DECATUR, Ga.– DeKalb County will break ground on its highly anticipated animal shelter overflow units on Thursday, Nov. 21, at 2 p.m. at the DeKalb Animal Services center, 3280 Chamblee Dunwoody Road. This milestone marks a significant step toward addressing the county’s animal overpopulation crisis and improving conditions for shelter animals.

“This groundbreaking is a testament to the power of advocacy and collaboration,” said Commissioner Michelle Long Spears, a champion for animal wellbeing. “Together, we are creating a humane, innovative solution that addresses immediate shelter needs while continuing to push for stronger legislation, education, and resources to combat the root causes of overpopulation.”

The “Pet Neighborhood” concept will feature state-of-the-art facilities designed to enhance the wellbeing of shelter animals and streamline adoption efforts. It also reflects the county’s commitment to innovative and humane solutions for animal care.

“This new space is more than just an expansion—it represents hope for thousands of animals who will now have a safer, more comfortable place to stay while they wait for their forever homes,” said Rebecca Guinn, CEO of LifeLine, which manages the DeKalb Animal Services center. “This project shows what is possible when our community unites for a common cause.”

The project faced delays due to right-of-way concerns, but a recent unanimous vote by the Chamblee City Council resolved these issues, paving the way for construction.

“It is my pleasure to see the shelter overflow units come to fruition,” said Commissioner Robert Patrick. “This project reflects the strong partnership between the Board of Commissioners and the Administration. Together, we identified a critical need, and with the support of the CEO, we were able to allocate SPLOST dollars to make this vision a reality.”

The public is invited to join the celebration and learn more about the exciting plans for the “Pet Neighborhood.” Attendees will also hear from Commissioner Long Spears, Guinn and other local leaders on how the county is coming together to address the animal overpopulation challenges.