Dog Shelters in Atlanta, GA: Where and How to Adopt, Foster, or Surrender a Dog

Looking for a dog shelter in Atlanta, GA—whether to adopt, foster, volunteer, or surrender a pet—can feel overwhelming if you’re not sure where to start. Atlanta has a mix of city shelters, county-run facilities, and nonprofit rescues, each with slightly different roles, rules, and processes.

This guide focuses specifically on Atlanta and the surrounding metro area, with practical information on where to go, what to expect, and how to prepare.

Main Types of Dog Shelters in Atlanta

In and around Atlanta, you’ll typically see three main types of organizations helping dogs:

• Municipal and county shelters (often called Animal Services or Animal Control)
• Large nonprofit shelters and humane societies
• Smaller, foster-based rescue groups

Each serves a different need. For many Atlanta residents, the first stop is usually Fulton or DeKalb County’s animal services, or a major nonprofit shelter within the city.

Key Dog Shelters Serving Atlanta, GA

Below is a quick-reference overview of major dog shelter resources that commonly serve Atlanta residents. Always confirm current hours and policies before visiting.

Fulton County Animal Services (For Most Atlanta Residents in Fulton)

If you live in Atlanta within Fulton County, this is typically the main public shelter responsible for:

• Stray and lost dogs
• Dogs picked up by animal control
• Dog adoptions
• Owner surrenders (for Fulton residents, often by appointment)

Location (commonly used facility as of recent years):
Fulton County Animal Services
1251 Fulton Industrial Blvd NW
Atlanta, GA 30336
Phone (main line is typically posted on their official site or county page; verify for current number and hours).

Services often include:

• Adopting a dog:

  • View adoptable dogs onsite.
  • Expect an application, adoption fee, and basic screening.
  • Most adopted dogs are spayed/neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped before going home.

• Finding a lost dog:

  • If your dog is missing in Fulton County, this is a key place to check in person.
  • You can usually review lost/found listings and walk through the kennels.

• Surrendering a dog:

  • Typically limited to Fulton County residents.
  • Often requires an appointment, and you may be asked for a surrender fee or donation.
  • Space can be tight, so calling ahead is essential.

• Stray dogs:

  • Strays found in Fulton County are usually brought here by animal control or good Samaritans.
  • If you find a stray, you may be directed to bring the dog in or schedule a pickup, depending on the situation.

DeKalb County Animal Services (For Atlanta Residents in DeKalb)

If your Atlanta address is in DeKalb County, your primary public shelter is:

DeKalb County Animal Services
(This agency typically has a primary shelter facility—look for the most current address and hours on official DeKalb County sources.)

They generally handle:

• Stray/lost dogs within DeKalb County
• Adoptions of dogs and other pets
• Owner surrenders for DeKalb residents (usually by appointment)

If you’re unsure whether your Atlanta address is Fulton or DeKalb, you can:

• Look at your property tax bill or utility bill (it typically lists the county)
• Search your address in an online county lookup tool
• Call either shelter and ask which county you’re in

Atlanta Humane Society (Nonprofit Shelter Option)

The Atlanta Humane Society is a well-known, long-established nonprofit animal shelter serving metro Atlanta. They operate more like a traditional humane society than an animal control agency.

They typically offer:

• Dog adoptions (puppies, adults, and sometimes seniors or special needs dogs)
• Limited intake/surrender services, often by appointment and subject to capacity
• Community outreach, including some pet support programs

Because they are a nonprofit, not a government animal control agency, they:

• Usually do not handle animal control calls or stray pick-ups
• Focus on adoption and long-term placement
• Often have clear adoption counseling to match you with the right dog

If you’re looking for a family-friendly environment to meet adoptable dogs, the Atlanta Humane Society can be a comfortable starting point.

