MONCKS CORNER, S.C. – (Friday, April 17, 2026) – Berkeley County has been named the recipient of Charleston Animal Society’s prestigious Public Service Award for its leadership, investment, and commitment to partnership in helping build a stronger, more humane future for animals and the families who love them. The award was presented to the County on Thursday at Charleston Animal Society’s (CAS) 152nd Annual Meeting & Lifesaving Celebration at Trident Technical College.
The award applauds the County for forming a strong public-private partnership with the Animal Society to address a public health and safety issue and ultimately enhance animal care in a rapidly growing region.
On July 1, 2025, the Animal Society officially took over management of Berkeley Animal Center, forming Charleston Animal Society Berkeley Campus. At the time, the Berkeley County shelter served as the fourth largest shelter in the state, with the Animal Society being the largest in the state.
In the first six months after the transition took effect, the lifesaving rate at the Berkeley Campus increased from 77 percent to 84 percent.
This award also recognizes Berkeley County as a strong leader and partner in the Lowcountry, highlighting the County as a model for how to proactively address regional growth through animal shelter expansion—an initiative that was already in the works prior to the transition. The expansion project includes the construction of a $1.6 million, 5,080-square-foot adoption center with 27 more kennels and other features that will increase adoption capacity.
In addition, County Council has been working actively in partnership with the Animal Society and others on strategies that will help mitigate the number of animals entering the sheltering system by encouraging spay/neuter and enhancing reunification of lost animals with their owners through microchipping and other measures.
“This partnership has brought together two of the largest animal care organizations in South Carolina and strengthened animal welfare across our County and region. County Council and I are proud to see the animal shelter in our County serve as a statewide model. While leadership makes the overarching decisions, it’s the boots-on-the-ground staff, volunteers and community members who foster, adopt, donate and carry out our unified mission to make this shelter operation a success. We look forward to completing the site’s expansion to continue adequately caring for our growing animal population.” -Johnny Cribb, Berkeley County Supervisor
“Berkeley County has consistently supported the understanding that animal care and control are critical public safety and health issues best addressed through strong public-private partnerships leading to this ambitious and forward-thinking initiative to benefit Berkeley County residents and the animals they love.” – Joe Elmore, President and CEO, Charleston Animal Society
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– Prepared by the Berkeley County Public Information Office –
