Grand Strand Humane Society: Finding and Adopting Pets in Myrtle Beach
What the Grand Strand Humane Society does
The Grand Strand Humane Society is a private, nonprofit animal shelter in Myrtle Beach that takes in stray, abandoned, and surrendered pets—mostly dogs and cats, but also small animals like rabbits and guinea pigs. The shelter operates its own facility on North Kings Highway and handles intake, medical care, and adoption placement. Unlike some shelters, it does not contract with the city; it runs independently and relies on donations and adoption fees to fund operations.
The shelter's core work is straightforward: receive animals, provide veterinary care and behavioral assessment, and match them with adopters. Most animals stay until adopted, transferred to rescue partners, or, in cases of severe illness or aggression, humanely euthanized. The shelter also runs a lost-and-found service, so if you've lost a pet in the Myrtle Beach area, calling them is one of the first steps.
Key Takeaways
- The Grand Strand Humane Society is located on North Kings Highway in Myrtle Beach and accepts dogs, cats, and small animals for adoption.
- You can visit in person during posted hours to meet available pets, or call ahead to ask about specific animals.
- Adoption fees typically cover spay/neuter surgery, vaccinations, and microchipping, though the exact cost varies by animal.
- If you've lost a pet in the Myrtle Beach area, contact the shelter directly—they maintain a lost-and-found database.
- The shelter also accepts owner surrenders and takes in strays, so you can report a stray animal to them rather than attempting to catch it yourself.
Visiting the shelter to adopt
The shelter is open to the public during set hours, typically afternoons and early evenings on weekdays and weekend mornings, though hours vary by season. Before you go, call ahead at their main number to confirm current hours and to ask whether a specific animal you're interested in is still available. This saves a trip if a pet has already been adopted.
When you arrive, staff will walk you through the adoption process. You'll meet available animals in person, and shelter workers can tell you about each pet's temperament, medical history, and any behavioral notes. If you find an animal you want to adopt, you'll fill out an adoption form with your contact information, living situation (apartment, house, yard), and references. The shelter uses this to make sure the match is sound—they may decline an adoption if they believe the home isn't right for that particular animal.
Adoption fees are not uniform across all animals. A dog typically costs more than a cat; a young, healthy animal may cost more than an older one. Fees usually include spay or neuter surgery, vaccinations, and a microchip. Ask the staff for the exact fee before you commit, and ask what's included. Some shelters offer payment plans if the upfront cost is a barrier.
What to bring and expect during adoption
Bring a photo ID and proof of address (a utility bill or lease works). If you rent, some shelters ask for landlord contact information to confirm that pets are allowed. Have a plan for transport home—a carrier for a cat, a leash for a dog. If you don't have one, ask the shelter whether they can provide a temporary carrier or leash.
The adoption process typically takes 30 minutes to an hour. After you pay the fee, the shelter will give you paperwork that includes the animal's medical records, vaccination certificates, and microchip registration details. Keep these documents; you'll need them for your veterinarian and for proof of ownership if the animal is ever lost. The microchip is registered to you, so update your contact information if you move or change your phone number.
Reporting a stray or lost animal
If you find a stray dog or cat in the Myrtle Beach area, call the Grand Strand Humane Society rather than trying to catch the animal yourself. Staff can advise you on safe capture or can send someone to help. If you do catch the animal safely, you can bring it to the shelter. They'll scan for a microchip, check their lost-and-found database, and attempt to contact the owner. If no owner is found within a set period, the animal becomes available for adoption.
If your own pet is lost, contact the shelter immediately and provide a description and photo. Ask them to check their intake records and to call you if an animal matching your pet arrives. Also post on local lost-pet Facebook groups and Nextdoor; many Myrtle Beach residents monitor these channels actively. The shelter can tell you whether they recommend posting a reward, which sometimes speeds recovery.
Surrendering a pet to the shelter
If you can no longer care for a pet, the Grand Strand Humane Society accepts owner surrenders. Call first to ask about availability—shelters sometimes reach capacity and may ask you to wait or to try rescue groups specific to your animal's breed. When you surrender, be honest about the animal's behavior, medical needs, and history. This information helps staff place the animal appropriately and prepare adopters for what to expect.
Surrender is not free; most shelters charge a fee to cover intake and care. The fee is typically lower than adoption fees and helps fund the shelter's operations. Ask what the fee is when you call. Some shelters also work with breed-specific rescues and may transfer your pet to a rescue group rather than keeping it in the shelter, which can improve its chances of adoption.
Medical care and behavioral assessment
When an animal arrives at the shelter, it receives a veterinary exam, vaccinations if needed, and treatment for any obvious health issues. Dogs and cats are spayed or neutered before adoption. Staff also assess behavior—how the animal reacts to people, other animals, and handling. Animals with severe aggression or untreatable illness may not be placed for adoption, and the shelter will discuss this with you if you're interested in an animal with known behavioral concerns.
If you adopt an animal with a known medical condition, ask for details: what is the condition, what treatment does it need, and what will it cost? Some shelters provide a brief window (often 14 days) for you to have the animal examined by your own veterinarian at no cost to the shelter. Use this time to confirm the animal's health and to establish care with a local vet.
Contacting the Grand Strand Humane Society
The shelter's main location is on North Kings Highway in Myrtle Beach. You can reach them by phone during business hours to ask about available animals, confirm hours, or report a stray. They also maintain a website and social media pages where they post photos and descriptions of animals available for adoption. Following their social media is a good way to see new arrivals and to stay informed about shelter events or urgent needs.
If you're looking for a specific breed or type of animal, call and describe what you're looking for. Staff can tell you whether they have anything that matches and can sometimes contact you if a suitable animal arrives. This is especially useful if you're willing to wait for the right match.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I adopt if I live in an apartment?
Yes, but the shelter will ask about your lease and may contact your landlord to confirm that pets are allowed. Some animals are better suited to apartments than others—a high-energy dog may not be a good fit for a small space. Be honest about your living situation, and staff can help match you with an animal that will thrive there.
What if I adopt an animal and it doesn't work out?
Most shelters have a return policy, typically 14 days. If the adoption isn't working, contact the shelter and explain the issue. They may take the animal back, though you usually won't receive a refund. Some shelters offer a trial period or a behavior consultation before you return the animal, so ask what options are available.
Do I need to have my own vet before I adopt?
No, but you should plan to find one soon after adoption. Your new pet will need regular checkups, and your vet will manage vaccinations, spay/neuter follow-up, and any health issues that arise. Ask the shelter for local vet recommendations if you don't have one already.
How much does adoption cost?
Fees vary by animal and age. Dogs typically cost more than cats. Fees usually include spay/neuter, vaccinations, and microchipping. Call the shelter or check their website for current fees, as they may change based on the animal's age and health status.
What should I do if I find a microchipped pet?
Call the Grand Strand Humane Society with the microchip number, or contact the microchip registry directly (the number is usually on the chip documentation). The registry will have the owner's contact information. Do not attempt to return the pet yourself unless you know the owner; let the registry or shelter handle the reunion.