On March 21, 2009 someone broke into the St. Francis Animal Rescue Center and smashed in three exterior doors. Once inside, he terrorized the cats to such a degree that twelve of the most timid kitties ran outside through the smashed-in doors. We were able to find seven of them, but five kitties are still missing. These cats don’t know how to survive outside and we are very afraid for their safety and survival. Damage to the structure is estimated at over $1300.00. In addition, several hundred dollars’ worth of items and furnishings, such as climbing trees, had to be thrown out because there was so much glass embedded in them.
Who We Are
The purpose of The St. Francis Animal Rescue Center is to rescue unwanted, abandoned and homeless cats in the York County and South Mecklenburg County areas and care for them until we can find them homes. We are a no-kill, cage-free shelter that provides food, housing, veterinary care, immunizations and spaying or neutering for the animals in our care. We strive to find good, loving permanent homes for the almost 100 cats that currently reside at the shelter. Additionally, we want to increase community awareness of the extent and gravity of the problem of homeless animals in our area.
Our approach to shelter care is innovative because we do not keep our cats in cages. The benefit of a cage-free environment can be readily seen because our animals are happy and well-adjusted, instead of withdrawn and isolated in cages. Because cats are so sensitive, they suffer when confined to small barren cages for prolonged periods of time. They are social creatures and, when allowed to roam in a cage-free environment, they are able to interact and bond with other cats. Visitors to the St. Francis Animal Rescue Center always comment on how well the cats all get along. Because our cats are not stressed by being caged, their friendly, loving and outgoing personalities shine through. Although, of course, we also have some shy, introverted cats, whose past experiences have taught them to be wary of people, most of our cats look upon every visitor as a potential new best friend.
Current needs include the funds to replace three exterior doors at the shelter. We also need to put screens on all the windows so that they windows can be opened, to allow fresh air to come in. There are huge plate glass windows at the front of the building which need to be tinted or insulated in some way to prevent heat loss. We are also in need of a clothes dryer. Of course, we plan to address these needs in order of importance, and some things will have to wait until we have the funds.
Our kitties also have a wish list, which includes the following: climbing trees or kitty jungle gyms, scratching posts, kitty condos, pillows or cat beds, and carpet squares or small area rugs to lie on.
Adopting a friend
Drop in Friday, Saturday, or Sunday from 2 - 6 pm and find a cat you would like to give a home to. Fill out an application, which we'll review and verify. If we can verify the information on the application that day, then you can take home your new kitty that day too!
Adoption fees are as follows:
Spayed / Neutered: $75
Not Spayed / Neutered: $50
Once all paperwork has been completed, we will issue an adoption certificate for your new companion!
Please call us at (803) 554-9930 if you have any other questions about our adoption procedures.
Come Visit Us!
I-77 North or South: Take Exit #77 / Rock Hill / Lancaster - turn right off the exit ramp. You will be on Anderson Road / US Hwy 21. Drive for 0.6 miles.
Road will curve to the left and become Main Street; continue to stay on this road (Main Street / US Hwy 21 / Hwy 5 / Hwy 72 Bypass).
At 2nd traffic light, turn right onto East Main Street. St. Francis Animal Rescue will be on the right at 1167 E. Main Street.
St. Francis Animal Rescue 1167 East Main St.
Rock Hill, SC 29730
Phone: (803) 554-9930
