- sp4fans
- Dec 9, 2025
- 3 min read
Story: Courtesy of Emily Deanne with ABC News 4
As temperatures continue to fall across the Lowcountry, one Summerville warming center is making a major change to ensure no one has to choose between staying warm and staying with their pet. For the first time, the Seacoast Summerville Warming Center will accept both people and pets, thanks to a fully equipped animal care trailer created by the nonprofit Sheltered Paws 4 Friends and Neighbors.
A First-of-Its-Kind Service in the Tri-County Area
Until now, no warming center in the Tri-County region accepted pets, a deterrent for many neighbors facing uncertainty. As Jason Bennett, founder of Sheltered Paws 4 Friends and Neighbors, explained, “What we were doing is we want to make it possible for each and every person to be able to bring their pet to the warming center, to be able to get warm and not have to choose or decide whether or not they stay warm or they stay in the cold.”
The new trailer features multiple kennels, running water, heating and air conditioning, Starlink internet service, and generators for backup power. Inside, dogs and cats will be fed, monitored, and cared for overnight.
Inspired by Those Turned Away
Bennett, a longtime volunteer at Seacoast Summerville Warming Center, said the need became clear after seeing people arrive with pets and be denied shelter.
“One of the hardest things that we have to go through is that when somebody comes into the warming center, they actually are not able to stay. And that broke my heart," he said.
Bennett added that any guests put their pets’ needs before their own.
“We see so many times when people are choosing to take care of their pet before they take care of their selves.”
That compassion sparked the creation of Sheltered Paws 4 Friends and Neighbors and this new mobile animal shelter.
Complete Veterinary Care, All Night Long
The trailer includes a veterinary station, and a licensed veterinarian will remain on-site overnight to help every animal that arrives.
“If you have a pet that's not feeling well, needs shots, needs vaccines or just microchipping, our vets will take care of that for you,” Bennett said.
Sheltered Paws 4 Friends and Neighbors also partners with a local nonprofit, CARE, to provide ongoing veterinary care for pets whose owners are struggling financially.
“If our veterinarians care for your pet on the trailer, your pet will receive free veterinarian care for the rest of that animal's life while you're experiencing low income or homelessness. We will take care of that for y’all," Bennett said.
Sheltered Paws 4 Friends and Neighbors will operate every time Seacoast Summerville Warming Center is open.
“One of the great things about our trailers are is that once we're set up, we're fully functional anywhere we want to go and anything we want to do," Bennett said.
The trailer also travels across the Tri-County area to provide continued care when needed.
Bennett said the team is determined to make sure every pet and every person has a safe place to go. “We want everybody in the Tri County area to know that our kennel shelters are here bring your pets to us, whether you're experiencing homelessness, low income, or if you have a house with no power and you need a place for your pet to come.”
Community Support Needed
Bennett emphasized that the mission relies heavily on community involvement. “We can't do this without help and we can't do this without the community. We can't do this without volunteers.”
Donations are also welcome. “We are accepting any kind of donations for any cat or any dog," Bennett added. You can volunteer or donate be reaching out via our Facebook page or through the website.
For many in the community, this change means warmth, safety, and the comfort of staying with the pets they love. The Seacoast Summerville Warming Center and the new animal trailer open Monday, Dec. 8, Tuesday, Dec. 9, and Thursday Dec. 11 night at 7 p.m. CARTA bus service will bring guests directly to the location.