Animal Control

City of Isle of Palms Police Department
1207 Palm Blvd
Isle of Palms, SC 29451
843-886-6522
puppycop2001@yahoo.com

The primary function of Isle of Palms Animal Control (IOPAC) is to ensure public protection from dangerous animals and from diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans. One of the major concerns is the Rabies Control Program. The state law defining the Rabies Control Program includes requirements for the licensing of dogs, rabies vaccination for pets, animal bite reporting, animal quarantine, stray animal control, and a shelter system. Other services provided to the public by IOPAC include low-cost vaccination clinic given once a year; investigation of animal cruelty; dead animal removal and disposal; promotion of spaying and neutering; and public education.

Organization

Isle of Palms Animal Control is managed by the City of Isle of Palms Police Department. The City of Isle of Palms has one Animal Control Officer who provides the animal services for the Island. The department has a small kennel that has four indoor and outdoor dog runs and three cat cages. These are to house the animals that are picked up until their owners are found.

Licensing and Rabies Vaccination

The City of Isle of Palms requires that all dogs living on the island have a city license. A dog cannot be licensed until the owner can show proof of a current rabies vaccination for that dog. In order to encourage the public to vaccinate their dogs a rabies clinic is held once a year on the island. A veterinarian provides the service for a nominal fee; at the same time, Animal Control Services is present so participating owners can license their dog(s).

Animal Bites

Isle of Palms Animal Control responds to all reports of someone being bitten by an animal. An investigation follows and the animal is either quarantined by the owner or impounded at a local Veterinarian for a ten day period. An animal will be tested for rabies by the Department of Public Health if, during the quarantine period, the animal has shown signs of having contracted rabies; or, it is determined at the time of the bite report, it is likely the animal may have rabies.

Stray and Abandoned Animals

One of the activities of IOPAC is responding to the reports of stray and abandoned animals. An officer is in the field Monday through Friday, 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. responding to these reports. An officer is on-call for emergency situations after hours during the week and on weekends. When an officer locates stray animals, every attempt is made to return the animals to the owner. When animals do not have any identification, or the owner can't be reached, the animals are impounded and taken to the kennel that is located at the police department 1207 Palm blvd. These animals are held for three days and then they are taken to John Ancrum SPCA.

Kennel System

IOPAC has a four run kennel located behind the Building department at 1300 Palm blvd. And has facilities for dogs and cats. The kennel can accommodate other animals, such pets as snakes, lizards, and alligators.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I go to get an Isle of Palms City License for my dog?
Isle of Palms Police Department, 1207 Palm Blvd, 843-886-6522. Bring with you a copy of your dog's current rabies certificate and $2.00 per dog.

Do I need a license if I'm just visiting?
No, IOP residents only. All Dogs must be wearing a current rabies tag at all times.

When can dogs be on the beach off leash?
From 5:00 a.m. until 8:00 a.m. April 1st through October 31st and 5:00 a.m. until 10 a.m. November 1st through March 31st, you must have leash in hand, dog under voice command and must clean up excrement. All other times dogs must be on leash and under complete control even in the water.

Is there a place where I can take my dog to play off leash?
Yes, there is a dog park located behind the Recreation Department on 29th Avenue.

I have raccoons in my attic what can I do?
Find out where they are entering, then spray "Pine Sol" full strength in a spray bottle in your attic, decks, and up under your house will kill any scent that was there and will drive them away and keep them away. When you no longer hear activity in your attic, have the holes repaired. Make sure you do not feed animals outside or leave trash cans unsecured.

My neighbor's cat keeps coming over and using my lawn for a bathroom what can I do?
First go to your neighbor and let him know what is going on and see if there is something he or she can do to prevent this. If this does not work call Isle of Palms Police Department Animal Control Division at 843-886-6522.

My neighbor's dog keeps coming into my yard, I have spoken with them and this is still occurring. What can I do?
Notify animal control and they can advise owner of the situation.

My neighbor's barking dog wakes me up in the middle of the night, what can I do?
Notify the police department when the barking is occurring and an officer will respond.

I live by a pond and there is an alligator on the bank what do I do?
If you encounter an alligator over four feet in length and that poses a threat to humans or property, call the Isle of Palms Police Department at 843-886-6522. Animal Control will evaluate your complaint, and if necessary send a registered trapper to remove the alligator. Remember - leave alligators alone. State law prohibits killing, harassing, or possession of alligators.

I have squirrels or rats in my attic what do I do?
Call a pest management agency they will come out and trap them.

How can I make contact with Animal Control?
IOP Police department at 1207 Palm Blvd. 843-886-6522 and advise the dispatcher of your situation. Or you can email puppycop2001@yahoo.com.

I have a raccoon hanging out in my back yard can you come trap it?
Animal Control will only trap animals that visually appear sick and under certain circumstances doing damage to your property. By pouring "Pine sol" full strength in a spray bottle and spraying your attic, decks, and up under your house will kill any scent that brought them there and they should not return.

I set a trap for a raccoon. Can animal control come out to get the animal?
No, Animal Control will only check traps that they have set. Raccoons can not be relocated or killed by you.

Where can I donate towels, blankets and such for the animals that are kept in the kennels?
You can drop them off at Isle of Palms Police Department, 1207 Palm Blvd. Isle of Palms, 843-886-6522. Advise the Dispatcher it is for the kennels.