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Monday 12pm - 5pm Tuesday 12pm - 5pm Wednesday 12pm - 5pm Thursday 12pm - 5pm Friday 12pm - 5pm Saturday 9am - 4pm

COC Animal Services Rescue Needs, 127 Humane Lane, Columbia, SC (2026)

05/29/2026

🚨 URGENT: Adorable Hit-By-Car Pup "Dodger" Needs Medical Rescue Before Monday 6/1 🚨

📍 Columbia Animal Services (SC)

Dodger is only 1 year old and about 37 pounds, but this sweet boy has already endured more than any dog should.

After apparently being struck by a vehicle, Dodger arrived at our shelter with a severely injured front leg and multiple scrapes and wounds. Further evaluation revealed that two bones in his leg are completely broken. While his injury is serious, it is treatable with proper veterinary care. Unfortunately, the level of medical treatment he requires exceeds our shelter's capabilities.

As an open intake municipal shelter, we simply do not have the resources to provide advanced orthopedic surgery, long term recovery housing, or the extensive follow up care that Dodger's injury requires. Because his medical needs exceed what we can reasonably provide, management has established a euthanasia deadline of Monday, June 1st at 5:00 PM. This deadline is not a reflection of Dodger's quality of life, temperament, or potential. It is solely the result of a treatable injury requiring a level of care beyond our means.

What makes this case especially heartbreaking is that Dodger hasn't let his injury steal his spirit. He has quickly become a favorite among shelter staff, greeting everyone with a wagging tail, offering handshakes, and proudly sitting pretty for treats and attention. Despite being in pain, he remains affectionate, social, and eager to connect with people.

We truly believe this good boy has a bright future ahead of him if given the opportunity. He is heartworm negative, vaccinated, and receiving pain management and supportive care while we search for a rescue willing to help.

📧 [email protected]
📞 (803) 776-7387

Please share for rescue visibility. One rescue saying "yes" could change everything for Dodger. ❤️

05/28/2026

🎉 CINNAMON TOAST IS SAFE! 🎉

Because of your shares, comments, pledges, and advocacy, Cinnamon Toast's story reached the right people at the right time.

We are thrilled to report that our friends Because Of Roscoe have stepped forward to save this sweet girl! She will be leaving the shelter this weekend to begin receiving the medical care she needs and deserves.

To everyone who shared her post, tagged rescues, offered encouragement, and helped spread the word: thank you. Cases like Cinnamon Toast's are a powerful reminder that rescue truly takes a village. Your efforts gave this puppy a future.

For those who pledged toward her rescue, donations may be conveyed directly to Because of Roscoe at:
https://becauseofroscoe.org/donate

Thank you again to Because of Roscoe for saying "yes" when Cinnamon Toast needed it most, and thank you to everyone who helped make this happy ending possible! ❤️..

🚨 FINAL PLEA FOR CINNAMON TOAST 🚨

Despite 109 shares, 116 reactions, 27 comments, and $420 in rescue pledges, Cinnamon Toast still has no rescue commitment.

Her euthanasia deadline remains today at 5:00 PM.

Please do not assume someone else is working on her. If you know a rescue, tag them. Message them. Call them. Share this post directly.

So many people have rallied behind this sweet girl. All she needs now is one rescue willing to say "yes."

⏳ Time is running out.
💲 $420 in pledges available.
📩 Rescue commitment needed before 5:00 PM...

🚨 URGENT: Injured Puppy 'Cinnamon Toast' Needs Rescue by TOMORROW 5/29 🚨
📍 Columbia Animal Services (SC)

Cinnamon Toast is just a puppy.

At only approximately 9 months old and 31 pounds, this sweet young girl should be worrying about toys, treats, and learning how to be loved… instead, she’s sitting in a shelter kennel with a badly injured leg and a EUTHANASIA DEADLINE OF TOMORROW, 5/29.

Cinnamon Toast arrived as a stray with an older untreated fracture of her left hind leg, leaving her unable to bear weight normally. Specialists have advised that the injury is potentially repairable through orthopedic surgery, though the level of care required is unfortunately beyond the shelter’s financial capabilities. She is also recovering from a shoulder wound believed to be consistent with a previous dog bite injury.

