Charleston Animal Society has once again solidified its status as a leader in animal welfare by receiving a prestigious national award from Best Friends Animal Society, one of the largest national organizations dedicated to companion animal welfare. Recognized as a "pacesetter," "thought leader," and "international model for lifesaving success," Charleston Animal Society continues to set the standard for animal rescue and protection efforts.
The organization was one of only three nationwide to receive the Touchstone Award, at the Best Friends National Lifesaving Conference with 2,000 in attendance. The Touchstone Award recognizes shelters and communities that have made progress toward Best Friends' goal of a no-kill nation by thinking outside the box.
Charleston Animal Society was the only recipient in the South, alongside organizations in Nevada and Nebraska.
LIFESAVING IMPACTS THROUGH PARTNERSHIPS
Since building the first No Kill County in the Southeast in 2013, Charleston Animal Society has played a critical role in increasing lifesaving rates across South Carolina. Through a strategic partnership with Best Friends Animal Society, Charleston Animal Society has successfully saved over 2,000 cats annually and expanded lifesaving opportunities for dogs in Florence County. This three-year initiative, solely sponsored by Best Friends with an investment exceeding $500,000, was implemented by Charleston Animal Society in collaboration with Florence County, the City of Florence, Florence Humane Society and Lucky Dog Animal Rescue.
Charleston Animal Society actively partners with multiple governments and law enforcement agencies across South Carolina to improve shelter conditions, increase lifesaving rates, and combat animal cruelty.
RECOGNIZING EXCELLENCE
Best Friends Animal Society, host of one of the largest companion animal conferences in the world, recognized Charleston Animal Society for its unwavering commitment to lifesaving progress. The award underscores the organization's innovative approaches to animal rescue, community engagement, and collaboration with public and private partners to create a more humane future for animals.
“This recognition from Best Friends is a testament to the tireless work of our team and partners,” said Charleston Animal Society President and CEO Joe Elmore, CAWA, CFRE. “Increasing lifesaving rates require dedication, resources, and an unwavering commitment to animal welfare. We are honored to be acknowledged as a national leader in this space.”
Two Charleston Animal Society employees were guest speakers at the national conference:
- Abigail Appleton, Chief Project Officer for No Kill South Carolina showcased "Pick Me! SC," the largest statewide adoption event of its kind in the country that is organized by Charleston Animal Society. No Kill South Carolina (an initiative of Charleston Animal Society) and Pick Me! SC are funded by Petco Love.
- Tyann Sumpter, Charleston Animal Society's Adoption and Community Cat Coordinator, represented the Southeast Region at the conference during a motivational speaking event.
Charleston Animal Society remains committed to setting new benchmarks in animal welfare through advocacy, rescue initiatives, and community outreach. For more information about Charleston Animal Society’s initiatives and how to support their mission, visit charlestonanimalsociety.org.
