FAQ
Is the Grand Strand Humane Society a branch of the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS)?
Yes, the Grand Strand Humane Society is a member of the HSUS.
How many locations does the Grand Strand Humane Society have?
The Grand Strand Humane Society only has one shelter located at 2341 Mr. Joe White Avenue in Myrtle Beach, SC 29577. Our facility is off Highway 17 Bypass behind Myrtle Waves Water Park. Get directions here.
Is the Grand Strand Humane Society a "no-kill" shelter?
No, at this time, we a low-kill shelter. We do not euthanize adoptable animals. The GSHS does not make it a practice to euthanize for capacity or length of time an animal is here and we use euthanasia as an absolute last resort.
Do I have to make an appointment to surrender my pet?
Until further notice, the GSHS is not accepting animals from the community. The Grand Strand Humane Society has the capacity to house 167 animals. At this time, we are housing and providing care for 300 animals. So we can continue to provide shelter, food and medical care to the animals we now have, while seeking every avenue to find each adoptable animal a loving, permanent home, we have been forced to make the difficult decision to not receive animals into the shelter until our number of animals in-house is 245. As a loving community we know you will understand our dilemma and continue to support us during this difficult time.
Is there a time limit for animals?
We do not put a time limit on animals as long as the pet does not become aggressive or a danger to our patrons. We keep our animals until they find their forever home.
Is there a fee to drop off my pet?
Until further notice, the GSHS is not accepting animals from the community. The Grand Strand Humane Society has the capacity to house 167 animals. At this time, we are housing and providing care for 300 animals. So we can continue to provide shelter, food and medical care to the animals we now have, while seeking every avenue to find each adoptable animal a loving, permanent home, we have been forced to make the difficult decision to not receive animals into the shelter until our number of animals in-house is 245. As a loving community we know you will understand our dilemma and continue to support us during this difficult time.
I cannot keep my pet, will you pick it up?
The GSHS does not pick up animals. If you need an animal picked up you need to call Animal Control for your area.
Myrtle Beach ACO: 843-818-1382
Conway ACO: 843-248-1520
North Myrtle Beach ACO : 843-280-5511
Where does the Grand Strand Humane Society get the money to operate?
A portion of our yearly funding is generously given to us by the City of Myrtle Beach. We also hold numerous fundraisers throughout the year to raise the much needed funds to run our organization. Our other income sources include: Adoption fees, spay/neuter surgeries, vaccinations, shots and grants. Otherwise, we rely on the generous donations given by the individuals and businesses in our community.
How many dogs and cats does the the shelter receive each week?
The number of animals we receive varies depending on the month, weather and economic climate. We average 50-100 dogs per month and 80-150 cats per month. On our least busiest weeks, that’s 13 dogs per week and 20 cats per week! During our busy times we can get 25 dogs per week and 38 cats per week! That’s a lot of animals that need homes!
Does the Grand Strand Humane Society pick up stray pets?
We do not pick up stray animals. If you see or have caught a stray animal, you will need to call Animal Control for your area.
Myrtle Beach ACO: 843-818-1382
Conway ACO: 843-248-1520
North Myrtle Beach ACO : 843-280-5511
Does the shelter offer veterinarian services for the public?
We have an on-staff veterinarian that is at the shelter on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. We offer preventative care services, including spay and neuter surgeries. For a complete list of our services, please refer to our Clinical Services list. Our clinic services are available to all communities and are not limited to people who live in the city limits of Myrtle Beach.
I'm going on vacation, can I board my pet at the Grand Strand Humane Society?
No, the GSHS does not offer boarding for pets. Since, we are always running at almost 100% capacity, we do not have the room or resources to provide boarding services.
I found a wild animal hurt in my yard, what should I do?
Stay inside and call your local Animal Control to come and take care of it. Do not try to touch or move the animal. They can be dangerous or have a disease you could pass to your own pet.
Myrtle Beach ACO: 843-818-1382
Conway ACO: 843-248-1520
North Myrtle Beach ACO : 843-280-5511
My animal is sick, can the Grand Strand Humane Society help me?
The GSHS only provides spay/neuter services and preventative care and we do not give out any medical advice over the telephone. If you think your animal is sick, you need to call and/or take you animal to a veterinarian or emergency clinic immediately.