Despite everything she has clearly endured, Cinnamon Toast remains gentle, quiet, and incredibly endearing. She is understandably timid and overwhelmed in the shelter environment, but staff can already see glimpses of the wonderful companion she could become once given stability, patience, and proper medical care.

She is heartworm negative, vaccinated, and still has so much life ahead of her if given the opportunity.

At this time, Cinnamon Toast urgently needs a rescue willing to pursue orthopedic care, medical management, or further evaluation before her deadline arrives tomorrow afternoon.

⏳ Deadline: Friday 5/29 at 5:00 PM

📧 [email protected]
📞 (803) 776-7387

Please share for rescue visibility. One person seeing her could change everything! ❤️

05/28/2026

🐱 Calling All Cat & Kitten Rescue Partners 🐱

Kitten season has officially arrived at Columbia Animal Services… and our cat rooms are feeling the pressure.

Over the last several days, we’ve seen a continual influx of cats and kittens entering the shelter from every direction: strays, owner surrenders, nursing litters, community cats, and foster returns now old enough for placement. What you’re seeing in these photos/videos is only a snapshot of the growing need.

Behind every kennel door is an individual life waiting for a chance:
🐾 Tiny kittens learning to trust the world
🐾 Sweet adult cats overlooked simply because they’re scared in a shelter setting
🐾 Friendly lap cats desperate for affection
🐾 Young, highly adoptable cats whose personalities are getting lost in overcrowding and stress

Our staff is doing everything possible to keep up with daily care, cleaning, medical intake, and enrichment, but space is becoming increasingly limited as intake continues to rise.

We are asking our rescue partners specializing in feline placement, neonatal care, bottle babies, medical cases, working cats, or general cat adoption programs to please take a look at our current population and consider pulling if you have any available capacity.

Even one kennel opened can create lifesaving space for the next cat or kitten waiting to come through our doors.

If your rescue may be able to help, please contact:
📧 [email protected]
📞 (803) 376-3723

As always, we are incredibly grateful for the partnerships that make this work possible. The cats in these rooms may not understand rescue… but they absolutely feel the difference when someone shows up for them. ❤️

05/22/2026

🎉 SAFE UPDATE FOR VINCENT 🎉

We are incredibly happy to share that Vincent has officially been rescued and marked safe thanks to our amazing partners at Homeward Bound Pet Rescue!❤️

This sweet senior boy generated an incredible outpouring of love and support from the community, and we are so grateful to everyone who shared, commented, networked, and advocated on his behalf.

If you pledged toward Vincent’s rescue or would simply like to support his ongoing medical care, donations can be made directly to HBPR here:
https://www.homewardboundrescuesc.com/donate

Thank you again to Homeward Bound Pet Rescue for stepping up for Vincent and giving this deserving old man the second chance he so deserved! 🐾..

🚨 URGENT RESCUE NEEDED: Sweet Senior dog 'Vincent' Deadlined for Tuesday 5/26🚨
📍 City of Columbia Animal Services
127 Humane Lane, Columbia, SC 29209

Meet Vincent (A307361) ❤️

Vincent is a sweet 22-pound senior gentleman who urgently needs rescue placement after receiving a euthanasia deadline of Tuesday 5/26 at 5:00 PM due to medical concerns that cannot be fully addressed in the shelter environment.

This neutered male was surrendered when his owner moved overseas. According to his former owner, Vincent is:
✅ Housebroken
✅ Good with other dogs
✅ Has done well with children

While he was initially overwhelmed at intake, Vincent has since shown everyone what a loving little guy he truly is. Staff describe him as incredibly sweet, social, cooperative, and clearly very loved throughout his life.

💔 Medical Concerns:
• Large irritated mass near his hind end causing discomfort
• Multiple smaller skin growths
• Eye irritation
• General signs of advanced age

Our veterinary team believes Vincent needs a more extensive medical work-up and follow-up care outside of the shelter setting. Despite everything, he remains bright, affectionate, and eager for attention.

