LifeLine Animal Project Pleads for Adopters and Fosters As Metro Atlanta Shelter Intake Numbers Spike with No End In Sight
Ongoing crisis means 30-45 dogs at risk for euthanasia per week
ATLANTA, GA – (September 7, 2023) LifeLine Animal Project, which manages shelters for both DeKalb County Animal Services (DCAS) and Futon County Animal Services (FCAS), is urging the public to help save lives. Due to astronomically high intake numbers at both locations, more dogs are at risk of euthanasia because of a lack of space.
In DeKalb County:
- More than 650 dogs are currently housed in the shelter (the highest number of animals ever cared for at one time)
- 135 dogs arrive each week
- 30 dogs each week are at risk of euthanasia
- Urgently looking to find homes for at least 250 dogs by September 14th
The situation is just as dire in Fulton County:
- 131 dogs arrived at the animal shelter just last week
- For every 10 dogs that enter the shelter only 7 are leaving (through adoption, foster, reclaim, or rescue)
- More than 460 dogs are currently in care between the Fulton County Animal Services shelter and LifeLine Midtown overflow adoption center
- The shelter is running well overcapacity, with 10-15 dogs being considered for euthanasia each week due to a severe lack of space
“We are euthanizing dogs who could be saved if it weren’t for the lack of shelter space to humanely house them,” said LifeLine CEO Rebecca Guinn. “These dogs belong in homes, not our county shelters. We can’t save them without more help from the public.”
Our teams are working around the clock to get as many animals into homes as possible, but we have reached well beyond the resources available as we navigate this ongoing crisis. The shelter can only do so much. It is up to our community to save lives.
How can you help?
Please consider adopting immediately from any of LifeLine’s four shelter locations. If you are unable to adopt, consider fostering for a shorter time period. Finally, if your pet goes missing please visit the Fulton or DeKalb County shelter as soon as possible to look for them. If you find a pet, please file a found dog report and Take 48 hours to help them find their way back home. If you would like to make a donation to help the animals please visit LifeLineAnimal.org/donate.