Smaller Atlanta Rescues and Foster-Based Groups

Beyond the main shelters, Atlanta has many smaller rescue organizations, including:

• Breed-specific rescues (e.g., for pit bulls, German shepherds, Labs, etc.)
• Foster-based rescues that keep dogs in private homes instead of kennels
• Special-needs and senior dog rescues

These groups typically:

• List adoptable dogs online and arrange meet-and-greets by appointment
• Rely on adoption applications, vet references, and home checks
• May offer more detailed information about each dog’s behavior, since they live in foster homes

For Atlanta residents who:

• Want a specific type or size of dog
• Need a dog tested with kids, cats, or apartments
• Prefer a more personalized adoption process

…a foster-based rescue may be an excellent option.

How to Adopt a Dog from an Atlanta Shelter

While each shelter has its own process, most Atlanta-area dog shelters follow a similar pattern:

1. Research and Shortlist Shelters

Consider:

• Which county you live in (Fulton vs. DeKalb)
• How far you’re willing to drive in metro Atlanta
• Whether you prefer a public shelter or a nonprofit rescue

It’s common for Atlanta adopters to look at several shelters before deciding.

2. Visit Shelters or View Dogs Online

Most Atlanta shelters:

• Post photos and descriptions of adoptable dogs
• Encourage in-person visits so you can see how a dog behaves around you

Tip: Visit at different times of day if you can—some dogs are calmer or more playful depending on the environment.

3. Complete an Adoption Application

Be prepared to answer:

• Where you live (house, apartment, condo)
• Whether you rent (some shelters confirm that dogs are allowed)
• How many people and pets are in your household
• Your general schedule and lifestyle

Shelters use this information to match you with a suitable dog, not to judge your living situation.

4. Meet-and-Greet and Family Introductions

Many Atlanta shelters and rescues will:

• Arrange a meet-and-greet with the dog in a quiet space
• Encourage you to bring other household dogs for an introduction
• Talk through the dog’s known behavior, energy level, and needs

If you live in a dense neighborhood (like Midtown, Buckhead, or Old Fourth Ward), you may want to ask how the dog handles:

• Leash walks near traffic
• Elevators and hallways (for high-rise living)
• Other dogs and people in close quarters

5. Adoption Fees and What’s Included

Typical adoption fees in Atlanta usually cover:

• Spay/neuter surgery
• Core vaccines (such as rabies, distemper/parvo)
• Microchip registration
• Sometimes a starter collar/leash or small bag of food

Fees and details vary by shelter, but this can be a more cost-effective way to bring home a dog compared with buying from a breeder and handling everything separately.

Surrendering a Dog in Atlanta, GA

Life changes can make it hard to keep a pet, and Atlanta shelters see this frequently. If you need to surrender a dog, there are important steps to follow.

1. Identify the Right Shelter by County

• Fulton County residents:
  Contact Fulton County Animal Services first.

• DeKalb County residents:
  Contact DeKalb County Animal Services.

Some nonprofits in Atlanta may accept owner surrenders only when space allows and usually with an appointment and screening.

2. Call Ahead and Ask About Requirements

When you call, ask:

• Whether they are currently accepting owner surrenders
• Whether you need an appointment
• What documentation is needed (vet records, proof of residency, ID)
• Whether there is a surrender fee or requested donation

Be honest about:

• Any behavior issues (reactivity, anxiety, past bites)
• Medical conditions or medications
• Whether the dog is spayed/neutered

This helps the shelter better plan for your dog’s care and placement.

3. Bring Records and Supplies

If possible, bring:

• Vaccination and medical records
• Information about the dog’s routine, likes, and dislikes
• Any medications the dog is currently taking
• Items with familiar smells (bed, blanket, or toy) to ease the transition

Some Atlanta shelters use this information to write a more complete profile, which can help the dog get adopted more quickly.

Found a Stray Dog in Atlanta?

Stray and loose dogs are a common concern in parts of Atlanta. What you do next often depends on where you found the dog.

1. Check for Tags and a Microchip

• Look for ID tags with a phone number or address.
• Many vet clinics and shelters in Atlanta can scan for a microchip at no charge.

