA-wide contact path. Local rules may differ.
Adoption and first-month budget planner
This is a planning guide, not a shelter fee database. Always confirm adoption fees and included services with the shelter.
Your generated shelter plan
Your action plan, search links, call script, checklist, or budget guide will appear here.
Start with the Planner tab
Select your state, city/county/ZIP, pet type, and goal. The tool will create a practical USA-wide shelter action plan.
Privacy note: this tool runs in your browser. It does not send your entries to animal-shelter.org.