Local Animal Shelters Reach Record Levels

Cobb, DeKalb, and Fulton Animal Services all report an unprecedented number of dogs and cats at the county animal shelters. According to several animal welfare volunteers and shelter representatives, the numbers have increased significantly since last year ago, putting extra strain on a system already stretched thin.

According to Steve Hammond, director of Cobb County Animal Services, “While the number of intakes has increased by 22 percent, the number of adoptions has also risen by 38 percent. That’s the good news.” Cobb is currently working to institute a foster program for stray animals, which it plans to roll out in the fall, if not sooner.

Chuck Norris Dorchinsky, scheduled for euthanasia earlier this year at a county shelter, was saved the day before by Cheryl and Steve Dorchinsky. He is now living his best life taking long walks in the park, riding in cars, dancing and snuggling with his beloved family.

In DeKalb and Fulton counties, the situation is critical. Lifeline Animal Project is the non-profit organization that manages both shelters. According to Timyka Artist, the Lifeline spokesperson for DeKalb and Fulton Animal Services, adoptions at both shelters are down 30 percent. In DeKalb, dog intake is up 60 percent from a year ago. Ideally, the maximum number of animals at the DeKalb shelter is 470, though they are currently housing more than 700 animals. At the Fulton and Midtown shelters, the halls are lined with animals in crates, with staff taking advantage of every possible space to save the animals.

Lifeline is urging people not to bring healthy dogs they find to their Fulton and DeKalb shelters since most displaced pets are typically less than a mile away from home. Instead, they are asking finders to take at least 48 hours to try and locate the owner. Checking for a microchip and putting up large signs with the pet’s photo will aid in getting them back to their rightful owner. The “Take 48” initiative (lifelineanimal.org/found-pets) provides step-by-step instructions for anyone who has found a pet. Lifeline also has a foster program in place.

Animal advocates point to the current housing crisis as the primary reason for the steep increase in animals without homes. “Many landlords charge expensive pet fees and often restrict certain breeds of larger dogs. Many of the dogs in our shelters are medium to large size,” said Artist.

Hammond points to the number of evictions and people unable to afford the cost of higher rents as the Atlanta housing market becomes more expensive. “Many people are not willingly leaving their pets behind. They have run out of options, and they are visibly upset, crying as they leave their beloved pets here at the shelter. Some have tried living with their pet at a friend or family member’s home. Many even live out of their cars as they try to navigate a very difficult situation,” said Hammond.

Pearl Schemo, adopted by Carol and Nathan Schemo in 2011, is enjoying her golden years popping bubble wrap, snuggling, and eating all the treats she is offered. Until his recent passing, Skid, her feline brother, was her confidante and best friend.

Thankfully, all three counties have minimized the number of dogs facing euthanasia. Artist pointed out DeKalb and Fulton are classified as open access, no kill shelters, in fact. Lifeline’s contracts with both counties stipulate they cannot turn animals away from the shelter. Cobb also takes in all animals and has an 89 percent live release rate. No kill shelters must meet a 90 percent live release rate to be classified as such.

Paws Between Homes hopes to fill the gap between people with pets facing displacement, homelessness, or uncertain housing circumstances. The non-profit organization matches vetted foster homes with people who need temporary housing for their pets. Pets are able to stay in a foster home for up to 90 days, with some leeway for extensions. Launched in 2020, Paws Between Homes will provide needed veterinary care, food, and updated vaccines if necessary.

“The price of rents has skyrocketed in Atlanta, with the pool of affordable housing diminishing for many of our clients,” said Cole Thaler, co-founder and board president of Paws Between Homes. A recent report from Partners for HOME, an organization that develops and implements strategies to end homelessness in Atlanta, found that the number of people experiencing homelessness in Atlanta has gone up by a third from 2022 to 2023.

“The average cost of a one-bedroom apartment in Atlanta is $1,700, making it difficult for many people to secure a place to live. Yet even with the high cost of rent, only 10 percent of people who utilize Paws Between Homes’ foster program are unable to take their pets back. In those cases, the pets are typically rehomed with their foster on a permanent basis,” Thaler added.

Finley Franco was rescued by Loryn Franco and her teens, Sam and Jonah, from Adopt-a-Golden. He loves hiking with his family, playing with other dogs and catching a ball.

All fosters participate on a volunteer basis, and there is no charge to clients for the program. Donations from the community have kept the foster program going since 2020. There are currently 20 dogs and cats in the program and a waiting list of 50. The number of animals accepted is based on the availability of program fosters.

The advice from the leaders of area shelters and rescue organizations is the same — people looking for pets should first visit their local animal shelters and rescue organizations. They advise against going to a breeder or buying from a pet store. All emphasize there are trained, loving dogs, including many who are purebred, at shelters and rescues.

During the summer, through Fulton and DeKalb’s Free Dog Friday program, families may adopt any dog over 25 pounds free of charge. Cobb also offers a similar program with free Monday parking lot adoptions. During July at the Cobb shelter, all adoptions will be $20. All animals come spay/neutered, microchipped, and vaccinated free of charge.

To volunteer, foster, transport, donate or learn more about Paws Between Homes, visit www.pawsbetweenhomes.org.

For those looking for a new canine or feline family member, visit cobbpd.policetocitizen.com/Animals/Catalog, dekalbanimalservices.com/adopt/ or fultonanimalservices.com/adopt/.