Atlanta Animal Shelters: Where to Adopt, Surrender, and Get Help in Metro Atlanta

If you’re searching for an Atlanta animal shelter, you might be looking to adopt a pet, surrender an animal, report a stray, or get help with low-cost services. Atlanta has a mix of city-run shelters, county facilities, and nonprofit rescues, and knowing who does what can save you time and stress.

This guide focuses on Atlanta, Georgia and the surrounding metro area, and walks you through the main options, locations, and what to expect.

Key Types of Animal Shelters in Atlanta

Atlanta’s animal care network is made up of:

• Government shelters (city and county animal services)
• Large nonprofit shelters
• Smaller rescue groups and foster-based rescues
• Specialty rescues (breed-specific or species-specific, like cats or pit bulls)

For most people, the first places to know about are the city and county shelters, because they handle:

• Stray dogs and cats
• Dangerous or injured animal calls
• Lost-and-found pets
• Legal holds and animal control issues

Nonprofit shelters and rescues often focus more on adoptions, rehoming, and support services like spay/neuter and vaccination clinics.

Major Public & Nonprofit Shelters in and Around Atlanta

Below is a simple overview of some of the best-known Atlanta-area organizations. Always verify hours before visiting, as they can change.

This list is not exhaustive, but these are core places Atlanta residents regularly use.

Fulton County Animal Services (Serving Most of the City of Atlanta)

If you live inside the City of Atlanta or elsewhere in Fulton County, Fulton County Animal Services is usually your primary government shelter.

Operator: LifeLine Animal Project (a nonprofit that manages the shelter for the county)
Main Facility (as of recent years):
Fulton County Animal Services
1251 Fulton Industrial Blvd NW
Atlanta, GA 30336
Phone: 404‑613‑0358 (commonly listed main line – verify before calling)

Common services:

• Stray animal intake (dogs and cats found in Fulton County)
• Animal control (aggressive animals, cruelty concerns, injured strays)
• Adoptions of dogs and cats
• Lost-and-found pet matching
• Owner surrender (often by appointment and with criteria)

Because the shelter serves a large urban area, it can be very full, so:

• Call or check their information before showing up to surrender a pet.
• For adoption, weekdays or early in the day are often less crowded.

DeKalb County Animal Services (For Eastside Atlanta Residents)

If you live on the east side of Atlanta in DeKalb County (for example, areas like Decatur or some East Atlanta addresses that fall into DeKalb), you’ll likely use DeKalb County Animal Services.

Operator: LifeLine Animal Project
Main Facility:
DeKalb County Animal Services
3280 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd
Chamblee, GA 30341
Phone: 404‑294‑2996 (commonly listed – verify before calling)

They provide similar services to Fulton:

• Stray and lost pet intake
• Animal control (through DeKalb County)
• Adoptions
• Owner surrenders (usually by appointment)

If you’re unsure whether your address is in Fulton or DeKalb, check:

• Your property tax bill
• Your utility account information
• An online “what county am I in” tool (enter your address)

Your county determines which animal control agency legally serves your area.

Atlanta Humane Society

Atlanta Humane Society (AHS) is a longtime nonprofit shelter with a strong presence in the city. It does not act as animal control, but it is a major hub for adoptions and some support services.

Locations

AHS has historically had multiple metro-area locations. A commonly referenced Atlanta-area campus is:

Atlanta Humane Society – Atlanta Campus
1551 Perry Blvd NW
Atlanta, GA 30318
Phone: 404‑875‑5331 (general number – confirm current campus details)

They also operate campus locations outside the city proper, such as in the Alpharetta area.

What AHS Typically Offers

• Dog and cat adoptions
• Behavior and training resources (classes or referrals)
• Some veterinary services (like wellness or spay/neuter, depending on current offerings)
• Humane education and volunteer opportunities

If your main goal is to adopt a pet in Atlanta, checking both AHS and the county shelters expands your options.

