Columbia Animal Services

09/16/2024

Free Microchipping at Columbia Animal Services!

Event Details:
📅 Date: Sunday, September 22
🕐 Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
📍 Location: Columbia Animal Services, 127 Humane Ln, Columbia SC

Requirements:
🐾 Open to City of Columbia and Richland 🐾 County residents only (please bring proof of residency).

🐾 Pets must be at least 8 weeks old.

🐾 All dogs must be on a leash, and all cats must be in a carrier.

🐾 No appointment is necessary—first come, first served.

Microchipping is completely free, and it’s an essential step to keep your pets safe. Don’t miss this chance to protect your furry family members!
10m

09/16/2024

Cobra is currently in our adoption ambassador program. He is looking for his forever home or rescue!

Cobra is...
Approximately 1 year old
Cat friendly
Dog friendly
Kid friendly
Good on leash
House broken
Crate trained
Male, neutered
Up to date on vaccines and preventives
Heartworm negative

Want to meet Cobra? Email our foster coordinator at: [email protected] to set up a meet and greet!

Want to help dogs like Cobra? Become an adoption ambassador or foster. Our shelter remains at critical capacity. Help us save lives, become a foster parent today! Foster application here: https://forms.columbiasc.gov/232624008451953

09/15/2024

Attention pickleball and animal enthusiasts!

Join us on Saturday, October 12th from 4-7 PM for Pickle for Paws 2024!

Pickle for Paws is Animal Mission of the Midlands’ first community pickleball tournament. Funds raised will go towards the Darla fund, an emergency medical fund for specialized cases that come into our shelter.

Event sponsors, teams participants and spectators needed!

Don’t play pickleball? No worries, just come and enjoy the fun!

Sponsorship and team registration deadline is September 27th.

More on the event and how to purchase your tickets here: https://animalmission.org/pickle-for-paws/.

Questions? Email: [email protected].

09/15/2024

🚨 Lost Your Pet? Don’t Panic! Here’s What to Do: 🐾

Start Close to Home – Search your neighborhood, calling their name and checking familiar spots.
Post Online – Share on local lost pet groups and apps like Petco Love Lost and Pawboost.
Contact Local Shelters – Report your pet missing to shelters in your area.
Put Up Flyers – Include a recent photo and your contact info, and post them where your pet was last seen.

Microchips can make all the difference! 🏷 Join us at our Free Microchipping at Columbia Animal Services! September 22nd, from 1 PM - 4 PM! 📍 Make sure your pets are always able to find their way back home.

09/13/2024

This foster Friday we're continuing with our dynamic duos! Emmy Lou and Kepler may have arrived at the shelter separately, but fate brought them together in the same loving foster home, and now they’re as close as siblings! Not to mention. that they look related! These two adore not only each other but other dogs as well. Both Emmy Lou and Kepler are house and crate trained, cat-friendly, and love to snuggle after a long day of fun and adventure.

Emmy Lou, a petite and friendly young girl, was found as a stray, and while not much was initially known about her, she's proven to be a total sweetheart. She enjoys cuddling, taking naps, playing with toys, and indulging in treats. She knows her name, responds to the command "sit," and is very cooperative on walks—making her the perfect companion for snack lovers and laid-back outings. And just look at her- she's irresistible!

Kepler came into the shelter back in July with a large tumor on his back leg, but after surgery, he’s been able to enjoy life like never before! He is thriving in his foster home, where he loves going for walks, chasing after balls (especially orange ones), and, like Emmy Lou, soaking up plenty of cuddles. Kepler is well-mannered, comes when called, and knows the command "off," making him a joyful and loyal companion. Together, these two are the perfect blend of playful energy and snuggly affection.

Whether together or apart, these two are so deserving of a loving forever home. Adopt Kepler and Emmy Lou!

09/12/2024

Join us on October 12th for an exciting new event benefiting The Darla Fund, Animal Mission's emergency medical fund for special cases at Columbia Animal Services! This vibrant celebration is all about community spirit, featuring pickleball play, food trucks, refreshments, local vendors, and more! Get your game on, or cheer on your friends while supporting a great cause.