Does the Grand Strand Humane Society take exotic pets?
Until further notice, the GSHS is not accepting animals from the community. The Grand Strand Humane Society has the capacity to house 167 animals. At this time, we are housing and providing care for 300 animals. So we can continue to provide shelter, food and medical care to the animals we now have, while seeking every avenue to find each adoptable animal a loving, permanent home, we have been forced to make the difficult decision to not receive animals into the shelter until our number of animals in-house is 245. As a loving community we know you will understand our dilemma and continue to support us during this difficult time.
I have called and called all day and no one picked up the phone. Why?
We apologize for any inconvenience if you are unable to get one of our employees on the phone. We are extremely busy and aren’t always able to answer the phone each time it rings. Our front desk staff is always assisting with customers, receiving animals, adopting animals and bringing out animals that are being picked up from surgery. Please leave a message on our answering machine and we will return your call as soon as we are able to.
Why can't I bring my animal to the Grand Strand Humane Society when I live outside the city limits of Myrtle Beach?
Our shelter is running at full capacity at almost 100% of the time. Currently, we do not have the space or the manpower to receive animals that are out of our jurisdiction. Depending on where you live outside of the Myrtle Beach city limits, there are shelters in Conway, North Myrtle Beach and Georgetown that can accommodate you. Our clinic services are not limited to people within the city limits of Myrtle Beach.
How old do I have to be to adopt a pet?
You have to be 21 to adopt.
How long does it take to adopt a pet?
It varies. The length of time depends on if the animal needs to be spayed or neutered and if you have animals currently in your home. We require all animals that are adopted to be spayed or neutered and we generally put your animal on the next available surgery day after the adoption is complete. We perform surgeries on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday and your new pet can be picked up after 5:00pm the day of his/her surgery. If you currently have an animal in your home, we require you to bring your animal into the shelter to ensure they get along with the pet you are considering adopting.
Why can't I take my new pet home today I promise I will bring him/her back?
It is the policy of the Grand Strand Humane Society that all animals have to be spayed or neutered before they leave the shelter. We make sure your newly adopted pet is put on the next available surgery day to ensure you will be able to take your pet home within a few days.
Do you take checks for adoptions or the vet clinic?
Yes, but we do charge a $25.00 fee for all returned checks. We also accept Visa, Mastercard and cash.
Can I put an animal “on hold”?
No, selecting a family pet is very personal choice and cannot be conducted based upon viewing a picture or having a phone conversation. We ask potential adopters to visit as often as possible in order to find the perfect pet for your lifestyle. Our adoption staff will be able to assist with any questions that families may have. Once you select an animal, we cannot put it on hold until you decide because if you decide not to adopt, that animal may have lost the chance at another home while it was “on hold”.
How does your shelter protect against distemper, parvo and panleukopenia?
We screen new arrivals and quarantine them in a separate area away from our current animals. We also vaccinate all new arrivals to ensure they will be safe when they are placed into the general adoption population. Further, we continue to vaccinate the animals already in the adoption population when they are due. Throughout the day, we disinfect with anti-viral disinfectant to kill any germs that may have entered the shelter via animals being turned in.
Can I adopt a pet without getting them fixed?
No, it is one of the policies of the Grand Strand Humane Society to spay or neuter every animal that is adopted. The surgery is included in the adoption price. We feel that as a shelter it is our responsibility to help curb the animal overpopulation by spaying and neutering our adoptable animals.
How old do you have to be to volunteer?
You need to be 18 years of age to volunteer unless prior arrangements are made.
Can I look online and see some of the animals you have for adoption?
Yes, you can go to www.petfinder.com and look for our animals under “Grand Strand Humane Society”. Our PetFinder is updated as often as possible, but the best way to see the most current animals we have is to come into the shelter.
I know of an animal that is being abused, can you help?
We suggest if you know of an animal that is either being abused or neglected, you immediately call Animal Control for your area. A quick phone call from a concerned animal lover might be what will save an animal’s life.
I know of people that are involved with dogfighting, what should I do?
You should immediately call the local law enforcement agency for your jurisdiction. Dogfighting, possession of fighting dogs and watching dogfights are not only heartless, cruel acts, they also carry FELONY charges in the state of South Carolina. Dogfighting and all it entails is an illegal act and those involved need to be punished according to the laws of their state.