Charleston Animal Society announced the launch of its newest rescue resource — The Lifesaving Express, a fully outfitted Ram ProMaster cargo van donated by Shelly Leeke Law Firm to support lifesaving animal transport throughout the Lowcountry and beyond.
With more than 500 cubic feet of interior space, the Lifesaving Express is capable of carrying up to 20 dogs or 40 cats at one time, significantly increasing the organization’s capacity to safely and humanely move animals in need.
“We are so proud to donate this vehicle to Charleston Animal Society’s lifesaving mission,” said Shelly Leeke, owner of the Shelly Leeke Law Firm and a member of Charleston Animal Society's Board of Directors. “As we had written on the side of the van, Charleston Animal Society is ‘driven to rescue.’ We are honored to play a part in helping more animals reach safety and eventually find loving homes.”
A Tool Built for Rescue, Relief, and Relief Transfers
The Lifesaving Express will be utilized across a variety of lifesaving programs, with an early focus on transporting animals from the shelter’s Berkeley Campus, where intake numbers continue to surge.
"The Lifesaving Express will allow us to bring animals to the main campus for medical treatment and spays or neuters," said Charleston Animal Society Vice President of Operations and Strategy Aldwin Roman, CAWA. "This will also open up opportunities to take animals out to adoption events across the area."
In addition to local transport, the van will be used for:
- Large-scale rescue operations
- Emergency medical and cruelty response
- Interstate adoption transports
- Shelter-to-shelter movement to relieve overcrowding
The need for versatile, reliable transport has never been more urgent. Charleston Animal Society continues to take in more than 90% of stray animals in Charleston and Berkeley Counties, and facilities remain crowded with pets waiting for homes. Frequently, saving lives depends on moving animals from overloaded shelters to rescue partners or adopters ready to welcome them.
“With this new lifesaving tool, we can ensure that more animals get where they need to go — whether that’s a medical clinic, an adoption center, or a rescue partner out of state,” said Charleston Animal Society President and CEO Joe Elmore, CAWA, CFRE. “The gift of this van directly translates to more lives saved.”
Already Saving Lives
Even before this week’s formal announcement, the Lifesaving Express has already proven its impact.
Last week, the van transported 21 dogs from Lexington County Animal Services to help them respond to a 100-plus animal cruelty seizure, ensuring the victims could access care and safe housing.
Later this week, approximately 30 cats will travel to the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (MSPCA) for adoption — a strategic lifesaving transfer designed to relieve critical overcrowding at Charleston Animal Society’s Berkeley Campus.
Transfers like these allow shelters to open space for more animals quickly, and find eager adopters in communities with more shelter capacity.
Media Invitation: Official Unveiling & Vehicle Tour
Charleston Animal Society invites members of the community to attend an official unveiling of the Lifesaving Express.
Event Details:
- Charleston Animal Society – Charleston Campus - 2455 Remount Road, North Charleston, SC
- Thursday, January 15 at 1:30 p.m.