What is the The Darla Fund? The Darla Fund was created in response to the growing need for advanced veterinary care for animals that enter our shelter. This fund is crucial in providing necessary medical treatment for special needs cases that would otherwise go without care due to limited resources. Since its inception, it has covered emergency medical expenses for numerous animals, with costs typically ranging from $300 to $5,000 per case. Unfortunately, due to a lack of funding, we are often unable to meet all the needs of our shelter pets.

We need your help to make this event a success! We’re looking for community partners, teams to play, and supporters to attend! The event will take place on Saturday, October 12th from 4-7 PM at The Wildewood Club.

How You Can Help:

Sponsorship: Your financial contributions will make a direct and lasting impact. All donations are tax-deductible, and we offer varying sponsorship tiers with great benefits to acknowledge your generosity. For more details, please visit https://animalmission.org/pickle-for-paws/ or email us at [email protected]! Sponsors are also invited to include business cards or promotional materials in our event swag bags for additional exposure. To be included in our printed marketing materials, please send your sponsorship logo (JPEG or PNG format) by September 27th.

In-Kind Donations: If a monetary sponsorship is not feasible, we would appreciate donated goods for our raffle or swag bags for event participants (we estimate 150-200 guests). All donated goods should be received by October 5th to ensure we have ample time to prepare for the event.

Participate in the Tournament: We have spots for 24 teams to join in this exciting event. It’s a great way to have fun while supporting a worthy cause. Team registration is open until September 27th.

Join as a Spectator: If playing pickleball isn’t for you, come join us as a spectator! Enjoy food, drinks, music, and raffles, all while supporting animals in need. Spectator tickets available for purchase, price changes day-of.

For more information, please visit: https://animalmission.org/pickle-for-paws/.

Should you have any questions or need further details, please do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected]. Together, we can make a significant impact on the lives of shelter pets in need!

Send a message to learn more

09/10/2024

Today is the last day of our adoption campaign! Don’t miss out on the opportunity for free adoptions! All pets come spayed/neutered, microchipped and up to date on basic vaccinations. We are open from 12-5 PM today, Tuesday, September 10th. Help us clear the shelters and achieve !

09/09/2024

Yesterday was an amazing day at our Pups & Pints Adoption Event and Donation Drive! We had 11 dogs in attendance, and they all had a blast hanging out with fellow pups, meeting lots of wonderful people, and indulging in plenty of delicious treats. It was a fun-filled event with wagging tails and happy hearts all around. 2 of our pups left with foster-to-adopt homes!

We'd like to extend a huge thank you to Jake's on Devine, Diamond Pet Foods and The Pampered Pup Bakery for their continued support in making this event a success!

Don’t forget to mark your calendars for October 12th for our next Pups and Pints adoption event at Steel Hands Brewing! We can't wait to see you there! 🐾🍻

09/06/2024

Here is your August 2024 recap and reminder of our operation, goals, and definitions.

Columbia Animal Services (CAS) is a municipal animal shelter that oversees the City of Columbia Animal Control division and services the City limits of Columbia (est. population 140,000). Additionally, per contractual agreement, citizens of Richland County (est. population 422,000) and Richland County Animal Control are permitted to bring their animals to CAS. While animals from both City and Richland County are housed at our facility, the management of these jurisdictions are separate entities.

Our Facility is approximately 30,000 square feet encompassing roughly 45 cat banks and 155 dog runs. Annually, the shelter takes in approximately 4,800-5,200 animals.

Here are your shelter statistics for August, 2024:

Total intake: 406
Total outcome: 428

Please see the posted charts for further breakdown.

Columbia Animal Services is striving to become a No-Kill community. This is impossible without community involvement and responsible pet ownership efforts.

We would like to thank our supporters for their engagement in our life-saving programs and shared goal of increasing live release. We cannot do this without the continued support from adopters, rescues, volunteers, fosters and community members. Thank you for helping the animals of the Midlands.

Furthermore, we give special thanks to Animal Mission, who has been a crucial partner in increasing spay and neuter within our community through their low-cost spay and neuter voucher program. Since the voucher program started in 2006, shelter intake has decreased by 60%.

Definitions:

No-Kill: Live-release of 90%. No-Kill does not represent a 0% euthanasia rate, but rather, a euthanasia rate of 10% or less. For more information on understanding no-kill or what no-kill doesn’t mean, visit:
https://resources.bestfriends.org/article/no-kill-resolution-guidelines

Intake: The number of animals brought into the shelter via strays, confiscations or owner surrender. Includes primarily canines and felines.

