Nonprofit says overpopulation has strained its shelter; founder asks county leaders for help staffing the new unit
By Coastal Carolina News Staff Writer
North Myrtle Beach, SC — Kind Keeper Animal Rescue is preparing to expand its services through a newly purchased mobile spay-and-neuter clinic, a unit capable of housing up to three veterinarians.
The nonprofit says the clinic could significantly increase regional access to sterilization services at a time when animal overpopulation continues to overwhelm shelters across Horry County.
The rescue, based in North Myrtle Beach, has recently been unable to take in every stray brought to its facility. Leaders say the volume of animals arriving has exceeded available space, prompting the organization to accelerate plans for a larger shelter.
Kind Keeper is preparing to relocate to a new site in Longs, where additional room and medical capacity are expected to support expanded operations.
Shelter representative Houser said having the mobile clinic staffed and ready could allow Kind Keeper to assist Horry County more directly, especially as the county continues to face high intake numbers and seasonal spikes in abandoned litters. Community response to the rescue’s expansion plans has been positive, even as the organization awaits an official reply from county leaders.
To help secure staffing for the clinic, founder Belinda Mairowicz spoke at Tuesday’s Horry County Council meeting, proposing a partnership that would allow the rescue and county to work together on spay-and-neuter services. Mairowicz told council members that while the rescue has invested in the mobile unit, finding veterinarians has been a challenge.
“I know you guys have been talking about getting a spay and neuter van,” Mairowicz said. “I do have one that is brand new that I just purchased. I am having complications finding a vet. So I would love to partner up and help you guys out if you can help me find a vet.”
Horry County Council has not yet responded to the proposal. Kind Keeper says it remains hopeful that collaboration could help reduce strain on both the rescue and the county’s animal care system, especially as the organization prepares for its move to Longs and works to bring the mobile clinic into full operation.
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