Volunteer opportunities:

Foster Pets at the Doc Williams

At any given time at the Doc Williams SPCA there are many cats, dogs, puppies, and kittens that, for whatever reason, cannot be put up for adoption. In many cases, the foster pets just need to go into a foster home for a short time, and then can go back to the shelter and be adopted to a loving home.

Foster pets situations that come up frequently are: 1) upper respiratory infections, common in shelter animals, 2) pregnant dogs or cats or ones with newborns, and 3) kittens and puppies that are too small to go up for adoption. Sometimes these animals are brought in by individuals or other rescue groups and shelters, sometimes they are abandoned animals, and some come in as the result of a rescue operation.

We like to put these foster pets in foster care because they generally recover faster and better in a home environment, plus they are not as exposed to disease as they would be in the shelter. The length of time required in foster care is usually short, from a week to two months, depending on the animal and the situation.

The Doc Williams SPCA will supply food, cat litter for cats, medicine, and of course, veterinary care for any animals you foster. We can usually also supply you with supplies like crates, litter boxes, toys, etc., but what is available depends on what has been donated.

When the foster pets have recovered and are ready to go up for adoption, the foster parent brings the animal back to the Doc Williams SPCA. It will be checked out by a vet, spay/neutered if needed, vaccinated, etc., and put up for adoption.

If you have a rescue group and want to get involved we would love to discuss opportunities with you. It takes all of us to make a difference.

The Doc Williams SPCA Foster Care Program

To join the foster pets program, you will need to meet with our Foster Care Coordinator to see what kind of animals you would be suited to foster and to answer any questions you might have. There's a short application to fill out, and at some point, a home check, as required by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture. Periodic emails are sent to Foster Parents to let everyone know what dogs and cats need fostering. You will be added to the list and, if you see an animal you would be interested in fostering, just reply to the email!

If you think this is something you would like to pursue, please contact Cathy Childress, our Foster Care Coordinator. If you have specific questions, feel free to email or call us at the following e-mail address Foster@docwilliamsspca.org or 843-761-0683. If you're unable to foster pets in your home, please consider donating to help others become a loving foster to pets in the Berkley County area.

Every pet desires a chance. You can make a difference!

Foster Care Application

Adoption Volunteer or Shelter Volunteer

Assists staff and the public with appropriate placement of animals, supervises handling of animals by the public, walks dogs, assists in educating the public about pet care, all the while giving the animals the love and care they need. Must be at least 16 years of age, have legible handwriting, good communications skills, the ability to think quickly and a desire to work with the public.

PFT (Pet Facilitated Therapy) Volunteer

Must be able to confidently and comfortably handle animals on visits, follow appropriate PFT guidelines and be able to keep monthly appointments. Must be able to relate to geriatric, pediatric, handicapped and emotionally disabled clients, and be able to handle animals on visits. A requirement of 18 years of age with valid driver’s license with insurance

Special Events Volunteer

Assists in many ways with special events that benefit Doc Williams SPCA. Must be at least 16 years of age, be able to assist in pre-event planning (flier distribution, planning, and recruitment of other participants), be able to handle paperwork, directions, set-up and/or clean-up and any other special needs (such as item sales). Must have the ability to meet deadlines and be flexible with job assignments.

Dog House Volunteer

Assists in fundraising endeavors for the SPCA. Must be at least 16 years of age or have adult supervision, place collection banks in approved locations and collect and deliver monies from these banks at least once a month to the Shelter during regular business hours or by mail.