Dekalb County Animal Services - Chamblee
Our Mission
At DeKalb County Animal Services, our mission is to end the euthanasia of healthy and treatable animals in our community. We are dedicated to providing humane, compassionate care while working to keep people and pets together.
Our History and Community
Managed by the LifeLine Animal Project since 2013, we have worked tirelessly to transform the shelter into a lifesaving facility for Atlanta’s animals. By focusing on root causes of animal homelessness and fostering a community of pet lovers, donors, and volunteers, we successfully reached a 90% save rate in 2019, meeting the national no-kill benchmark.
How We Operate
As the largest animal welfare organization in Georgia, we operate the DeKalb County shelter with a focus on innovative programs like community cat management and affordable veterinary care. Our team provides comprehensive support, including spay and neuter services, pet adoptions, and rehoming assistance. We believe that by providing accessible resources, we can support every individual pet that comes into our care.
Your Partner in Adoption
Finding a new best friend is a joyous, life-changing journey, and our adoption counselors are here to help you find the perfect match for your family. Whether you are looking for a playful dog or a sweet cat, our team is committed to making the process supportive and transparent. We celebrate the unique bond between humans and animals and are here to ensure every transition into a forever home is a success.
Join Our Lifesaving Team
We invite you to visit our shelter in Chamblee to meet the wonderful animals currently waiting for their second chances. Whether you choose to adopt, foster, volunteer, or donate, your support makes a lasting impact on the lives of pets in need. We look forward to welcoming you soon!
Trust Assessment
GoldRated Sep 8, 2026
Municipal ShelterPhysical Facility
Online Review Highlights
- Compassionate staff
- Clean facility
- Long wait times
Coverage We Reviewed
Appen Media
9/16 - Pet of the week, Sutton, is the shy, sensitive type
Sutton (ID 61334881) is a shy, sensitive beauty who craves affection and a connection with people. At the shelter, she quietly went to sit next to a volunteer on a
Appen Media
9/10 - Pet of the Week: Acey Wace wants to go home with you
Meet Acey Wace, a gentle young fella with golden brown cow spots on his white fur, freckles on his nose, and perfect eyeliner. He takes treats gently and is an
Appen Media
8/30 - DeKalb County Pet of the Week, Knocker, overcame rough past
Knocker is a loving, well-adjusted dog with a resilient past, friendly to people and dogs alike. Visit DeKalb County Animal Services to meet him and consider adoption, fostering, or volunteering today.
Audacy
8/7 - Meet Kevin & Taylor's Furry Friend Friday: Nyssa
Adopt Nyssa, a loving senior dog from LifeLine Animal Project & DeKalb County Animal Services. She's housetrained, well-mannered, and seeks her forever home. | Star 94
On Common Ground News - 24/7 local news - Your community, Your news
7/24 - Meet DeKalb County’s Adoptable Pet of the Month - On Common Ground News - 24/7 local news
DEKALB COUNTY, GA—DeKalb County Animal Services and the LifeLine Animal Project are inviting those seeking to o become pet moms or dads to check out animals available for adoption. You can meet Clyde, the Adoptable Pet of the Month, and others available for adoption. We can't hide our love for Clyde. He's a good boy,
Appen Media
7/20 - Pet of the Week: Meet Nyssa, a playful and loving senior dog
Nyssa, an 11-year-old dog at DeKalb County Animal Services, knows tricks like sit and roll over and is ready for a loving home.
Fulton Neighbor
5/26 - Fulton County Animal shelter over capacity this spring
LifeLine Animal Project, which operates county animal shelters on behalf of Fulton and DeKalb, is reporting a significant increase in dog surrenders and adoption returns, overfilling their limited spaces.
