Show All Answers

1. Where is the animal shelter located?

The City of Abbeville Animal Shelter is located on private city property, near the Long Cane Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant at:

493 Brookside Drive
Abbeville, SC 29620

The animal shelter is not open to the general public. Appointments must be made in advance to view adoptable animals or to reclaim an animal from the facility. 

To make an appointment, City Animal Control Officer Chris Wilson can be reached at 864-394-1122.

2. When is the Animal Control Officer available?

Animal Control hours for the City of Abbeville are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m.

3. Who do I call if I have lost my dog or cat?

Please call City Animal Control Officer Chris Wilson at 864-394-1122 and complete a lost or found pet report. Photos are extremely helpful and can be texted to the number above or emailed to Chris Wilson . Photos may also be sent to the Animal Services Facebook page.

4. What about animals that are picked up in the County?

Presently, the County of Abbeville does not operate an animal shelter facility. The Abbeville County Sheriff’s Department handles all reports of stray animals outside of the city limits, and any animals impounded by the Sheriff’s department are housed at the city shelter as a courtesy. The sheriff’s department does not pick up or accept owner surrendered or unwanted animals. Due to kennel space limitations, City Animal Control cannot accept owner surrendered pets from anyone who lives outside the city limits of Abbeville. For more information, call Animal Control Officer Chris Wilson at 864-394-1122.

5. How long do you keep animals at the shelter?

Animal Shelter hold times are governed under Title 47 of the South Carolina Code of Laws. Animal Control operates in accordance with state mandates. Unidentifiable stray animals are held for a minimum of five days. Identifiable animals (dogs and cats with ID tags, microchip ID or a known owner) are held for a minimum of 14 days. Animals that remain unclaimed following their hold period become the property of the City of Abbeville and are summarily made available for public adoption, transferred to authorized rescue organizations, or humanely euthanized.

6. Who do I call to report a stray dog or cat?

Please call 864-366-2403 for non-emergency, animal related services.

7. How can I report suspected animal cruelty?

It is unlawful to abuse or neglect an animal. This includes failing to provide an animal with:

• Clean drinking water
• Proper shelter
• Sufficient food
• Veterinary care for sick or injured animals

As of July 2015, it is unlawful to tether a dog outdoors in the city limits unless specific requirements are met. For a full list of animal care requirements in the city, please refer to Abbeville Code of Ordinances, Section 458. If you suspect that an animal is being neglected, please report it by calling 864-366-2403.

8. Can I make an anonymous complaint?

The information provided to animal control becomes public record and is not confidential. We are unable to take or act on anonymous information. For more information or to make a complaint that is not anonymous, call 864-366-2403.

9. Are dogs permitted to run loose?

It is unlawful to allow dogs to run “at large” in either the City or County of Abbeville. A dog is considered to be running at large when it is off the owner’s property and not under their physical control by means of a leash or restraint device.

10. Does Animal Control pick up dead animals on the roadside?

In the City limits, Animal Control will pick up and remove domesticated or small animals in the roadway (dogs, cats, raccoons, opossums, etc.). Animals that are deceased on private property are the responsibility of the property owner. For larger animals such as deer, please call the Department of Transportation at 864-366-4406.

11. What can I do about a barking dog in my neighborhood?

It is unlawful to be in possession of a dog that disturbs the comfort, peace and quiet of the public due to continuous nuisance barking or howling. A dog is considered to be a nuisance by barking or howling continuously for thirty minutes or more, two to three times per day or night or at a more frequent time period. 

Many times, nuisance barking situations may be resolved when two neighbors discuss the issue. If necessary, Animal Control will discuss the problem with the dog owner and offer suggestions to address the issue. If the problem persists, the dog owner may be issued a summons to appear in court. Complainants may be asked to appear as well in order to testify to the extent of the nuisance. For more information or to file a complaint, call 864-366-2403.

12. What do I do if my dog or cat bites someone or if I’m bitten by an animal?

Animal bites are a very serious matter. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal and / or have suffered a wound with broken skin from the incident, please contact Animal Control or The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control immediately to report it. In Abbeville you may call The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control at 864-227-5915.

Animals involved in bite-related incidents must be quarantined for a ten day period from other animals and anyone who does not live in the home, regardless of vaccination status. Observation may be required at the animal shelter, in which case the owner of the dog will be responsible for any fees associated with the quarantine.

13. How much will it cost me to pick up my pet from the animal shelter?

Animal Control fees are charged on an escalating scale. Fees are as follows:

• $10 for first offense impounds
• $20 for second offense impounds
• $30 for third offense impounds
• $40.00 for each subsequent offense

All animals reclaimed by their owners are required by South Carolina Code of Laws, Section 47355, to have a microchip ID implanted at first offense at an additional $10.00 cost. Microchip procedures are performed by Animal Control. Pet owners are asked to visit the shelter to identify their animals prior to reclaim if they are not microchipped or wearing ID tags. Animal Control will issue an owner redemption form which must be taken to the Municipal Building/Opera House for payment of shelter fees. All fees must be paid prior to reclaim.

14. Does animal control provide vaccines or veterinary services?

We recommend making an appointment with a veterinarian of your preference for medical services and vaccinations. Section 446 of the Abbeville City Code of Ordinances requires all pets over the age of four months to be vaccinated annually for rabies prevention. In South Carolina, only a licensed veterinarian is permitted to perform rabies vaccinations. 

Rabies vaccines are not included in vaccination kits commonly sold over-the-counter in feed and supply / pet stores. Having your pets microchipped for easy identification is always the best method to insure they are reunited with you should they become lost. Animal Control can provide this service for just $10. Please call Animal Control Officer Chris Wilson at 864-394-1122 for more information.

15. Are my pets required to be fixed (spayed or neutered)?

There is currently no law requiring pet owners in the city limits to have their pets spayed or neutered, although we strongly encourage pet owners to do so. Spayed/Neutered pets help to address the problem of animal overpopulation, which in turn contributes to large numbers of animals entering the shelter each year. In addition, there are many health benefits for having the procedure done, as well as a reduction in desire to roam along with aggression and behavior problems. Animal Control has a cooperative agreement with Animal Allies Clinic of Spartanburg to provide low cost spay and neuter services to Abbeville area residents. Please call 864-576-6971 for more information and keep an eye on the Abbeville City Animal Services Facebook page for special pricing announcements.