St. Frances Animal Center in Charleston: Adoption, Surrender, and Community Programs
What St. Frances Animal Center does and where to find it
St. Frances Animal Center is a no-kill shelter in Charleston that takes in stray, abandoned, and owner-surrendered animals. The shelter operates on Meeting Street in downtown Charleston and runs adoption programs, veterinary services, and community outreach. Unlike shelters that euthanize animals for space or behavior, St. Frances keeps animals until they find homes or move to rescue partners.
The shelter serves Charleston County and takes animals seven days a week. You can visit in person during posted hours, browse available animals on their website, or call ahead with questions about a specific pet. St. Frances also runs a low-cost spay and neuter clinic and offers behavior support for people who want to keep their own animals but need help.
Key Takeaways
- St. Frances is a no-kill shelter where you can adopt cats, dogs, and other animals, or surrender a pet you can no longer care for.
- The shelter's veterinary clinic provides spay, neuter, and basic medical care at reduced cost to the public, not just to shelter animals.
- You can search available animals online before visiting, and the shelter staff can tell you about each animal's behavior and medical history.
- If you need to surrender a pet, call ahead to confirm the shelter can take the animal and learn what information to bring.
- St. Frances runs community programs including humane education for schools and behavior consultations for people keeping their own pets.
Adopting an animal from St. Frances
The adoption process starts with meeting the animals available. St. Frances keeps cats, dogs, rabbits, and occasionally other small animals. You can visit the shelter in person to spend time with animals before deciding, or check the shelter's website to see photos and read descriptions of each pet's personality and any known medical or behavior needs.
When you find an animal you want to adopt, shelter staff will talk with you about your living situation, other pets you have, and what you are looking for in a companion. This conversation helps match you with an animal that fits your household. Adoption fees vary by animal and age; dogs and cats typically cost less if they are older or have medical needs. The shelter can tell you the exact fee when you ask about a specific animal.
After adoption, the animal will have been spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and checked by a veterinarian. You will receive medical records and information about the animal's behavior and any special needs. The shelter also offers post-adoption support if you have questions after you bring the animal home.
Surrendering a pet to St. Frances
If you can no longer care for your own animal, St. Frances takes surrenders. Call the shelter before you bring the animal in so staff can confirm they have space and tell you what to bring. You will need the animal's medical records if you have them, and information about the animal's behavior, medical history, and why you are surrendering it. This information helps the shelter understand the animal's needs and find the right home.
Surrender fees exist at most shelters to help cover the cost of care. St. Frances charges a fee for surrenders, though the amount may vary. Ask about the current fee when you call. If cost is a barrier, ask whether the shelter has any programs or reduced fees available, or whether they can refer you to other resources that might help you keep your pet.
The shelter understands that people surrender animals for many reasons—moving, job loss, illness, behavior problems, or allergies. Staff will not judge you. Bringing your animal to a no-kill shelter means it will not be euthanized for space, and the shelter will work to find it a new home or move it to a rescue partner if needed.
Veterinary services and low-cost spay and neuter
St. Frances runs a veterinary clinic that serves the public, not just shelter animals. The clinic offers spay and neuter surgery at reduced cost compared to private veterinary practices. Spaying and neutering prevents unwanted litters and can reduce certain health and behavior problems. If you have a pet at home and want to spay or neuter it but cannot afford a private veterinarian, the shelter's clinic may be an option.
The clinic also provides basic medical care, vaccinations, and microchipping. Call the shelter to ask about current services, pricing, and how to schedule an appointment. Wait times and availability change, so confirm what the clinic can do before you plan around a specific date.
Humane education and community programs
St. Frances runs educational programs for schools and community groups. These programs teach children and adults about animal care, responsible pet ownership, and compassion for animals. If you work at a school or community center in Charleston, you can contact the shelter about bringing a program to your group.
The shelter also offers behavior consultations for people who have pets and want help with training or behavior problems. If your dog is aggressive, your cat is not using the litter box, or you need advice on introducing a new animal to your household, the shelter's staff can provide guidance. This service helps people keep their own animals instead of surrendering them.
How to visit and what to expect
St. Frances is located on Meeting Street in downtown Charleston. The shelter is open seven days a week, though hours vary by day. Check the website or call ahead to confirm hours before you visit, especially on holidays or weekends.
When you arrive, staff will greet you and ask what you are looking for. If you want to adopt, they will show you available animals and answer questions about each one. If you want to surrender an animal, have your paperwork ready and be prepared to discuss the animal's history. The shelter is usually busy on weekends, so you may wait if you visit during peak hours. Visiting on a weekday morning often means shorter waits and more one-on-one time with staff.
Bring a valid ID if you are adopting. If you are surrendering an animal, bring any medical records, vaccination papers, or behavior notes you have. Wear comfortable shoes because you may walk through the shelter to see available animals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I return an animal I adopted if it does not work out?
Yes. St. Frances takes back adopted animals if the adoption does not work out. Contact the shelter to explain the situation. The shelter will take the animal back and work to find it another home. This is one reason adoption fees exist—they help the shelter care for animals that are returned.
Does St. Frances take animals other than dogs and cats?
St. Frances primarily takes dogs and cats, but sometimes accepts rabbits and other small animals. Call the shelter to ask whether they can take a specific type of animal. If they cannot, they may be able to refer you to a rescue that specializes in that species.
What if I cannot afford the adoption fee?
Ask the shelter about reduced fees or payment plans. Some shelters offer lower fees for senior animals or animals with medical needs. The shelter may also know about local programs that help people pay adoption fees. Be honest about your situation—the shelter wants animals to go to homes that can care for them, and cost should not be the only barrier.
How do I know if an animal at St. Frances is right for my family?
Talk with shelter staff about your household, other pets, children, and lifestyle. Staff spend time with each animal and know their personalities, energy levels, and any behavior quirks. They can recommend animals that match what you are looking for and warn you about animals that might not fit. You can also spend time with an animal before deciding.
Does St. Frances microchip animals before adoption?
Most shelter animals are microchipped before adoption, but confirm this when you ask about a specific animal. A microchip is a permanent ID that helps reunite lost pets with their owners. If an animal is not already microchipped, ask whether the shelter can do it before you take the animal home, or whether they can refer you to a low-cost clinic.