Many people think that the Spartanburg Humane Society (SHS) is the same as animal control, but we are very different agencies.  SHS houses and cares for animals picked up by Animal Control Officers, but we do not enforce animal control ordinances.  The SHS is a private, non-profit organization.  We are independently governed by a board of directors and rely on revenue from sheltering contracts, program services, and donations from generous community members to fund our operations and programs. 

Animal Control is a government function.  In Spartanburg County animal control is the responsibility of the Office of Environmental Enforcement (OEE).  OEE enforces Spartanburg County ordinances and South Carolina state law pertaining to animal control.  (See It’s the Law)  OEE has the authority to inspect private and public property for suspected or reported acts of animal cruelty or neglect, animals causing a nuisance, and rabies tags/license violations.   Officers may take possession of dangerous animals as well as pets who have been abandoned or who are lost or unwanted.  (The animals will be cared for by the SHS.)  Some cities, like Spartanburg and Greer, have their own Animal Control Departments. 

It’s the Law!

Current Rabies Vaccination with Visible Tag
To protect people and pets, all dogs and cats in Spartanburg County are required by law to be vaccinated against rabies every year. The law also states that rabies identification tags must be worn by dogs and cats at all times. To avoid the spread of rabies, Spartanburg County Animal Control Officers have the right to impound stray pets without a proper rabies tag.

Dog and Cat Restraint Law, A.K.A the Leash Law
Spartanburg County requires all animals to be on a leash, or under direct control of their owner when off the owner’s property.  Pets are not allowed on anyone’s property without that property owner’s consent. 

Animals roaming free can get lost or seriously injured. They can be picked up by Animal Control officers or any person on whose property the stray pet is found. Violation of Spartanburg County ’s leash law can result in a fine of up to $200.00 plus court costs and costs for impounding the animal.

Reporting Animal Bites
If you are the victim of an animal bite or scratch, where the skin has been broken, or if you own an animal which has bitten or scratched someone, you must contact the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC). DHEC is responsible for recording such incidents in Spartanburg County .

Report any bite or scratch to the health department at (864)596-3415 or Animal Control at (864) 596-3582. If it is an emergency, call 911. 

Nuisance Animals
It is against the law in Spartanburg County for animals to become a public nuisance. This includes excessive barking, bothering passersby, chasing vehicles, attacking other domestic animals, damaging property and trespassing on private property.

Animal Abuse
Owners or keepers of pets are required to provide their animals with adequate food, water, and shelter.  It is also a violation to treat an animal in an inhumane manner. Instances of abuse or cruelty should be immediately reported to the Spartanburg County Office of Environmental Enforcement at (864) 596-3582.

City of Spartanburg Ordinances
Every dog, cat or ferret over 4 months old in the city of Spartanburg must be vaccinated against rabies every year. 

Every dog over 4 months old must have a current license.

How to get a license for your dog:

1.  Your dog must first get a rabies shot.   Keep a copy of the shot certificate that is given to you.

2.  Dog licenses are available at City Hall

·        $6.00 each year if your dog has a spay or neuter certificate from your veterinarian.

·        $12.00 each year for dogs NOT spayed or neutered.

·        Late fees apply if you do not get your license in June.

The law also states that licenses and/or rabies identification tags must be worn by dogs at all times.

City of Greer Ordinances

All dogs within city limits must be on a leash held by a person.

Every dog, cat or ferret over 4 months old in the city of Greer must be vaccinated against rabies every year. 

Every dog over 4 months old must have a current license.

How to get a license for your dog:

1.  Your dog must first get a rabies shot.   Keep a copy of the shot certificate that is given to you.

2.  Dog licenses are available at City Hall

·        $5.00 for each and every sterile animal. This is a lifetime license

·        $30.00 for each and every fertile animal. This is an annual fee that is due in the month of December.

 Emergency Animal Numbers

 To report animal cruelty                           (864) 596-3582

  Spartanburg County Animal Control    (864) 596-3582

City of Spartanburg Animal Control      (864) 582-1558

City of Greer Animal Control                   (864) 848-5363

 Wildlife concerns                                       1-800-922-5431

            Department of Natural Resources

 After hours emergency veterinary care

Monday – Friday 6PM – 8AM
Saturday Noon – to Monday 8AM
Open all major holidays

  Greenville Area

Animal Emergency Clinic
393 Woods Lakes Road
Greenville 29607
(864) 232-1878

Spartanburg Area

Veterinary Emergency Clinic
1291 Asheville Highway
Spartanburg 29303
(864) 591-1923