CHARLESTON (WCSC) - The Charleston Animal Society wants the Charleston community to know that shleter dogs, puppies, cats, and kittens are struggling to survive right now.

Kay Hyman with the Charleston Animal Society says the shelter is so full that if they do not find foster or permanent homes, animals will die.

The animal society is hoping some in the community will step forward to open their homes for the holidays for just two weeks or for a lifetime.  Call 747-4849 or go to the shelter at 2455 Remount Road to see the animals.

From the Charleston Animal Society

Today, Charleston Animal Society and Pet Helpers announced a partnership in an effort to spread awareness of the importance of spay/ neuter in the Charleston area.  With this partnership, the organizations announced the development of the Pet Protector program, which will encourage owners to bring in their pet to be fixed.

“Most people don’t realize that these organizations offer high quality, low fee procedures,” said Joe Elmore, American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) senior director community initiatives.  “Both organizations have specialized surgeons and state-of-the-art operating rooms to ensure that pets are well taken care of during the procedure."

The spay/ neuter of all pets is an important step each pet owner should take to not only protect their pet’s health, but help control the pet population.  With this procedure, we are able to decrease the suffering of animals by preventing unwanted litters, thereby decreasing the need for euthanasia. Last year, 5,407 dogs and cats were put down in Charleston County.  That's equivalent to 15 dogs and cats everyday. By owners getting their pet spay/ neutered, they are saving lives.