Community Rallies to Foster Animals and Clear Shelters Ahead of Tropical Storm Debby

BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C. — In response to Tropical Storm Debby, two animal shelters in South Carolina's Lowcountry successfully cleared out all of their animals by placing them in temporary foster homes. The shelters, Berkeley Animal Center and Dorchester Paws, expressed deep gratitude toward the community for their overwhelming support.

“We are shocked, grateful, overjoyed, humbled, and PROUD of the way our community showed up for the animals in need in Dorchester County.”

Berkeley Animal Center, which had 137 animals in its care, issued an emergency plea on Sunday for fosters to take in animals ahead of the storm. The community responded quickly, and by 12:30 p.m., all cats and kittens had found foster homes. Later that evening, the shelter was completely empty.

"Our call for help was answered, and we will be forever thankful to you. Your dedication to helping us will never be forgotten. Please give our babies all the love while you keep them safe during the storm," Berkeley Animal Center staff wrote on Facebook.

Similarly, Dorchester Paws in Dorchester County reported that every cat and dog on their campus was placed in a foster home. The shelter's staff shared their amazement and gratitude, stating they were "shocked, grateful, overjoyed, humbled, and PROUD of the way our community showed up for the animals in need."

The staff at Dorchester Paws also thanked the "Storm Fosters" who opened their homes to provide safe, dry, and loving environments for the animals during the storm. They acknowledged the vital role these fosters played in protecting the animals from potential floodwaters and other dangers associated with Tropical Storm Debby.

Both shelters emphasized the importance of community support during emergencies and expressed their commitment to continuing their work in animal rescue and welfare