TNR: (Trap, Neuter, Return). This program was implemented for outdoor community cats and has proven to be the most effective and humane practice to ensure existing cat colonies are getting vaccinated and are also unable to procreate. Before TNR programs, trapped feral cats were immediately euthanized and trapped domesticated cats sat in shelters with only 2% being reclaimed by owners. Cats unclaimed by owners often became ill, or euthanized due to shelter over-crowding. Over time, it was discovered that euthanizing community cats did not stop or slow their population growth while spay and neuter efforts did just that!

Euthanasia: Includes all species euthanized due to space, behavior, or medical issues. As a community service to those who may be facing hardship or lacking resources for proper vetting, CAS may honor owner euthanasia requests for animals who are at end of life stages or whom pose a threat to public safety. Euthanasia requests are not honored for healthy, adoptable animals.

09/06/2024

It’s Foster Friday! Meet our small but mighty duo, Abbott and Armstrong!

Abbott (black and white) and Armstrong (brindle and white) are an adorable, petite pair of low-rider pups who made their way to the shelter together as strays in early August. Sadly, their former owners never came to reclaim them. They’re now thriving in a loving foster home, eagerly awaiting their forever families!

Both have medium energy levels and are incredibly playful and affectionate. Abbott is the bolder, more outgoing and confident of the two. Armstrong is a bit more shy and reserved but is still super sweet and friendly! They are both adaptable, intelligent, and loyal with laid-back, easygoing personalities. Described as "couch potatoes," Abbott and Armstrong love lounging around just as much as they enjoy walks and play time.

Both are great with all other dogs, cats, strangers, and kids (they’ve had exposure to children ages 2 to 15+). They are house-trained, know how to sit, and are easy to handle. Abbott walks well on a leash, while Armstrong may need a little more coaxing. The complete package, really!

Both Abbot and Armstrong will be in attendance at our Pups & Pints Adoption Event and Donation Drive tomorrow, Sunday September 7th from 12-3 pm. Come meet them at Jake's on Devine! Can't make it to the event but want to meet them? Please email [email protected] your best contact information to set up a meet and greet! This loveable pair is just waiting for the perfect home to shower them with the love they deserve!

09/06/2024

Clear the Shelters is still going strong until September 10th!

All adoption fees are waived and our shelter is full of animals looking for their perfect match🐾❤️

To view our current intake visit: https://24petconnect.com/ColumbiaAdoptablePets

To see amazing bios visit: Pets of Columbia Animal Services

Thank you ABC Columbia for all your support in getting our furry friends home🐾

Officials say you can take home a forever friend free of charge now through September 10.

09/05/2024

🚨 Community support needed: Our shelter is full! 🚨

Once again we have run out of kennel space. We are in urgent need of fosters, adopters and rescues to save lives.

Here is an updated post of dogs that would highly benefit from a foster home (medical or adoption ambassador). Can you provide a temporary home? It will make permanent difference in the lives of our shelter pets.

Is there a dog you are willing to foster but it's not seen here? Let’s chat! We are happy to work with you and ensure success of both our foster parents and pups!

What is an adoption ambassador?

Adoption ambassadors are fosters that take a shelter dog home for up to 60 days. During that time, the foster helps the dog decompress, learns about their personalities, and promotes them to potential adopters.

Have questions about fostering or want get started? Reach out, we'd love to help!

Apply to become a foster parent on our website at: https://animalservices.columbiasc.gov/foster/

Please note: these dogs are also eligible for adoption or rescue.

09/04/2024

Check out Cocoa, a local Cola celebrity. A big "thank you" to Mayor Daniel Rickenmann for continually supporting our shelter pets in need!

Cocoa is currently in a foster home but she's still in need of a forever home or rescue. Here is more about her from her foster:

“She is an amazing dog. She did wonderful with our older dogs and didn't push them but brought their inner puppy out. Lots of cuddles and just so loving. If you're looking for a companion who will love you unconditionally, this girl is your girl. Great on the leash and friendly to everyone who met her. I truly cannot say enough good things about her!”

