Berkeley County and Charleston Animal Society Open New $1.7 Million Adoption Center
Berkeley County and the Charleston Animal Society celebrated the completed construction of a new 5,349-square-foot adoption center at the Berkeley Campus on Monday, November 2, 2026. Connected to the existing shelter at 131 Central Berkeley Drive in Moncks Corner, the facility represents a roughly $1,697,000 investment designed to expand animal care capacity and increase adoptions across the growing region.
According to official details released by Berkeley County Government, the newly constructed building features 27 kennels for adoptable dogs, a dedicated kitten room, a cat room, two adoption rooms, and two large meet-and-greet spaces for prospective pet owners. The project also incorporates practical operational spaces, including a new laundry room, office space, and dedicated food preparation and storage areas. In addition to the standalone building, the expansion added 15 kennels to the existing shelter structure and fully renovated the outdoor kennel area.
A Public-Private Partnership Driving Down Euthanasia Rates
Local leaders point to the facility as a direct result of cooperation between county government and private sheltering operations. Joe Elmore, President and CEO of the Charleston Animal Society, noted in reporting by Live 5 News that the partnership has yielded measurable results since its inception. During the first year of the joint operation, euthanasia at the Berkeley Campus dropped by 43 percent.
“In the first year of our partnership, we saw euthanasia drop 43% at the Berkeley Campus and this new adoption center will help our lifesaving efforts tremendously. This is a model of government leaders listening to the public and developing a public-private partnership to deliver the care and compassion the Berkeley community wants for animals,” Joe Elmore stated.
The campus layout divides incoming animals into distinct zones. Strays remain housed under state statutory holding guidelines on one side of the campus, while animals cleared for adoption reside in the new center, having already been spayed or neutered, microchipped, and vaccinated.
Design Choices and In-House Contributions
Berkeley County Council member Amy Stern, representing District 5, explained that planners intentionally sought an alternative to traditional, institutional animal shelters. Officials aimed for an environment that feels less intimidating to families.
“We wanted a more upscale, retail type of facility. It makes a difference. We believe people would rather come to a nice retail place and spend time choosing their next family member than walking through a loud, dark kennel,” Stern said.
While the total budget for the project reached approximately $1,697,000, actual expenditures were kept down through in-house labor. Multiple county departments—including Berkeley County Roads & Bridges, Facilities & Grounds, Information Technology, and Water and Sanitation—contributed hands-on work to offset external construction costs. The build was completed slightly ahead of a roughly one-year schedule.
Berkeley County Supervisor Johnny Cribb emphasized the long-term utility of the project for taxpayers and pet owners alike, while Elmore noted that the Charleston Animal Society plans to launch a major life-saving campaign in 2027 aimed at curbing pet overpopulation further. Doors to the new adoption center are scheduled to officially open to the public following the New Year.