How to Adopt a Pet from an Atlanta Animal Shelter

Adoption processes are similar across Atlanta shelters, with small differences in fees and procedures.

Typical Adoption Steps

1. Browse available animals

   • Many shelters list pets online with photos and basic profiles.
   • You can also visit in person to meet animals directly.

2. Visit the shelter

   • Go during open adoption hours.
   • Staff or volunteers can help you find a pet that fits your lifestyle (energy level, size, temperament).

3. Submit an application

   • Basic information about your home, experience with pets, and what you’re looking for.
   • Some shelters process this same-day; others may take a bit longer.

4. Meet-and-greet

   • Shelter teams typically arrange time for you to interact with the animal.
   • If you have a resident dog, some shelters request a dog-to-dog meeting on neutral ground.

5. Finalize the adoption

   • Pay the adoption fee (covers some veterinary care, vaccinations, and spay/neuter in many cases).
   • Review any post-adoption guidance and paperwork.

6. Bring your new pet home

   • Prepare a quiet area, food, water, and a safe place to rest.
   • Expect a brief adjustment period—especially for shelter animals.

Tips for Adopting in Atlanta

• 🐾 Be flexible on breed and age. Shelters are often crowded; you may find wonderful pets outside your original “wish list.”
• 🐾 Ask about behavior and health history. Atlanta shelters see many stray animals; information may be limited, but staff can share what they’ve observed.
• 🐾 Consider “overlooked” pets. Larger dogs, black pets, and older animals can wait longer for homes despite being great companions.

What to Do If You Find a Stray Animal in Atlanta

Stray animals are common in a large city like Atlanta. What you do can affect an animal’s chances of safely returning home.

1. Check for ID

• Look for a collar and tag with owner information.
• If safe, have the pet scanned for a microchip at:
  • A local vet clinic
  • Fulton or DeKalb County Animal Services
  • Some nonprofit shelters such as Atlanta Humane Society

Microchip scans are typically free.

2. Consider “Finder Holding” (When Safe and Allowed)

In many Atlanta-area communities, if you can safely hold the animal temporarily at your home:

• File a found pet report with your county shelter (Fulton or DeKalb).
• Post a photo and description in local lost-and-found pet groups and neighborhood apps.
• Take the pet for a microchip scan.

Many lost pets are reunited within a few days this way and may avoid entering an already crowded shelter.

3. When to Contact Animal Control or Bring to a Shelter

You should contact county animal services or law enforcement if:

• The animal is aggressive or appears dangerous.
• The animal is seriously injured.
• You cannot safely contain the animal.
• You’re in an area where local rules require that strays be handled by animal control.

Call:

• Fulton County Animal Services / Fulton County animal control dispatch if you’re in Fulton.
• DeKalb County Animal Services / DeKalb animal control if you’re in DeKalb.

For emergency public safety concerns involving an animal, you can also contact 911 or non-emergency police depending on the situation; they may coordinate with animal services.

Lost Your Pet in Atlanta? Steps to Take

If your pet goes missing in the Atlanta area, acting quickly helps.

1. Contact your county shelter

   • Call or visit Fulton County Animal Services or DeKalb County Animal Services, depending on where you live or where the pet was lost.
   • File a lost pet report and check their in-shelter animals.

2. Visit in person, repeatedly if possible

   • Descriptions can be misinterpreted; seeing animals yourself improves your chances.
   • Go back every few days if your pet is still missing.

3. Check neighboring shelters and rescues

   • People sometimes pick up pets and bring them to a facility they’re familiar with, not necessarily the one closest to where the pet was found.

4. Use local networks

   • Post clear photos, last-seen location, and contact info on:
     • Neighborhood social media groups
     • Lost-and-found pet pages focused on Atlanta
   • Put up flyers in your immediate area.

5. Contact microchip company

   • If your pet is microchipped, update your contact info and mark them as lost with the microchip registry.

Surrendering a Pet to an Atlanta Shelter

Shelters in Atlanta realize that sometimes owners face situations where they cannot keep their animals. However, county shelters are often at or near capacity, particularly for dogs.

