Fulton County Animal Control in Atlanta, Georgia: What Residents Need to Know

If you live in Atlanta, Georgia, chances are you’ll eventually need to deal with Fulton County Animal Services / Animal Control—whether it’s a stray dog in your neighborhood, a lost pet, a bite incident, or concerns about animal welfare. This guide walks you through how animal control works in Fulton County, who to call, what they handle, and what to expect if you’re an Atlanta resident or visitor.

Who Handles Animal Control in Atlanta and Fulton County?

In the City of Atlanta (within Fulton County), animal control and sheltering are generally handled through:

• Fulton County Animal Services (field services / animal control)
• The county’s animal shelter and intake facility
• City and county law enforcement for certain emergencies

These agencies work together to:

• Respond to stray and aggressive animals
• Enforce leash laws and local ordinances
• Investigate cruelty or neglect complaints
• Manage rabies exposure and bite reports
• Support lost and found pet cases

Atlanta sits within multiple counties, but much of the city is in Fulton County, so most Atlanta residents on the Fulton side will fall under Fulton County Animal Control.

Key Contact Information for Fulton County Animal Control

Use this quick reference when you’re not sure who to call.

For hours and the most current phone numbers or addresses, it’s best to check Fulton County or the Fulton County Animal Services official resources, since details can occasionally change.

When Should You Call Fulton County Animal Control?

If you’re in Atlanta, Georgia (Fulton County side), you would typically contact animal control for:

1. Stray or Loose Animals

Examples:

• A loose dog roaming your street with no owner in sight
• A stray dog or cat that appears lost or abandoned
• A pet hanging around your property that you cannot safely contain

Animal control may:

• Attempt to safely capture the animal
• Scan for a microchip
• Take the animal to the county shelter for holding and potential reunification

If the animal seems friendly and you can safely hold it in a secure area, you can mention that when you call—this sometimes affects how the call is prioritized.

2. Aggressive or Dangerous Animals

Call animal control if you see:

• A dog repeatedly charging fences or people
• An animal that has bitten or attempted to bite
• Packs of loose dogs behaving aggressively

If someone is in immediate danger, call 911 first, then cooperate with any follow-up from animal control.

3. Injured or Sick Animals

If you spot:

• A dog or cat hit by a car
• An animal limping, bleeding, or obviously injured
• An animal that appears disoriented or extremely ill

Animal control can often:

• Dispatch an officer to assess and transport the animal
• Coordinate with the shelter or partner veterinarians

Wildlife that’s injured (like raccoons, opossums, or birds) may be handled differently depending on county policies—sometimes animal control responds, other times they refer to licensed wildlife rehabilitators.

4. Animal Bites and Rabies Concerns

Any animal bite that breaks skin should be taken seriously in Georgia due to rabies risk.

In Fulton County, a bite incident usually triggers:

• A bite report to animal control or public health
• Possible quarantine of the biting animal (often 10 days if it’s a dog or cat)
• Guidance on next steps based on vaccination history and exposure details

If you’re bitten:

1. Wash the wound with soap and water.
2. Seek medical attention.
3. Report the bite to Fulton County Animal Services or follow instructions from your medical provider about reporting.

If you see an animal:

• Acting unusually aggressive
• Showing neurologic signs (staggering, extreme drooling, unusual tameness or fearfulness)

Report it as a possible rabies risk.

5. Cruelty, Neglect, or Hoarding Concerns

If you suspect:

• Dogs or cats with no shelter, food, or water
• Animals that appear severely malnourished
• Repeated chaining with no relief or space
• A large number of animals living in unsanitary conditions

You can file a complaint with animal control. They typically:

• Conduct a welfare check
• Document the situation
• Work with law enforcement or prosecutors if necessary

You may be asked for photos, dates, and specific observations, but you can often remain anonymous.

What Fulton County Animal Services Typically Does (and Does Not) Do

Common Services

In Atlanta’s Fulton County area, animal control services usually include:

• Picking up stray dogs and cats
• Responding to aggressive or dangerous animals
• Enforcing leash laws, licensing, and vaccination rules
• Investigating bites and rabies exposures
• Handling animal cruelty or neglect complaints
• Transporting animals to the county shelter
• Assisting with lost and found pet reunions

What They Usually Don’t Handle Directly

Some situations fall outside traditional animal control roles:

• Healthy wildlife (like squirrels in the yard, raccoons near the trash) often isn’t picked up unless there’s a specific risk to people.
• Routine vet care or medical emergencies for owned pets – that’s for private veterinarians or emergency vet clinics.
• Removing wildlife from attics or crawl spaces – often referred to pest control or licensed wildlife removal companies.

If you’re unsure, you can still call. Dispatchers often screen calls and tell you whether animal control is the right resource or if you should contact another service.

Lost and Found Pets in Atlanta (Fulton County)

If You Lost a Pet

In Atlanta on the Fulton County side, here are practical steps:

1. Contact Fulton County Animal Services

   • Ask if your pet has been picked up.
   • Provide a detailed description, photos, and microchip information.