Recent Videos
10/15 - It’s almost 2 PM, and only 1 of the original 9 urgent dogs has left the building. This leaves 8 dogs who desperately need placement by 7 PM TONIGHT. If you’ve considered fostering or adopting, please consider this video your sign. 🥺 Melvin, Anubis, Primo, Hobo, FrySauce, Lyric, Zircon, and Sutton are all patiently waiting for their happy ending. Each has different needs, different personalities, and different preferences… which means that no matter your lifestyle or circumstances, it’s very likely that one of them could be the right fit for your home. Please don’t wait until the end of the day. Come visit us TODAY. You don’t have to know which dog you want to meet before you arrive. You don’t have to have all the answers. You just have to be willing to show up, meet these dogs, and consider whether you could be the person who changes everything for one of them. 📍 DeKalb County Animal Services 3280 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, Chamblee, GA Fosters must live in Georgia and should come in person to meet the pet and speak with staff. Out-of-state adopters are welcome but are responsible for transportation. If you’re out of state and interested in one of these wonderful pups, please email adoption@dekalbanimalservices.com. These dogs are also eligible for rescue pull. If you represent a 501(c)3 rescue and would like more information, please email rescue@dekalbanimalservices.com. These 8 dogs are so deserving of a chance. They may need patience. They may need decompression, time to rest, and the chance to settle into a world that feels a little less overwhelming. But they have SO much love to give, and they deserve the opportunity to show someone who they are outside of a shelter kennel. Tonight at 7 PM is approaching quickly. Eight dogs are still waiting for someone to say, “I’ll give you a chance.” Please, if you can help, come see us TODAY. If you can’t take one home, share this video with someone who might be able to. One visit, one share, one yes could change the entire course of a dog’s life. Let’s get these babies out of the shelter and give them the chance they’ve been waiting for. ❤️
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10/13 - Yesbubble is here to remind you that today our shelter is 30+ dogs over capacity, and every Tuesday as we try to get numbers as low as possible, dog adoptions are FREE! Yesbubble is only a puppy at around 7 months, and she weighs 37 pounds. She is one of the over 500 dogs sitting in our shelter right now who would LOVE to go home with you. Even a short, 3-4 night foster makes such a difference on our shelter. If you are interested in fostering or adopting, we urge you to come to the shelter. We would love to chat with you about your home and lifestyle, and help you pick the pet who is the best match for you. Whether you want a cute little puppy like Yesbubble, or a calm, laid back senior, we have just about any pup you could want. And EVERY dog who leaves by 7pm tonight helps us get closer to not having a space-euthanasia list, which is always the goal. Come visit us TONIGHT to save a life. Yesbubble would love to say hello! 3280 Chamblee Dunwoody Road Chamblee, GA
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10/13 - Old Timer found someone committed to keeping him out of the shelter. 🥹 But SO many other seniors at DeKalb are still waiting for someone to choose them. These are just 4 of the 13 dogs over age 9 currently at DeKalb County Animal Services. Today, we’re 41 dogs OVER our humane capacity goal. That means we need 41+ dogs to leave by 7PM tonight to avoid a space euthanasia list. I know that number sounds impossible. But SO many dogs sitting in this shelter could fit into someone’s home seamlessly. I want people to understand just how EASY some of these babies are to bring home. We fostered Old Timer for the weekend, and he was one of the easiest dogs we’ve ever had. He slept pretty much the entire weekend, never made a peep, and didn’t need constant entertainment or endless exercise. He was happy with a soft place to land and somewhere quiet to rest his little head. Our own dogs, normally SO excited about new friends, practically forgot he was there. Keeping everyone separated was a breeze. He peacefully fit into our routine, and we barely had to change a thing. I can’t stop thinking about how many seniors are waiting for someone to realize they don’t need to bring home a project or a dog who turns their life upside down. Sometimes, a senior just wants a cozy bed, a little love, and a safe place to spend their days. If you’ve ever thought you didn’t have the time, space, or energy for a younger dog, PLEASE consider a senior. They deserve to be someone’s baby, too. You might be surprised by how little they ask in return for that chance. Today, choosing an EASY dog could make an enormous difference. You’re not just giving one dog a home. You’re relieving pressure on a shelter that desperately needs dogs to walk out those doors. Want to meet one of these babies? PLEASE come see us in person! Dog adoptions are FREE on Tuesdays, so there’s no adoption fee between you and your new best friend. Let’s give these sweet seniors the soft landings they’ve earned. They’ve spent enough time waiting. ❤️ 📍 3280 Chamblee Dunwoody Road Chamblee, GA Thank you so much, @rescuemomruns , for being Old Timer’s hero ❤️
