Giving up your pet is a difficult decision, and PAWS Atlanta is here to help. First and foremost, remember that your pet depends entirely on you to do what's best for their future. There are also thousands of other cute, smart, and well-trained pets waiting in shelters, so placement will take time, effort, and patience. A few things to consider:
1) Can you return your dog or cat to the breeder, rescue, or person you originally got your pet from? Responsible breeders will either assist you in finding a new home or take the pet back to rehome themselves. Many rescues also state in their contracts that the pet must be returned to them, no matter how much time has passed.
2) Is your pet exhibiting unwanted behavior? Most chewing, pottying, digging, and other common frustrations can be corrected with proper tools and techniques. These behaviors can also be signs of other physical or emotional distress, so taking them to a vet appointment is always a good idea. We are glad to provide information about training and other solutions for your dog or cat to be happy and well-behaved in your home!
3) Are you moving? There are rental houses and apartments out there that do allow pets. To give yourself a better chance of securing a pet-friendly rental, include references from neighbors, previous landlords, and veterinarians. Encourage your new landlord to meet your well-behaved, flea-free pet! Most of all, allow as much time as possible to find a suitable place for you and your pet. You can also use the free service, Barkably, that will match you with dog-friendly apartments near you.
4) Feeling like you don't have enough time? Dog walking services and doggie daycare are great options for busy humans that love their pets. But getting exercise is good for your health and decreases stress too! Before rehoming your pet, try spending just 15-30 before or after work playing fetch or taking a stroll together. This is true for cats as well - a few minutes of interactive playtime each day can make a big difference. We bet you'll both be happier!
5) Tight on cash? We all go through hard times. To assist, PAWS Atlanta offers low-cost veterinary services and free pet food to help families who are struggling to care for their pets financially.
Admission Policy
Animals are admitted when space is available, on a case by case basis. Both health and temperament assessments are required, along with a surrender fee (see below) to off-set the cost of care. Animal admission is at the sole discretion of PAWS Atlanta management.
Intake Appointments
Appointments are required to allow our staff to collect medical history and behavioral data about each incoming pet. While an appointment is required to surrender your animal, this appointment is not a guarantee that your animal will be accepted. To request an appointment, please complete the short Animal Admission Questionnaire and email it to info@pawsatlanta.org. You also call 770-593-1155. Please be prepared to answer ALL questions on the questionnaire before calling. Please also bring a completed copy of the Dog or Cat History Form to your appointment.
When you arrive for your scheduled appointment, please bring your pet in a crate, carrier, or secured on a leash. Ring the doorbell in the yellow box outside the gate, and a staff member will come meet you. Our vet team will bring your pet back to our clinic, conduct an exam, and if admitted, request your surrender fee and all medical history.
If you arrive at PAWS Atlanta without an appointment, we will request that you schedule an appointment via info@pawsatlanta.org or over the phone (770-593-1155) and return on the day of your scheduled appointment. No walk-ins will be accepted.
Surrender Fee
There is a $75 surrender fee for bringing an animal to PAWS Atlanta. This fee helps offset the cost of feeding, housing, and providing veterinary services needed in order to make your surrendered pet ready for adoption. You will be asked to present your valid Driver’s License or State ID to release an animal. We make no guarantee of being able to accept any animal.
Animal Return Policy
Animals adopted from PAWS Atlanta can always be returned to us. We do ask for notice and time to secure space when possible.
Found a stray pet?
DeKalb County law states that all stray animals found in DeKalb County MUST be taken to DeKalb County Animal Services, 3280 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, Chamblee, GA 30341 for the opportunity to be reunited with their owner. It is not possible for an owner to check every animal rescue across the state of Georgia, therefore Animal Control is the central location for lost pets to be found. The DeKalb County Animal Control phone number is 404-294-2996.