Walk time: So friendly
Car rides: Perfect passenger
Taking treats: So polite
Greetings: I love meeting other people, I’m a social butterfly!
Dog friendly. She is a shelter playgroup rockstar and was commonly used to assess the sociability of new shelter residents. She'd likely be a great candidate for a multi-dog home!
Exposure to children: She did well at the Pups & Pints adoption event, she was friendly with everyone of all ages including children!
I like: cuddling, playing, toys, treats!
I am potty trained!

1 year old
Female (spayed)
Shelter ID: A292598

Interested in meeting Cocoa? Email our foster coordinator at: [email protected] to help set up a meet and greet. Please include your best contact information.

Are you a 501c3 rescue interested in Cocoa? Email our rescue coordinator at: [email protected].



The shelter has free adoptions on all animals until September 10th for our Clear the Shelters Event.

09/02/2024

Meet Our Playgroup Rockstars! ⭐️

Our shelter is home to some incredible dogs who are ready to play, love, and be your new best friend! Our Playgroup Rockstars are well-socialized pups who get along with just about any dog playmate. 🐶

Playgroups are not just about fun and games, although there's plenty of that too! Through playgroups, we can better predict our dogs' social abilities, give them much-needed time outside of their kennels for exercise and enrichment, and help combat the effects of kennel fatigue and mental deterioration associated with shelter life.

🐾 We need your help! We are looking for volunteers to assist with playgroups. Register to become a volunteer here 👉 https://animalservices.columbiasc.gov/volunteer/

A reminder, our Clear the Shelters Adoption event continues until September 10th. We have free adoptions on all animals in our care, including our playgroup rockstars! Don’t miss this opportunity to adopt one of these amazing dogs in need! 🏡

08/31/2024

Columbia Animal Services will be closed on Monday, September 2nd, for Labor Day. We’ll reopen on Tuesday, September 3rd at noon.

Don’t forget about our free adoption special, which continues through September 10th. Our shelter is at critical capacity. We desperately need fosters, adopters, and rescues to save more lives. Please consider opening your home to a furry friend!

08/30/2024

This foster Friday we have a dynamic duo for you, 6-month-old pups, Abu and Waverly! These two came into the shelter together at the end of July. They have found their way into a loving foster home, where they are learning all basic house manners and waiting for their forever families. Both pups are dog-friendly, playful, and get along wonderfully with people and children.

Waverly (tan) is a spirited and intelligent little girl who loves attention and will do just about anything for treats. She’s a quick learner and enjoys her chew toys and long naps after a fun-filled day with her brother. Though she’s a free spirit who likes to do her own thing, Waverly is also affectionate, friendly, and always up for playtime.

Abu (brown) is a handsome boy. He is a laid-back and affectionate pup who loves to snuggle up with his humans. He has playful zoomies with other puppies, but his sweet and loyal nature really shines through when interacting with his humans. According to his foster, "I mowed the backyard the other day and his sweet self walked behind me row by row. So loyal." Abu would make a perfect companion dog, always ready to offer love and cuddles

Interested in meeting Abu or Waverly? Send your best contact information to our foster coordinator at: [email protected]. They will help set up a meet and greet.

Abu
Shelter ID: A294625
Male, neutered
6 months old

Waverly
Shelter ID: A294727
Female, spayed
6 months old

08/29/2024

Thank you Dean's Dogs for hosting a donation drive prior to the Hootie and the Blowfish concerts at Colonial Life Arena tonight and tomorrow!

All proceeds will benefit Animal Mission of the Midlands and our shelter! Be sure to stop by, make a donation and say hello!

08/28/2024

🐾 Yesterday, our Columbia Animal Services team attended a fantastic wildlife training session with Dave Pauli, the Wildlife Conflict Program Manager for the The Humane Society of the United States ! 🦉🌳

They gained valuable insights and techniques for handling wildlife and managing conflicts with our wild neighbors. We're committed to enhancing our skills to better serve the community and protect all animals in Columbia! 🦊🐾

08/27/2024

Be sure to join us next Sunday, September 8th, for our monthly Pups & Pints Adoption Event and Donation Drive! We will be at Jake's on Devine from 12 to 3 PM with dogs available for adoption!

Adoption fees will be waived for all dogs in attendance. All dogs come spayed/neutered, vaccinated and microchipped. Please come prepared with a leash and collar.