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10/9 - Peas is one of 14 remaining urgent dogs who has received absolutely no interest, and we just don’t understand why. This sweet boy is a staff favorite whose happy, go-lucky personality is a joy to be around. He’s still an adolescent at only around a year and a half old, meaning he’s a little higher energy and would love to get regular exercise. Peas is around 54 pounds, heartworm negative, and neutered. He’s great with people and attends playgroup regularly; he’s considered dog-selective, because he’s still learning manners and sometimes other dogs aren’t too fond of that. That being said, he’s made a lot of progress and is a playgroup favorite. Peas is incredibly affectionate and eager to please. He just wants to be with people, which makes it even more heartbreaking that he’s being overlooked. He’s goofy, silly, waggy, and sweet…a combination that will make an absolutely incredible companion. We haven’t received much interest in any of our urgent dogs this week, and Peas is no exception. He hasn’t had any meet and greets. No one has emailed about him, and there hasn’t been anyone asking about him in our comments and dm’s. And that’s just heartbreaking, because he is such a good dog, and would be such an amazing addition to so many families. If you’re interested in meeting Peas or learning more about him, please come to the shelter TODAY. He has until 7PM tonight to find long-term placement, whether through foster, adoption, or a rescue pull. Fosters must live in the state of Georgia. Out of state adopters are allowed, but the adopter is responsible for transport and should email adoption@dekalbanimalservices.com ASAP. Interested 501(c)3 rescues should email rescue@dekalbanimalservices.com. Peas deserves a loving home. He deserves to be chosen. He deserves to feel safe. If you can give him those things, please stop by. He’d love to meet you. 3280 Chamblee Dunwoody Road Chamblee, GA
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10/7 - These are 5 of this week’s 17 urgent dogs. Seventeen dogs who are all deserving of a second chance. Seventeen dogs who want the same things we all do: to feel chosen, to know love, and to have a place to call home. Seventeen dogs who are still refusing to give up hope. We have nearly 500 dogs physically in our shelter, with another 500 in foster homes. That’s 1,000 dogs in ONE county in Atlanta. We can provide shelter, medical care, food, enrichment, and love. But what these dogs truly need is something we simply cannot provide: a home. But you can. If you’ve ever considered opening your home to a rescue dog, please consider this your sign. These 17 dogs have a euthanasia deadline of TOMORROW, Thursday at 7PM. NOT because they are bad dogs. NOT because we don’t love them. But because we are out of space, and we have to maintain humane conditions for the pets entrusted to our care. Shelters can never replace a loving home. When dogs begin to decline under the stress of shelter life, it is heartbreaking—but it is also real. We need homes. Foster homes. Adoptive homes. Our rescue partners are willing to help, but they need homes, too. You don’t have to offer perfection. You just have to offer a chance: a quiet place to decompress, feel safe, and remember what life is like outside of a shelter kennel. Maybe Nelson is exactly the dog you’ve been looking for. Maybe you meet Scotty and feel an instant connection. Maybe Frito chooses you. Maybe Tweety brings exactly the kind of joy your home has been missing. Maybe there’s a spot in your home that is meant for one of these dogs. Come visit us IN PERSON today. We’d love to introduce you to the pups and help you find the right match, whether that’s with an urgent dog, or one of the other deserving pups in our care. The dogs need you. ❤️ 📍 3280 Chamblee Dunwoody Road Chamblee, GA
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10/6 - 🐶 DONZI 🐶 is the perfect mix of chill, cuddly and playful. He's the perfect companion looking for his forever. 🐾 He's 6 years old and about 58 lbs of sweetheart, cuddles, and eternal joy. 🐾 Come meet this gentleman at 📍 DeKalb County Animal Services in Chamblee - 3280 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd, Chamblee, GA 30341 📋 "Donzi is a dreamboat, this brindle guy is as sweet as he is handsome and he is going to steal your heart, guaranteed. At 6 years old he is past the puppy madness, but still can jump for any toy he sees. After some playtime he is happy to chill by your side and is all about cuddle time. Some headlines by folks who had the pleasure of spending time with him: "Donzi is extremely friendly, playful, and goofy" and "A perfect gentleman". He is calm, open to learning new commands, and appears to be house trained. Come meet this charming pup today!"