Before You Surrender

Consider:

• Rehoming directly through trusted personal networks.
• Talking with local rescues (some may take owner surrenders or help you network).
• Asking about behavior support or temporary assistance if you’re facing training or short-term housing issues.

If You Decide You Must Surrender

Contact the appropriate facility first:

• Fulton County Animal Services (for Fulton residents)
• DeKalb County Animal Services (for DeKalb residents)
• Atlanta Humane Society or other rescues (for possible owner-surrender programs or waitlists)

Common points:

• Many shelters require an appointment for owner surrender.
• You may need to provide:
  • Proof of residence
  • Any medical records
  • Information about behavior and history

Shelters may also recommend you explore rehome programs that help connect you directly with new adopters while keeping the animal out of the shelter system.

Low-Cost Spay/Neuter and Vet Services in Atlanta

Atlanta has multiple options for lower-cost veterinary care, especially for spay/neuter, vaccines, and basic wellness. While details can change, you may find help through:

• LifeLine Animal Project (associated with Fulton and DeKalb shelters) – often offers or connects residents with low-cost spay/neuter and vaccine clinics.
• Atlanta Humane Society – periodically offers public clinics, spay/neuter programs, or referrals.
• Mobile clinics and neighborhood events – sometimes hosted in different parts of the city.

If you need help:

1. Call your county shelter and ask about current low-cost programs.
2. Contact Atlanta Humane Society and ask what’s available or where they refer people.
3. Ask local veterinarians about any discount programs or community clinic days.

Volunteer and Foster Opportunities at Atlanta Shelters

If you’re not ready to adopt but want to help animals in Atlanta, consider:

Volunteering

Many local shelters rely on volunteers for:

• Dog walking and enrichment
• Cat socialization
• Cleaning and basic care
• Adoption counseling support
• Community outreach and events

Contact:

• Fulton County Animal Services
• DeKalb County Animal Services
• Atlanta Humane Society

to ask about volunteer orientations, age requirements, and scheduling.

Fostering

Foster homes are especially needed for:

• Puppies and kittens (especially those too young for the main shelter)
• Animals recovering from medical procedures
• Shy or stressed animals who don’t do well in a kennel environment

Fostering can:

• Free up space in crowded Atlanta shelters
• Help animals relax and show their true personalities
• Give you a way to help without a long-term commitment

Most programs provide medical care through the shelter; you usually supply food, transport, and daily care.

Animal Control and Safety in Atlanta

For public-safety-related animal issues, your county animal control or local police may be involved.

Examples where you should contact authorities:

• A dog has bitten someone or appears dangerously aggressive.
• You suspect animal cruelty or neglect.
• You see an injured animal in a public space (roadway, park, etc.).
• There is a wild animal posing a danger (this may route to wildlife or different departments).

Each county has its own animal control dispatch line, typically routed through:

• Fulton County Animal Services / Fulton County Communications
• DeKalb County Animal Services / DeKalb County Communications

If you’re unsure, call 911 or your non-emergency police line and explain the situation; they can direct you.

How to Choose the Right Atlanta Shelter or Rescue for You

When deciding where to go:

• Determine your county (Fulton vs. DeKalb) for legal/animal control issues.
• For adoption, plan to visit:
  • Your county shelter
  • Atlanta Humane Society
  • Possibly smaller rescue groups that host adoption events at local venues.
• For surrender or serious concerns (strays, cruelty, dangerous animals), contact your county animal services first.

Questions to ask any shelter or rescue:

• What is your adoption or surrender process?
• What medical care has this animal already received?
• Do you offer support after adoption (training advice, return policy, etc.)?
• Are there current discounted adoption events or special programs?

In Atlanta, you have several well-established options for animal shelter services, whether you’re trying to adopt, surrender, find a lost pet, or get help with basic care. Starting with your county shelter and well-known nonprofits like Atlanta Humane Society gives you a clear, local path to the support you and your animals need.