2. Contact the Appropriate County Shelter

• If found in Fulton County (including much of the City of Atlanta):
  Contact Fulton County Animal Services.

• If found in DeKalb County (including east Atlanta areas in DeKalb):
  Contact DeKalb County Animal Services.

They may:

• Ask you to bring the dog in
• Arrange for animal control pickup if needed
• Advise you on holding the dog temporarily while you search for the owner

3. Post Locally

Atlanta residents often use:

• Neighborhood social media groups (e.g., area-specific community pages)
• Signs posted near where the dog was found
• Local vet offices or pet supply stores’ community boards

Always take basic safety precautions when handling an unknown dog.

Volunteering at a Dog Shelter in Atlanta

If you’re not ready to adopt but want to help, many Atlanta shelters rely heavily on volunteers and fosters.

Common volunteer roles:

• Kennel cleaning and feeding
• Dog walking and socialization
• Assisting with adoption events
• Helping with office work, photos, or marketing

Most Atlanta shelters:

• Require a volunteer orientation or training session
• May have age minimums (teens often need a parent or guardian present)
• Offer flexible schedules, including weekends

Fulton and DeKalb animal services, as well as the Atlanta Humane Society and many smaller rescues, typically list volunteer opportunities and how to sign up.

Fostering a Dog in Atlanta

Fostering is especially important in a busy metro area like Atlanta, where shelter space is limited.

Foster homes are often needed for:

• Puppies too young for the main shelter
• Medical cases recovering from surgery or illness
• Shy or stressed dogs who don’t do well in kennels
• Short-term holds while transport or long-term placement is arranged

What to expect as a foster in Atlanta:

• Most rescues and many shelters cover medical care and sometimes food and supplies.
• You provide daily care, socialization, and transportation to vet appointments or adoption events.
• You help communicate the dog’s personality—critical for getting them adopted.

Fostering is a way to help Atlanta’s dog population without a permanent commitment, which works well for students, renters, or people new to the city.

Tips for Choosing the Right Dog in an Atlanta Environment

Atlanta’s climate, traffic, and housing mix can influence which dog will be the best fit.

Consider:

• Climate:

  • Summers are hot and humid. Short-nosed breeds and heavy-coated dogs may need extra care on walks.
  • If you live in a walk-heavy area like Midtown or Inman Park, choose a dog that tolerates heat well or adjust walk times.

• Housing type:

  • High-rise or apartment living in areas like Midtown, Buckhead, Downtown:
    • Look for dogs comfortable with elevators, shared hallways, and leash-only exercise.
  • Single-family homes in neighborhoods like West End, East Atlanta, or Cascade:
    • A fenced yard can work well for higher-energy dogs, though they still need structured exercise.

• Commute and work schedule:

  • Long commutes on I-75/I-85, GA 400, or I-285 can mean long hours away.
  • Puppies and very active dogs often need midday breaks, dog walkers, or dog-friendly workplaces to thrive.

• Noise and activity level:

  • If you’re near busy corridors (Peachtree Street, Ponce de Leon, Howell Mill), consider whether the dog is sensitive to noise or crowds.

Discuss your specific living situation with shelter or rescue staff; they are used to matching dogs to Atlanta-style urban and suburban lifestyles.

Practical Next Steps for Someone in Atlanta, GA

1. Confirm your county (Fulton or DeKalb) using your address.
2. Contact your primary county animal services for:
   • Lost/found dogs
   • Owner surrender questions
   • Stray dog guidance
3. Explore adoption options at:
   • Fulton or DeKalb County Animal Services
   • Atlanta Humane Society
   • Reputable rescue groups that serve metro Atlanta
4. If you’re not ready to adopt:
   • Ask about volunteering or fostering at a nearby shelter or rescue.
5. Before visiting:
   • Call ahead to confirm hours, policies, and what to bring (ID, proof of residence, vet records, etc.).

By focusing on shelters and rescues that serve your specific Atlanta neighborhood and county, you can find clearer guidance, stronger support, and the best possible match for you—and for the dog you’re hoping to help.