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10/6 - How it started, and where we are now with sweet boy McScruffles aka Dexter 🤗 Love when we can introduce a new foster to the pack early! Sometimes we introduce after a few weeks, sometimes never. Depends on the foster and how resident pups are interacting through doors, gates and windows. It was very clear that these three wanted to be together. Huck is another story 😂 #fosterdog #malinois #gsd #adoptdontshop @lifelineanimal @dekalbanimals
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10/6 - We told Antler his adoption fees were waived today, but all he heard is that he might get adopted 🥺 It’s Take ‘Em Home Tuesday, which means FREE dog adoptions as we try and get as close to our humane capacity goal as possible today. We are started this Tuesday with 491 dogs physically in our building, which puts us 16 dogs over our humane capacity goal of 475. And as an open-intake shelter who never turns away an animal, we also expect intake throughout the day, meaning that ‘16’ isn’t stagnant. Truly, ANY dog who leaves by 7PM today, including Antler, has a HUGE impact on our shelter: the staff, the volunteers, and most importantly, the dogs. Even a 2-3 night, short-term foster makes a huge, life-saving impact. Antler has been in our care since July, and seeing his smiling face through the window is the highlight of SO many people’s days. He is estimated to be 4 years old, 59 pounds, and is heartworm negative. Antler has not been assessed with other dogs yet, but with legitimate foster or adoption interest, we can expedite his assessment. A lover toys, an enjoy of treats, and a sucker for human affection, Antler is more than ready to go home with you, even for just a few nights. To meet Antler or any of the other almost 500 dogs physically at the shelter, come visit us at 3280 Chamblee Dunwoody Road in Chamblee, GA. We are open today from 11AM to 7PM, and every single dog who leaves helps get us one step closer to not having a space-euthanasia list. Let’s do this, Atlanta!
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10/4 - ‼️New Foster Alert ‼️ Meet McScruffles from @dekalbanimals in Atlanta, GA. We have had this 1yr old boy for just over 24hrs. Things we have learned so far about this cutie: • Housebroken - zero accidents, not even marking • Super snuggly and loves to give hugs • Came into the shelter as a stray with another dog they think was his mother - both are HW+ • Loves toys and playing tug • On walks he has seen cats and squirrels and was indifferent • Crate trained, settles within minutes • Super playful and loves other dogs • Haven’t heard him make a sound, no barking or whining • Knows basic commands and is good on a leash • I don’t think he has ever met a stranger, he has loved everyone Let me know if you are interested or have questions about this sweet soul! Link in comments to his Lifeline profile 🖤 #adoptdontshop #fosterdog #malinois #gsd
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10/4 - 🐶 SIENNA 🐶 is a whirlwind of fun ready to spin into your life. She's a total sweetheart both with people and other dogs. 🐾 She's 3 years old and 41 lbs of joy 🐾 Come meet this girlie at 📍 DeKalb County Animal Services in Chamblee - 3280 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd, Chamblee, GA 30341 📋 "Meet Sienna, a 3-year-old who was brought to LifeLine by a "friendly finder" who kept her for a week before bringing her to the shelter. Based on that week in a home we can tell that Sienna walks well on leash, seems to know commands for Sit, Down, Stay and enjoys playing tug and fetch. She was also described as a quiet house-guest. Sienna has a lovely, shiny grey coat and super cute floppy ears. When she was out for her glamor shots, she had a great time exploring the yard and zooming around. Sienna liked playing with toys and showed off how high she can jump. She also did well in our playgroup playing tag with other dogs. Come meet this pretty pup and get ready to fall in love!"
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10/2 - Round TWO of sharing rumors we’ve heard about several of our pups. You have to ask them yourself if they’re true or not. We are starting our Friday with 505 dogs physically in the building. That is THIRTY dogs over our maximum humane capacity of 475. ANY dog who leaves for foster, rescue, or adoption saves a life and makes a HUGE impact on our staff, volunteers, and most importantly, the other animals in our shelter. If you’re interested in one of the pups in this post, we urge you to go to the shelter in person. We are open 7 days a week, Monday through Friday from 11AM to 7PM, and Saturdays and Sundays from 11AM to 6PM. Stop by TODAY and find your furry friend! 3280 Chamblee Dunwoody Road Chamblee, GA Guess in the comments what Olympic sport China competed in 👀
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