FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions 

I saw a dog or cat on the side of the road. What should I do?

  • If the animal is deceased and blocking a state or county road, contact the SC Department of Transportation:
    đź“ž (843) 524-7255 or (855) 467-2368
  • If the animal is deceased on private property, contact a private removal service.
  • If the animal is alive, contact Beaufort County Animal Services at đź“ž (843) 255-5010 or 911.

My relative went into a nursing home. Can you take their pet?

Due to overcrowding, HAL cannot accept owner-surrendered pets. However, we offer placement assistance.

  • Option 1: Join our foster program, and we’ll help advertise your pet on our website and social media.
  • Option 2: Contact local rescues, including Hilton Head Humane Association at đź“ž (843) 681-8686.
  • Option 3: If in Beaufort County, bring the pet to Beaufort County Animal Services in Okatie: đź“ž (843) 255-5010.

What low-cost pet health programs are available?

HAL partners with local vets to provide spay/neuter programs when funding allows. Other options include:

  • Hilton Head Humane Association Spay/Neuter Clinic
  • Palmetto Animal League Community Clinic
  • Beaufort County Animal Services
  • Lowcountry Pet Vaccine Clinic (offers low-cost vaccines—check their website for dates/times).

Note: South Carolina law requires pets over 4 months old to have a current rabies vaccination.

Where can I find animal-related laws (barking dogs, licensing, etc.)?

Visit our Law and Government Affairs section for links to Federal, State, and Local laws.
For the latest Beaufort County ordinances, visit the County website (Chapter 14 – Animals).

I suspect animal abuse, neglect, or hoarding. What should I do?

🚨 Report it immediately to Beaufort County Animal Control: 📞 (843) 255-5010 or 911.
If possible, document the situation with dates, times, events, and photos (without trespassing).

Where can I find an off-leash dog park?

Beaufort County has three public dog parks:

  1. Hilton Head Island Dog Park
  2. Burton Wells Park (Beaufort)
  3. Hunting Island (Dogs allowed on the beach but must be on a leash ≤6 ft).

Many private communities also have dog parks. Some restaurants in Beaufort County welcome dogs!

My pet is missing! What should I do?

🚨 Act immediately! Visit our Missing Pets page for steps and flyer templates.
đź“Ś If you find your pet, notify shelters, remove posters, and thank those who helped!

I found an injured or abandoned wild animal. Who do I call?

⚠️ DO NOT TOUCH IT! Unfortunately, Beaufort County has no official wildlife rehabilitation.
Try these resources:

  • Singing Mouse Wildlife Rescue & Rehab (Bluffton)
  • SC Center for Birds of Prey (for raptors)
  • SC Dept. of Natural Resources (SCDNR) provides wildlife control options, but property owners are responsible for nuisance animals.
  • Beaufort County Animal Services cannot remove wildlife from inside homes due to liability.

I’m in the military and being deployed. What are my pet care options?

Contact Dogs on Deployment ASAP. They offer a global network of foster homes to care for pets temporarily while you serve.

📌 Note: This is not permanent placement—only short-term care.

I need to rehome my pet. What should I do?

Before surrendering, exhaust all options to keep your pet. Try:

  • Consulting your vet for medical/behavioral solutions.
  • Finding pet-friendly housing (if moving).
  • Reading HSUS’s Guide to Rehoming Pets for safe adoption methods.

📌 If you must surrender, take your pet to Beaufort County Animal Services (Okatie). Never give away pets for free—this attracts abusers.

I suspect a puppy mill. How can I report it?

🚨 Gather evidence (dates, times, conditions, photos—without trespassing). Then, report to:

  • Beaufort County Animal Control đź“ž (843) 255-5010
  • Local law enforcement (911)
  • County Health Dept. (for unsafe conditions)
  • U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

For more info or to advocate for better laws, visit ASPCA’s Legislative Action page.

I was bitten by an animal. What should I do?

  1. Wash the wound with soap and water.
  2. Apply pressure to stop bleeding and elevate the area.
  3. Call SC DHEC at đź“ž 888-847-0902 for guidance (you may need a tetanus shot).

My pet is dying. I can’t afford much. What can I do?

Make a bucket list and cherish your time together. When quality of life declines:

  • Ask your vet about “euthanasia only” pricing (they’ll need your pet’s weight).
  • Burial options: If you own property, you can bury your pet at home. Otherwise, ask a friend or relative with land.
  • Cremation options: Good Shepherd Pet Services (Ridgeland) or Pet Rest Cemetery (Goose Creek).

Is HAL affiliated with local shelters or national organizations?

HAL is an independent non-profit. We collaborate with local shelters but are separate from:

  • Beaufort County Animal Services (BCAS) (County-run shelter)
  • Hilton Head Humane Association (HHHA) (Private 501c3)
  • Palmetto Animal League (PAL) (No-kill rescue)
  • ASPCA & HSUS (National organizations that do not oversee local shelters).

How can I help HAL?

đź“Ś Teens under 18 can volunteer with a parent or by fostering with their family.

© 2025 Humane Association of the Lowcountry
This site was donated by Bogart Computing, LLC