A big thank you to our event supporters, The Pampered Pup Bakery, bully bowtique and Diamond Pet Foods. The Pampered Pup Bakery and Bully Bowtique has graciously offered to donate a portion of their proceeds to our shelter pups in need! Come check out their yummy treats and pet accessories!

Can't adopt but want to support our shelter pets? Donations are always needed and appreciated! Monetary donations will go towards the Animal Mission of the Midlands Darla Fund which helps provide specialized medical care to cases that come through our doors.

Our current greatest needs are:
- Wet dog food
- Kitten food
- Puppy food
- Dog crates (L and XL size)
- Dog milk bones (small and medium sizes please)

Link to our Amazon wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/OHHCIHANPGNG...

We can’t wait to get our amazing pups into their forever homes!

Send a message to learn more

08/25/2024

Want to know how to get more involved? Come meet us today at The Warehouse to celebrate National Dog Day from 11 AM to 2 PM at 312 State St, West Columbia, SC. Let’s make a difference together! 🐕🎈

08/25/2024

🎉🐾 Pups & Pints Success 🐾🎉

We happy to share that three of our adorable pups, Ludo, Timmy, and Ruby Doo, found their forever homes! 🏠❤️ A huge thanks to Bierkeller Columbia for hosting such a fantastic event, our pups had the chance to play, meet kids, discover the joy of soccer balls, enjoy treats, and receive plenty of love. 🐶⚽🍪

If you missed out, don’t worry! Our next Pups & Pints event is just around the corner on September 8th at Jake's. Mark your calendars—you won’t want to miss the fun! 🗓️🍻

Want to get more involved? Come meet us today at The Warehouse as we celebrate National Dog Day from 11 AM to 2 PM at 312 State St, West Columbia, SC. Let’s make a difference together! 🐕🎈

08/24/2024

Be sure to come down to Bierkeller Columbia for our Pups & Pints Adoption Event and Donation Drive! We are here until 3:00 PM and have many amazing pups looking for their forever homes.

08/24/2024

2 hours till 🚨PUPS & PINTS🚨

We will be at our Pups & Pints Adoption Event and Donation Drive today, Saturday August 24th. But we want to see you there!

Come meet our many pups available for adoption from 12 to 3 at Bierkeller Columbia!

Adoption fees waived on all animals in attendance. Please come prepared with leash and collar.

08/24/2024

McKay will be at our Pups & Pints Adoption Event and Donation Drive today, Saturday August 24th. Will you?

McKay is 3 years old. She is dog friendly, house trained and crate trained! Come meet her and many other pup available for adoption from 12 to 3 at Bierkeller Columbia!

Adoption fees waived on all animals in attendance. Please come prepared with leash and collar.

01/06/2024

Thank you to all the amazing people in our community who dedicate their time, effort, and love towards sharing, networking, and promoting our beloved shelter animals. It truly takes a village. A special shout-out to Mayor Daniel Rickenmann for using his platform to highlight a shelter dog each week.

This week's lucky pup was Lacy. Lacy is turning into one of our longer term residents and we don't understand why. This petite and fun loving girl is the total package. We invite you to come to the shelter and spend some time with Lacy. Trust us, once you meet her, you'll understand why she's so special.

Let's keep spreading the word, sharing these incredible stories, and working together towards .

01/05/2024

Meet Tilly, Our First Foster Friday of 2024!

This beautiful girl found shelter life challenging, feeling timid and reserved in her kennel. Unfortunately, her quiet demeanor caused many to overlook her. But here's the thing about Tilly – she's a sensitive soul who just needs a little extra patience and understanding.

Once Tilly gets comfortable, she's like the missing piece to your puzzle! Need a gentle nudge to start your day? Tilly’s your 6 am wake-up call, ready to greet each morning with love.

She's a smart cookie, knowing her basic commands like sit and stay, and she's a pro at both crate and house training. Plus, if she needs to go out, she politely heads to the door!

Dog-friendly? Absolutely! Unsure about cats and kids, but with the right guidance, Tilly seems adaptable to most situations.

Come Meet Tilly! She'll be hanging out at the shelter with her foster mom this Saturday January 6th from 9 AM to noon, eagerly waiting for visitors. If you can't make it then, don't worry! Reach out to our foster coordinator to set up a special meet and greet. Email: [email protected]

Let’s help Tilly find her perfect match and give her the loving forever home she deserves! Spread the word, share this post, and let's make Tilly's new year extra special!