We truly believe Vincent deserves the chance to spend his senior years safe, comfortable, and loved -- not in a kennel

Rescue Contact:
📞(803) 776-7387
📧[email protected]

Please share to help Vincent find a rescue or safe placement in time. ❤️

05/21/2026

🍼 Rescue Needed for Addison & Her 8 Puppies 🍼
📍 Columbia Animal Services | Columbia, SC

Addison (A307196) arrived at our shelter as a stray on 5/13, and staff quickly suspected she may have been pregnant. Before her scheduled spay surgery could take place, this sweet brindle momma surprised everyone by giving birth here at the shelter to 8 beautiful puppies. Her babies are now approximately one week old.

Through all the noise and stress of the shelter environment, Addison has remained calm, loving, and incredibly devoted to her puppies. She has been wonderful with staff handling and continues to be a patient, attentive mother despite everything she’s been through.

Addison did test low positive for heartworms, but she has already started treatment protocol and Columbia Animal Services will sponsor her heartworm treatment to help support a receiving rescue.

Right now, what Addison and her puppies need most is a committed rescue placement where they can continue nursing and growing in a safe, quiet environment outside the shelter.

Please email [email protected] if your rescue organization can help, or if you’d like additional information, medical records, or photos.

📞 (803) 776-7387
🌐 animalservices.columbiasc.gov

05/20/2026

⏰ TOMORROW IS THE DAY! ⏰

A quick reminder that Columbia Animal Services’ Rescue Partner Open House is happening tomorrow, and we’d still love the opportunity to connect with both current and prospective rescue partners!

🐾 Rescue Partner Open House
📅 Thursday, May 21
⏰ 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 Columbia Animal Services
127 Humane Lane, Columbia, SC

Whether you’re a large established rescue or a small foster-based operation, we’d genuinely love the chance to meet you, hear your feedback, and continue building stronger collaboration within the rescue community.

Attendees will have the opportunity to:
🐶 Tour the shelter and meet staff
🐶 View rescue-priority and long-stay animals
🐶 Discuss medical, behavioral, transport, and placement needs
🐶 Network with fellow rescue organizations
🐶 Share ideas and collaboration opportunities

Even if you can only stop by briefly, we’d truly appreciate the opportunity to connect face-to-face and learn more about how CAS can better support your mission moving forward.

📋 Rescue Partner Survey:
CAS Rescue Partner Collaboration Survey

Thank you all again for the lifesaving work you do every single day. We hope to see some new faces tomorrow 😊

05/18/2026

🎉 CASSIDY IS SAFE 🎉

Because of the incredible outpouring of support from this community, Cassidy’s story reached the right people just in time.

We are beyond grateful to share that Cassidy has officially secured rescue placement with Forgotten, Now Family Rescue and will now have the opportunity to receive the continued care, comfort, and love she so desperately deserved.

To every single person who shared her post, pledged, commented, networked, or advocated on her behalf, thank you. Nearly 300 shares, hundreds of reactions, and your collective compassion absolutely helped save this sweet girl’s life.

If you pledged toward Cassidy’s rescue, donations can be honored here:
🐾 Ways to Help Forgotten, Now Family Rescue
https://www.forgottennowfamily.com/ways-to-help

From all of us at Columbia Animal Services, thank you for showing Cassidy that she mattered! ❤️..

⏳ FINAL PLEA FOR CASSIDY ⏳

Despite an overwhelming outpouring of love, nearly 400 reactions, hundreds of shares, and generous rescue pledges, Cassidy still does not have a rescue commitment and her euthanasia deadline remains set for TODAY at 5:00 PM.

This sweet former momma has touched so many people in such a short time. She has continued to be affectionate, gentle, and loving with staff despite everything she’s facing medically. Right now, all she needs is a rescue willing to give her the chance so many people are rooting for.

Pledges are waiting. Community support is waiting. Transport assistance may also be possible.

Please, if any rescue is able to step forward for Cassidy, now is the time. Once her deadline passes, we won't get another opportunity to save her life.

📍 Columbia Animal Services, Columbia, SC
📧 [email protected]
☎️ (803) 776-7387

Even one final share could reach the right person in time...

🚨 URGENT MEDICAL RESCUE NEEDED BY 5/19 🚨
📍 Columbia Animal Services (SC)

Sweet former momma “Cassidy” urgently needs a medical rescue placement due to a confirmed mast cell tumor that is too extensive for our shelter to treat surgically in-house.

