Finding Your New Best Friend: City Animal Shelters in Atlanta

A city renowned for having a vibrant culture and Southern charm, Atlanta is also a haven for animal lovers. Its heart for compassion and commitment to responsible pet ownership is evident in the many animal shelters scattered about. These are havens to the countless furry, feathered, and scaled babies eagerly awaiting their forever homes. Check out these city animal shelters in Atlanta:

Atlanta Humane Society

1551 Perry Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 

One of the oldest charities in Atlanta is the Atlanta Humane Society. Founded in 1873, it is a no-kill shelter that adopts, provides medical care, and does community outreach. Its initial focus was on women, children, and animals, and as the city evolved, it shifted its primary attention to animal welfare. Its primary advocacy is to enact and strengthen animal protection laws at local, state, and federal levels.

Learn more about the Atlanta Humane Society

LifeLine Animal Project

3180 Presidential Dr, Atlanta, GA 30340 

Dedicated to ending the euthanasia of healthy and treatable animals in Atlanta, LifeLine Animal Project is a city animal shelter founded in 2002. It provides shelter management, overseeing both DeKalb and Fulton County Animal Services. It has successfully increased adoption rates by 300%! It also offers a shelter that provides specialized care for animals with medical and behavioral needs.

Learn more about LifeLine Animal Project

Southern Animal Volunteer Effort (SAVE)

2897 N Druid Hills Rd NE PMB 207, Atlanta, GA 30329

As its acronym suggests, Southern Animal Volunteer Effort (SAVE) aims to save as many animals as they can in the South. They do this through adoption and education, advocating for people to find pets from shelters instead of breeders. They rescue and rehabilitate, place these animals in their forever homes, and promote responsible pet ownership. Their efforts have resulted in a reduced number of homeless animals in the South and a community that's more passionate about animal welfare.

Learn more about Southern Animal Volunteer Effort

Furkids Midtown ATL

650 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308 

A vital part of the larger Furkids organization, Furkids Midtown ATL is Georgia's largest no-kill animal shelter and rescue. It facilitates the adoption of cats and dogs into loving forever homes in the heart of Atlanta. It also rescues animals from shelters and off the streets, giving them the care they need. In addition, it engages with the community by providing education and volunteer opportunities. Furkids also offers affordable spay and neuter services to help curb the pet population in the area.

Learn more about Furkids Midtown ATL

PAWS Atlanta

5287 Covington Hwy, Decatur, GA 30035 

Holding the distinction of being Georgia’s oldest no-kill animal shelter, PAWS Atlanta has found homes for more than 49,000 animals. They are committed to finding loving homes for cats and dogs of all ages and breeds. They rescue them from overcrowded and high-kill facilities. Furthermore, they provide low-cost spay/neuter, veterinary care, and vaccines for the community. They also assist pet owners facing financial hardships with food and other furry companions' supplies. Its strong focus on community engagement has given PAWS Atlanta a solid reputation for providing exceptional care to animals and support to pet owners.

Learn more about PAWS Atlanta

Fulton County Animal Services

1251 Fulton Industrial Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30336 

Working in partnership with LifeLine Animal Project, Fulton County Animal Services manages city animal shelters, adoptions, and other animal welfare services in Fulton County. They are tasked with enforcing animal control laws, responding to calls about stray animals, and investigating cases of animal cruelty. In addition, they manage a shelter for lost, abandoned, and surrendered animals. They also find homes for animals through adoption programs and offer affordable spay and neuter services, among others. Aside from all these, they are active in doing community outreach work to educate the public about responsible pet ownership.

Learn more about Fulton County Animal Services

Releash Atlanta

2634 Rangewood Ct NE, Atlanta, GA 30345

Working tirelessly to save dogs from high-kill shelters, Releash Atlanta is a non-profit, 100% volunteer-run rescue organization. They provide immediate care and find loving, responsible families for rescued dogs. While they don't operate a physical shelter, they rely on a network of foster homes to provide temporary care. Releash Atlanta is also dedicated to educating the public about responsible pet ownership and encouraging the adoption of shelter animals. Through their volunteer-driven efforts and community partnerships, they make a significant difference in the lives of countless dogs.

Learn more about Releash Atlanta

Atlanta Animal Rescue Friends (AARF)

951 Main St, Stone Mountain, GA 30083 

While Atlanta Animal Rescue Friends (AARF) is dedicated to saving and helping cats and dogs in need, it also operates a unique retail space. Called AARF Pet Central Shop, it is a community hub where fur parents can find high-quality pet supplies while supporting a worthy cause. Each purchase directly contributes to the care of these animals, such as medical care, food, and shelter. The store regularly hosts adoption events, educational workshops, and many others, all aiming to bring pet lovers together.

Learn more about Atlanta Animal Rescue Friends (AARF)

Good Mews Animal Foundation

3805 Robinson Road, Marietta, GA 30068 

Offering an innovative approach to cat rescue and adoption, Good Mews Animal Foundation has a cage-free environment. This creates a more comfortable and less stressful atmosphere for their feline residents until they find forever homes for them. Like most on this list, they tirelessly promote public awareness about the importance of spaying/neutering our pets. They also advocate for responsible pet ownership and reducing the number of unwanted kittens. Its standout feature is its HALO program, which stands for Home At Last Option. This program is dedicated to caring for cats with chronic or severe medical conditions.

Learn more about Good Mews Animal Foundation

Second Life Atlanta

1 N Clarendon Ave, Avondale Estates, GA 30002 

While not really a city animal shelter, Second Life Atlanta is doing immense work for the benefit of animals in need. It runs upscale thrift stores, where the proceeds from the sales are donated to local animal shelters, rescues, and spay/neuter programs. Since then, it has donated over $2.5 million, sponsored over 10,000 spay/neuters, and kept more than 2 million items out of landfills. Additionally, it regularly hosts events and partnerships with local animal organizations to help raise awareness about pet adoption. 

Learn more about Second Life Atlanta