Pet reclaim fees will change starting July 1, 2025, at the Animal Care Center. 

These are the fees that an owner pays to pick up their pet that came to the Animal Care Center, typically as a stray or 'found pet'. 

Starting July 1, 2025: 

  • Pets who are microchipped and spayed or neutered can be reclaimed for $25.
  • Pets who are not spayed or neutered can be reclaimed for $125 on the first offense, $325 on the second offense, and $500 on the third offense. 

Community members will have the option to allow the Animal Care Center to spay or neuter their pet at no charge before reclaiming. Community members who opt to do this will not have to pay the large reclaim fees. The pet will be spayed or neutered before it is returned to the owner. 

The goal is to encourage our community to spay and neuter their pets to help cut down on the number of stray animals in the community. 

In addition, the Animal Care Center will also microchip all dogs that come into ACC care, if they are not already. Upon reclaim, the microchip will be registered to the owner at no charge. 

Spaying and neutering can reduce unwanted litters and certain behaviors, including aggression, excessive barking, and roaming, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. There have also been studies that show spaying or neutering pets may also contribute to a longer, healthier life for the pet. 

To also assist with this, the Animal Care Center will offer free spays and neuters for large-size hound and bully-type dog breeds. These include hounds, foxhounds, coonhounds, American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terrier, American Bulldogs, Cane Corsos, and Staffordshire Bull Terriers that are non-brachycephalic breeds. 

The Animal Care Center clinic offers spay/neuter surgeries, basic vaccines, and microchipping at low cost for our community members. These are offered as a community service. Services can be refused at our veterinary staff's discretion. 

Lastly, starting July 1, Horry County Police and the Animal Care Center will charge our local law enforcement partners for every animal brought in. The cost is set at $12.50 per day, until custody of the animal is released under a judge's order, the pet is reclaimed, or surrendered to the Animal Care Center.