Despite everything she’s facing, Cassidy remains incredibly affectionate, gentle, and easy to handle. Staff have absolutely fallen in love with this sweet girl. She’s the kind of dog who still seeks comfort and attention even while clearly uncomfortable herself.

Our veterinary team confirmed the mass as a mast cell tumor through diagnostic testing. While surgery may still be possible through a specialty or experienced medical rescue, the procedure and recovery would require resources beyond what can realistically be managed in a shelter setting. Additional diagnostics may also be needed to determine whether the cancer has spread.

Cassidy has already started heartworm treatment protocol and is otherwise continuing to soak up love from staff while she waits for someone to give her a chance.

⏳ Due to shelter space and medical considerations, management has assigned Cassidy a deadline of TOMORROW (5/19).

🐾 Cassidy
• 5 years old
• Female
• Approx. 60 lbs
• Heartworm positive (currently in treatment protocol)
• Confirmed mast cell tumor
• Extremely sweet & affectionate

Please share Cassidy far and wide. We would love nothing more than to see this deserving girl leave the shelter with a rescue partner willing to fight for her. ❤️

📧 [email protected]
📞 (803) 376-3723

05/14/2026

🚨 URGENT • TIME SENSITIVE 🚨
Dogs at Risk Due to Length of Stay
📍 Columbia Animal Services (Columbia, SC)

These dogs are at risk of euthanasia due to extended shelter stays and kennel stress. We are only able to hold animals as space allows.
Columbia Animal Services is an open intake municipal shelter and is legally required to accept all animals within our jurisdiction, regardless of capacity. To give these dogs their best chance, we proactively promote those most at risk so adopters, rescues, and fosters can step in before critical space or stress related decisions must be made.

⏳ Rescue commitments, foster placements, and adoptions are extremely time sensitive. We update this post as quickly as possible while caring for animals throughout the day. All dogs listed below are currently available unless noted otherwise.

🐾 DOGS CURRENTLY AT RISK

A305655 Madison - Euthanized (Space)
A305811 Wendy - Euthanized (Space)
A306004 Sir Wiggleman
A306083 Rocko
A305328 Passion
A276275 Butter Ball - Rescue committed!
A306174 Aqua - Euthanized (Space)
A306180 Peepster
A306261 Bella Walker
A306252 Hoppy - Adopted!
A306292 Bud - Rescue commitment!
A306276 Angel - Adopted!
A306315 Laurel - Fostered to Adopt!
A306353 Tugboat - Adoption Ambassador
A295919 Koi

🟡 Want to adopt?
Visit us: Mon–Fri 12–5 and Sat 9–4
📍 127 Humane Lane, Columbia, SC 29209
📞 803-776-7387

🔵 501c3 rescue organizations:
Email 👉 [email protected]

🟢 Interested in fostering for CAS?
Apply here 👉 https://animalservices.columbiasc.gov/

🟪 Home to Home (owned pets listed by guardians):
https://www.facebook.com/CASPetResourceCenter

ℹ️ Important info:
We do not guarantee health, behavior, or temperament. Due to limited resources, animals do not receive extensive diagnostics prior to placement. Standard care includes spay/neuter, microchipping, basic vaccines, deworming, preventatives, and heartworm testing.
Dog to dog assessments are available upon request through the Rescue Coordinator. Dogs are assessed with dogs of similar size. We generally do not know how they will do with much smaller dogs.
CAS does not DNA test shelter pets and cannot determine breed with certainty. Dogs should be evaluated as individuals, not by appearance.

🧬 Fun fact: Less than 25 percent of a dog’s genome affects physical appearance.

❤️ Please share. Tag rescues. Ask about a dog.
One comment or message can change a life.

05/13/2026

💔UPDATE: Despite an incredible amount of outreach, support, and rescue networking efforts, Eliza’s condition continued to decline overnight. After consultation with our veterinary team, the difficult but compassionate decision was made to humanely euthanize her to prevent further suffering. 💔

We are deeply grateful to everyone who shared her story and tried to help this sweet girl. Eliza was shown love and compassion in her final days, and we sincerely thank our community for rallying behind her.
..