2. Visit the Fulton County animal shelter in person if you can

   • Animals may change rapidly in appearance due to stress.
   • In-person visits give you the best chance of recognizing your pet.

3. Notify local veterinarians and emergency clinics

   • If someone finds your pet injured, they might bring them to the nearest vet.

4. Check neighborhood and community channels

   • Many Atlanta neighborhoods actively share lost/found pet posts; combining this with official channels increases your chances.

If You Found a Pet

If you find a stray pet in Atlanta:

• If it’s friendly and safe to handle, you may:

  • Check for ID tags with owner contact info.
  • Take the pet to a local vet or shelter to scan for a microchip (usually free).

• If you cannot safely contain the pet or it appears aggressive:

  • Call Fulton County Animal Services and request an officer.

When reporting a found pet, include:

• Exact location in Atlanta (street, nearest intersection, or landmark)
• Description (breed-type, size, color, collar/harness details)
• Whether the animal is injured or aggressive

Understanding Atlanta & Fulton County Animal Laws

As an Atlanta resident in Fulton County, you’re generally expected to follow local animal ordinances. While details can change, some common rules include:

Leash and Restraint Laws

• Dogs are usually required to be on a leash when off the owner’s property, except in designated off-leash dog parks.
• Owners must have control of the dog at all times.

Vaccination and Licensing

• Rabies vaccinations are typically required for dogs and cats.
• Some areas also require pet licenses or registration; check Fulton County or City of Atlanta requirements depending on where you live.

Tethering and Outdoor Living

Many local rules limit:

• Continuous chaining or tethering of dogs
• Leaving animals without adequate shelter, water, and shade

If you’re keeping pets outside in Atlanta’s hot summers or cold snaps, animal control may respond to complaints about animals at risk from the weather.

Dangerous or Vicious Dogs

If a dog is involved in serious attacks or repeated aggressive incidents, it may be classified under local or state law as dangerous or vicious, which can lead to:

• Special containment and insurance requirements
• Possible restrictions on ownership or movement

Animal control typically conducts the investigation and documentation around these cases.

Animal Control and Wildlife in Atlanta

Atlanta has plenty of urban wildlife: raccoons, opossums, foxes, coyotes, snakes, and more. Fulton County Animal Services may respond to some wildlife situations, especially if there is:

• Immediate danger to people
• A suspected rabies exposure
• Wildlife trapped inside living spaces

However, for common nuisance issues like:

• Raccoons getting into trash
• Squirrels in attic spaces
• Non-venomous snakes in yards

You’ll often be directed to:

• Licensed wildlife removal companies
• Pest control services
• Preventive steps like securing trash, sealing entry points, and removing outdoor food sources

If you’re unsure whether your situation is handled by animal control, you can still call and ask for guidance.

What to Expect When an Animal Control Officer Responds

If you request help from Fulton County Animal Control in Atlanta, the typical process looks like this:

1. Call Intake

   • You describe the issue: location, type of animal, behavior, and urgency.
   • The dispatcher prioritizes the call based on safety risks.

2. Officer Arrival

   • An officer will arrive in a marked or identifiable vehicle.
   • They may ask questions and assess the scene before taking action.

3. Handling the Animal

   • Officers are trained to safely catch, contain, or transport animals.
   • Depending on the situation, the animal may go to the county shelter or another approved facility.

4. Documentation and Follow-Up

   • In bite or cruelty cases, they will create an incident report.
   • You may be asked to provide a statement or appear as a witness if legal action is taken.

Being cooperative, calm, and specific about what you’ve seen helps officers work more efficiently and safely.

Preparing Your Atlanta Home and Pets

You can reduce the likelihood of needing animal control by taking some preventive steps:

• Secure Fencing: Make sure your yard fences are solid and tall enough to keep dogs from escaping.
• ID and Microchips: Collar tags plus a registered microchip greatly improve your pet’s chances of being returned if they get lost.
• Up-to-Date Vaccinations: Especially rabies, as required by Georgia law.
• Responsible Containment: Don’t leave dogs unattended off-leash or tethered without shelter, water, and supervision.
• Wildlife Awareness: Avoid leaving food outside, keep trash bins secured, and seal off weak points in your home to deter wildlife intrusions.

How Visitors to Atlanta Should Handle Animal Issues

If you’re visiting Atlanta and encounter an animal problem:

• For emergencies or active attacks, call 911.
• For stray or injured animals, ask your hotel, host, or nearby business to help you find the correct Fulton County Animal Services contact.
• Avoid trying to handle stray or injured animals yourself, especially if you’re unfamiliar with rabies risks or local wildlife.

Fulton County Animal Control plays a central role in keeping Atlanta’s people and animals safe, from stray pet pickups to bite investigations and cruelty complaints. Knowing when and how to contact them—and what they can and cannot do—helps you respond quickly and responsibly when issues arise in your neighborhood or during your visit to Atlanta, Georgia.