Paws Atlanta: A Local Guide to This Atlanta Animal Shelter and Pet Resource

If you live in Atlanta, Georgia and care about animal welfare, you’ve probably heard of PAWS Atlanta. Whether you’re looking to adopt a pet, surrender an animal, volunteer, or find low-cost pet services, this long-standing Atlanta organization is one of the most recognized names in the area.

This guide walks you through what Paws Atlanta is, what they do, and how someone in or around Atlanta can actually use their services.

What Is Paws Atlanta?

Paws Atlanta is a no-kill animal shelter and pet adoption center serving the greater Atlanta area. It focuses on:

• Dog and cat adoptions
• Rescue and sheltering of homeless pets
• Low-cost veterinary and wellness services
• Spay/neuter and vaccination resources
• Community programs like fostering and volunteering

Paws Atlanta operates as a nonprofit and relies heavily on local support from Metro Atlanta residents—through adoptions, donations, and volunteer time.

Location (Main Campus)
Paws Atlanta
5287 Covington Highway
Decatur, GA 30035
(Located east of downtown Atlanta, near I‑285, convenient for many in DeKalb, Fulton, and surrounding counties.)

For the most up-to-date hours and requirements, it’s always best to check directly with the organization before visiting.

Adopting a Pet from Paws Atlanta

If you’re in Atlanta and thinking about adopting a dog or cat, Paws Atlanta is a popular place to start.

What to Expect from the Adoption Process

While details can change, the adoption process typically includes:

1. Browsing available pets

   • You can usually view adoptable dogs and cats online before visiting.
   • Many Atlanta residents start by narrowing down breeds, sizes, or ages that fit their lifestyle.

2. Visiting the shelter

   • You’ll meet animals in person at the Decatur campus.
   • Staff and volunteers often help match you with pets that fit your living situation (apartment vs. house, kids, other pets, etc.).

3. Application and interview

   • You usually fill out an adoption application.
   • There may be a short interview or counseling session to ensure it’s a good fit and to answer your questions.

4. Adoption fee and paperwork

   • Expect an adoption fee, which often helps cover vaccinations, microchipping, and spay/neuter.
   • You’ll sign an agreement about the pet’s care and sometimes about returning the pet to the shelter if things don’t work out.

5. Bringing your pet home

   • Many Atlanta adopters bring their new pet home the same day once everything is approved and processed, though this can vary.

Tips for Atlanta Residents Considering Adoption

• Check your lease or HOA rules if you rent or live in a condo in Atlanta—many have breed, weight, or pet-count limits.
• Plan for Atlanta’s climate: dogs will need walks in hot, humid summers and protection from heat and pavement.
• Factor in commute and schedule: if you work in Midtown, Downtown, or Buckhead and have a long commute, think about how that affects walk times and feeding schedules.
• If you already have pets, ask about meet-and-greet options, so you can see how the new pet gets along with your current ones.

Low-Cost Vet and Wellness Services

Many Atlanta pet owners use Paws Atlanta for affordable pet care, especially if they don’t already have a regular veterinarian or are trying to reduce costs.

Common services may include:

• Vaccinations (such as rabies and core vaccines for dogs and cats)
• Microchipping
• Basic wellness exams
• Spay/neuter services or referrals
• Flea, tick, and heartworm prevention products
• Pet food support programs or referrals when available

Because veterinary prices in Metro Atlanta can vary widely, these services are often used by:

• New adopters
• Students
• Seniors on fixed incomes
• Families with multiple pets

Availability, prices, and appointment requirements can change, so it’s important to confirm current services directly before you go.

Spay/Neuter and Vaccination Resources in the Atlanta Area

Paws Atlanta often plays a role in reducing pet overpopulation in and around the city.

If you’re in Atlanta and your dog or cat is not yet fixed or vaccinated, you may be able to:

• Schedule a spay/neuter appointment or receive referrals to trusted low-cost clinics in the region.
• Get core vaccinations at scheduled vaccine clinics or wellness visits.
• Receive information about local ordinances, such as rabies vaccination requirements in DeKalb County and the City of Atlanta.

Many Atlanta pet owners pair Paws Atlanta’s resources with services from other local organizations like Fulton County Animal Services, DeKalb County Animal Services, and private veterinary clinics.

Fostering with Paws Atlanta

If you’re not ready to commit to permanent adoption, fostering is a strong option.