🩺 Rescue Placement Needed for Hospitalized “Eliza” – Emaciated Stray Fighting to Recover 🩺
📍 Columbia Animal Services – Columbia, SC

Eliza (A307018) is a 3-year-old, unspayed female who arrived at our shelter as an injured stray in heartbreaking condition. Reportedly found with a bungee cord wrapped tightly around her torso, Eliza came to us severely underweight, weak, dehydrated, and clearly neglected for quite some time. At only 26 lbs, this sweet girl is fighting an uphill battle, yet she has remained incredibly gentle, affectionate, and cooperative with staff throughout her hospitalization. She has quickly stolen hearts here at the shelter. ❤️

Our veterinary team has been working aggressively to stabilize Eliza with IV fluids, GI medications, appetite stimulants, pain management, and a carefully monitored feeding plan due to the risks associated with starvation recovery. Thankfully, she has tested NEGATIVE for both Parvo and Giardia, and she has shown some encouraging improvement in her energy level over the past 24 hours. However, she continues struggling with appetite, remains anemic and medically fragile, and may require additional diagnostics and ongoing supportive care beyond what a high-volume municipal shelter can realistically provide.

Eliza is a truly lovely dog who deserves the chance to recover in a quieter, more supportive environment. We are seeking a committed 501c3 rescue partner willing to continue her medical care and give her the future she deserves.

📌 Eliza (A307018)
• 3 years old
• Unspayed female
• 26 lbs
• Heartworm negative

📧 [email protected]
📞 (803) 376-3723

05/12/2026

🎉 RESCUE COMMITMENT SECURED FOR TATE! 🎉

In the final moments before his deadline, Tate received a rescue commitment and will now be leaving the shelter through a rescue pull!

Thank you to everyone who shared, networked, advocated, and refused to let this sweet boy be forgotten. Shelter stress was taking a significant toll on Tate, and this rescue placement gives him the opportunity to finally decompress and begin the next chapter of his life in a safer environment.

We are incredibly grateful to the rescue partner stepping up to give Tate the second chance he deserved. 🐾..

🚨 URGENT UPDATE 5/15: Tate still has NOT secured rescue placement and remains at risk today. His euthanasia deadline is now set for END OF BUSINESS TODAY (5/15) 🚨

This sweet boy is continuing to struggle mentally in the shelter environment, but staff consistently describe a completely different dog once outside of the kennel. Tate urgently needs a rescue, foster, or experienced adopter willing to give him the chance to decompress and succeed outside of the stressful shelter setting.

Please continue sharing Tate. Time is critically limited. ⏳..

🚨 URGENT: Tate Needs Rescue by FRIDAY 5/15 at 5PM 🚨
📍 Columbia Animal Services (SC)

Tate (A306338) is a handsome 5-year-old Lab mix whose euthanasia deadline has been set for Friday (5/15) at 5:00 PM due to worsening kennel stress and behavioral decline inside the shelter environment.

Like many dogs struggling in long-term confinement, Tate is shutting down mentally in the kennel setting. Staff and volunteers consistently report that he becomes a completely different dog once outside: lower-energy, affectionate, easy to walk, and happiest exploring the yard at his own pace. He has participated in playgroup with generally dog-tolerant behavior and especially seems to enjoy smaller dogs, displaying a gentle, dainty play style.

Tate was previously returned from adoption following reports of resource guarding behaviors within a busy home that included adults, young children, and a cat. Because of this, we believe Tate’s best chance at success will be with an experienced rescue, foster, or adult-oriented home able to provide structure, decompression, and behavioral guidance outside of the stressful shelter environment.

He is also heartworm positive, but treatment assistance is available through the shelter once placed.

Tate does not need perfection. He just needs the opportunity to decompress somewhere safer before the shelter environment continues to deteriorate his behavior further.

⏳ DEADLINE: Friday 5/15 at 5:00 PM

🐾 Tate (A306338)
• 5 years old
• Neutered male
• 63 lbs
• Heartworm Positive

If your rescue, foster network, or experienced adopter may be able to help, please contact us ASAP:

📧 [email protected]
📞 (803) 376-3723

COC Animal Services Rescue Needs

05/29/2026

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05/28/2026

05/22/2026

05/21/2026

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