Thank you for your support in finding loving homes for our furry friends!

[email protected]
803-776-PETS

01/04/2024

Here is your December 2023 recap and reminder of our operation, goals, and definitions.

Columbia Animal Services (CAS) is a municipal animal shelter that oversees the City of Columbia Animal Control division and services the City limits of Columbia (est. population 138,000). Additionally, per contractual agreement, citizens of Richland County (est. population 418,000) and Richland County Animal Control are permitted to bring their animals to CAS. While animals from both City and Richland County are housed at our facility, the management of these jurisdictions are separate entities.

Our Facility is approximately 30,000 square feet encompassing roughly 45 cat banks and 155 dog runs. Annually, the shelter takes in approximately 4,800-5,200 animals.

Here are you shelter statistics for December, 2023:

Total intake: 290
Total outcome: 372
Please see the posted charts for further breakdown.

Columbia Animal Services is striving to become a No-Kill community. This is impossible without community involvement and responsible pet ownership efforts.

We would like to thank our supporters for their engagement in our life-saving programs and shared goal of increasing live release. We cannot do this without the continued support from adopters, rescues, volunteers, fosters and community members. Thank you for helping the animals of the Midlands.

Furthermore, we give special thanks to Animal Mission, who has been a crucial partner in increasing spay and neuter within our community through their low-cost spay and neuter voucher program. Since the voucher program started in 2006, shelter intake has decreased by 60%.

Definitions:

No-Kill: Live-release of 90%. No-Kill does not represent a 0% euthanasia rate, but rather, a euthanasia rate of 10% or less. For more information on understanding no-kill or what no-kill doesn’t mean, visit:
https://resources.bestfriends.org/article/no-kill-resolution-guidelines

Intake: The number of animals brought into the shelter via strays, confiscations or owner surrender. Includes primarily canines and felines.

TNR: (Trap, Neuter, Return). This program was implemented for outdoor community cats and has proven to be the most effective and humane practice to ensure existing cat colonies are getting vaccinated and are also unable to procreate. Before TNR programs, trapped feral cats were immediately euthanized and trapped domesticated cats sat in shelters with only 2% being reclaimed by owners. Cats unclaimed by owners often became ill, or euthanized due to shelter over-crowding. Over time, it was discovered that euthanizing community cats did not stop or slow their population growth while spay and neuter efforts did just that!

Euthanasia: Includes all species euthanized due to space, behavior, or medical issues. As a community service to those who may be facing hardship or lacking resources for proper vetting, CAS may honor owner euthanasia requests for animals who are at end of life stages or whom pose a threat to public safety. Euthanasia requests are not honored for healthy, adoptable animals.

01/01/2024

A new year calls for new resolutions. Need help setting goals for 2024? Our dogs have some suggestions.

All of these guys and gals are looking for their forever homes! Please come to the shelter to meet them. We are closed today but will reopen tomorrow, Tuesday January 2nd at noon.

01/01/2024

New Year = New Best Friend!
Make a resolution to save a life in 2024.
Adoption fee for all animals is only $1.00 until January 31st.

Come to the shelter to meet your new best friend! We open at noon on Tuesday January 2nd.

Can't commit to forever? Consider fostering or volunteering in 2024. We cannot achieve without your support.

12/31/2023

New Year's Eve Safety Reminder for Pet Owners!

As we gear up for the countdown to 2024, let's make sure our furry friends are safe and sound! Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

🔍 Ensure your pet's microchip info is up-to-date! It's their ticket home if they happen to wander.

🏠 Keep your pets in a secure, comfortable environment, away from loud noises and potential hazards.

🚨 If you lose or find a pet during the festivities, follow the posted steps for a happy reunion.

Our shelter is currently full, and we're expecting a high influx of animals due to the celebrations. If you can do so safely, please extend a helping hand to a stray in need. Keeping them out of the shelter will help save lives.

Together, we can ensure a safe and joyous celebration for all! Let's ring in the New Year while keeping our pets' safety a top priority.

A reminder, we are closed tomorrow, Monday, January 1st. We will reopen to the public on Tuesday, January 2nd at noon.