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Horry County announces new Animal Care Center fees, microchipping and spay/neuter push starting July 1
Summary
To reduce shelter overcrowding, the Animal Care Center will begin a graduated reclaim-fee schedule, mandatory microchipping for incoming animals, expanded low-cost spay/neuter options and modest daily fees charged to municipalities beginning July 1.
Horry County’s Animal Care Center plans to roll out a set of measures intended to reduce shelter overcrowding, county staff told the committee.
An Animal Care Center representative said the center will implement a graduated reclaim-fee schedule for stray animals effective July 1: lower fees for animals that are already spayed or neutered and higher fees for animals that are intact, with fees increasing each subsequent time an animal is reclaimed. The center will also offer low-cost or reduced-rate spay and neuter services to owners who wish to have the procedure before reclaiming an animal, the presenter said.
The center will begin microchipping every animal that comes into its care so ownership can be tracked if the animal returns to the shelter. Staff described new kennel and clinic facilities arriving at the shelter but cautioned that facilities alone will not solve overcrowding; the center called spay and neuter the principal long-term solution.
The county will also begin charging municipalities a small daily fee when local governments bring animals to the shelter, intended to offset feeding and care costs while animals are in county custody. The presenter said the changes are intended to encourage responsible pet ownership and reduce repeat impoundments.
The committee did not record a roll-call vote for this informational report; the transcript shows the presentation and questions from members but no formal motion was required for the policy explanation itself.