Why Atlanta Residents Choose to Foster

People in Atlanta foster pets for different reasons:

• Their schedule or lease doesn’t allow long-term ownership, but short-term care is possible.
• They want to help shelter animals adjust to home life before adoption.
• They’re testing whether a permanent pet is right for them.
• They have skills with bottle-feeding kittens, caring for shy or fearful pets, or managing medical recoveries.

Typical Foster Responsibilities

While expectations can vary by pet, fosters usually:

• Provide daily care: feeding, basic training, and affection.
• Transport animals to medical appointments or adoption events when needed.
• Give feedback on the pet’s personality so Paws Atlanta can better match them with permanent families.
• Follow the shelter’s guidelines on safety (such as keeping dogs leashed, cats indoors, or separating pets when necessary).

Many fosters in the Atlanta area coordinate car trips around major routes like I‑20, I‑285, or I‑85, so it’s helpful to plan for traffic when you’re responsible for an animal’s appointments.

Volunteering Opportunities

Paws Atlanta offers multiple ways for Atlanta residents to volunteer and support animals.

Common Volunteer Roles

Volunteers often help with:

• Dog walking and socialization
• Cat socialization and enrichment
• Cleaning kennels and common areas
• Assisting at events and fundraisers around the city
• Office or administrative work
• Photography, marketing, or outreach, especially for those with relevant skills

Some roles may have age requirements, so families with children should confirm which activities are open to younger volunteers.

How This Fits into Atlanta Life

Many people working in areas like Downtown, Midtown, Decatur, or Tucker choose evening or weekend shifts, treating volunteering as a regular commitment similar to a gym session or class.

If you rely on MARTA or rideshare, consider:

• Travel time from central Atlanta to the Decatur campus
• Weather, especially in heavy summer heat or rain
• Safety and comfort when walking dogs in warm or cold conditions

Community Programs and Education

Beyond sheltering animals, Paws Atlanta often participates in community education and outreach.

These activities might include:

• School presentations or youth programs about responsible pet care
• Adoption events at local Atlanta businesses, parks, or public spaces
• Information on:
  • Microchipping and ID tags
  • Local leash laws and dog park etiquette
  • How to handle lost or found pets in Atlanta

Atlanta residents frequently use Paws Atlanta as a starting point when they find a stray animal or need help understanding their options, even if the organization cannot take every animal directly.

Surrendering a Pet or Stray in Atlanta

Life changes can make it hard to keep a pet, and Paws Atlanta may be one of the organizations people contact when they need to surrender an animal.

Important Considerations

• Appointments are often required. Walk‑in surrenders may not be accepted.
• There may be a waiting list or limited capacity, especially during busy periods when many animals are already in care.
• A surrender fee may be requested to help cover the animal’s care.
• You’ll likely be asked for behavior and medical history to help place the pet safely.

If Paws Atlanta cannot take the animal, they may:

• Provide referrals to:
  • County animal services (for example, Fulton or DeKalb)
  • Other local rescues and shelters
• Suggest re-homing strategies, such as responsible private rehoming through friends, family, or online platforms that follow safety guidelines.

In Metro Atlanta, many residents combine help from Paws Atlanta with assistance from:

• DeKalb County Animal Services – 3280 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd, Chamblee, GA 30341
• Fulton County Animal Services – 1251 Fulton Industrial Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30336

These addresses are helpful if you’re comparing options or following through on referrals.

Quick Reference: When to Contact Paws Atlanta

Below is a simple summary to help Atlanta residents decide when Paws Atlanta is likely a good fit for their needs.

Practical Tips for Using Paws Atlanta as an Atlanta Resident

To make the most of what Paws Atlanta offers:

• Call or check online first: Hours, services, and appointment requirements can change.
• Plan around Atlanta traffic: Build extra travel time if you’re heading from busy areas like Buckhead, Midtown, or Downtown.
• Keep records handy:
  • Vaccination history
  • Microchip number
  • Any behavior notes for your pet
• Consider the weather: Atlanta’s summers are hot and humid—bring water for dogs and avoid hot pavement.
• Have a backup plan: If Paws Atlanta is at capacity, be prepared to contact county services or other local rescues.

Paws Atlanta is one of the core animal welfare resources for people living in and around Atlanta. Whether you’re adopting, fostering, seeking low-cost vet care, or simply want to get involved, it’s a practical starting point for anyone in the city who wants to help pets and find support close to home.