Salty Paws of the Lowcountry

Sherree Capello and Carolyn Schroeder, who met through a volunteer organization and quickly discovered a shared passion for animal rescue, are the co-founders of Salty Paws of the Lowcountry, which opened in November 2025.

Capello worked in the nonprofit field for 30 years in Boston and said she has always chosen nonprofit work because she wants to support communities in their greatest need. Schroeder began fostering animals at age 18 and has worked with four animal rescue programs over three decades. She was also an attorney in Chicago.

The two women recognized a significant need in Hilton Head and Bluffton to address feral cat colonies, cat owners who can no longer care for their pets and cats that are abandoned. Capello said there has been an increase in people who view cats as more expendable and dump animals. “We see the worst in people, but we also see the best in people. We find cats and find them the perfect home,” she said.

Salty Paws of the Lowcountry is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization committed to giving animals a second chance through the rescue of abandoned animals, trap, spay and neuter initiatives to reduce overpopulation, animal welfare education, adoptions and community assistance.

Because shelters are often full, the organization offers alternatives. “If someone can’t afford to keep their pet, we ask how we can help them keep their pet rather than surrender it. We can provide food, litter, leashes and medical care,” Schroeder said.

Salty Paws operates as a foster-based program with the goal of finding permanent homes. “Feral cat colonies are part of our ecosystem,” Capello said.

Through a partnership with PetSmart, the organization has access to four housing units for cats and is seeking partnerships with veterinarians willing to provide discounted or donated services.

Salty Paws currently has 35 active volunteers who assist with social media, events, marketing and PetSmart care duties. The organization is entirely volunteer-based. “We’re so new, but we’re growing at quantum speed. Where we shine is helping when others don’t,” Capello said.

With its 501(c)(3) tax-deductible status, Salty Paws plans to raise funds for land, property and long-term self-sufficiency. Capello and Schroeder said education and outreach are also priorities, with the goal of ensuring residents know help is available for animal-related issues.

Salty Paws animals are listed on adoptapet.com and petfinder.com to increase adoption opportunities. A fundraiser, Pours for Paws, will be held Saturday, Feb. 21, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Rollers Wine & Spirits. More information is available at saltypaws-lowcountry.com.

Edwina Hoyle is a freelance writer in Bluffton.