DeKalb County Animal Enforcement Services (DCAES) is managed by the DeKalb County Public Safety division. DCAES provides care, education, and protection services for animals in the fight against cruelty, while enforcing County ordinances and state animal-related laws.
DCAES continues to ensure protective measures for staff and the public to reduce the risk of COVID virus exposure and transmission.
Business Hours
Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 5:00pm
Saturday – Sunday, emergencies only
To request service, call 404.294.2996 x2 or submit the Animal Service Request form online.
To report animal cruelty, call the Cruelty Report Hotline: 404.294.2939. Please provide the address of the animal in need. You may remain anonymous. The cruelty hotline and service request form submissions are monitored Mon – Fri, 8:30am – 4:30pm. For after hours service requests, please call 678.406.7929.
Due to the volume of emails received, please allow 2-3 business days for a response. If your matter is urgent (dog bite, cruelty, rabies or injured animal) and it is during business hours, please contact our office by phone to speak with one of our Animal Enforcement dispatchers at 404.294.2996 x2. Please do not submit urgent requests online.
If you are submitting a barking dog complaint, you must include your name, phone number and address, or your request will not be valid. Additionally, you may have to appear in court if necessary.
During business hours, Animal Enforcement handles the following:
- Dog bites
- Injured animals
- Cruelty or neglect of animals
- Dangerous or vicious animals
- Dog and/or cockfighting
- Loose animals
- Leash law violations
- Welfare checks
- Excessive animal noise
- License/rabies vaccination violations
Although the main office is closed, Animal Enforcement is available after business hours and on weekends for emergencies only. Emergencies consist of police assists, animal cruelty, animal bites, or other serious needs, and all calls that are routed through 911.
Danyal Harper
Officer Harper has been in the field for a "long, long time." He loves helping 2-legged and 4-legged alike, and always "talks" to the animals, even the "angry ones." Officer Harper also loves old school cartoons and movies.
Tamica Pack
Coordinator Pack has a deep love and compassion for both animals and people. She's been with DeKalb County for 22 years. Coordinator Pack grew up with dogs, cats and even goats. She's excited about the increasing attention and recognition that the Animal Services and Care field is beginning to receive.
Johntavius Howard
Officer Howard loves every form of art: music, painting, dance. His favorite animal is an elephant, but his favorite type of dog is a Mastiff. Officer Howard is a jokester and loves making people laugh! He takes pride in his work and in well representing Animal Services in and around the community.
Derrick Cain
Officer Cain enjoys working with animals, and he likes being a team player and serving the citizens of DeKalb County with his team.
Murray Ruth
Officer Ruth enjoys working in public service and helping to protect animals who can’t speak for themselves.
Sierra Jackson
Officer Jackson started with us in July 2022. She is new to DeKalb, but not to working with animals! Her favorite part of the job is educating people on how to become better pet owners and working with all of the animals she encounters; goats, dogs, cats, snakes, and chickens. It’s NEVER boring! She is the proud owner of a lovable, adorable Chiweenie named “Nibblet” Her level of compassion for both people and animals has tremendously increased since starting this job!
Maurice McDonald
Officer McDonald is a dedicated husband and father, who recently relocated to Atlanta from Nevada. His family couldn’t decide, so they own both a cat and a dog! He enjoys helping others and working with animals. Officer McDonald devoted many hours of volunteer time at his local shelter back home. He has learned in his short period of time as an ACO that there is much work to be done around responsible pet ownership education.
Ray Spurlock
Officer Spurlock has been an Animal Control officer for a little over 10 years. Working in this field has taught him patience and his favorite part of this job is that there’s never a dull moment.
Derrick Harris
Officer Harris comes from a family of public safety professionals, and grew up aspiring to have a career in public safety as well. He enjoys working with animals and his time as an Animal Control Officer has been both fun and rewarding. He also enjoys educating the public on animal laws and how to become a better pet owner.
Story From The Field
By following these tips below, you can help prevent the spread of rabies.
- Keep your pets from running-at-large.
- Don’t leave trash outside, feed wild animals or make contact with any wild animals.
- Make sure your pet’s rabies vaccination is current.
- Have your pet vaccinated each year for rabies.
- Register your pet with Dekalb County Animal Services.
On SEPTEMBER 24, 2023, a BAT was captured in the 900 block of Holly Hedge Rd in Stone Mountain. It later tested POSITIVE for Rabies.
On APRIL 2, 2023, a stray DOG was captured in the 1200 block of Constitution Rd in Atlanta. It later tested POSITIVE for Rabies.
On April 25, 2022, a BAT was rescued from a pond near McNair Middle School and later tested positive for rabies.
On November 2, 2021, a RACOON was captured in the 2300 Block of North Eiffel Ct in Decatur that later tested positive for rabies.
On October 17, 2021, a BAT was captured in the 1800 Block of Westminister Way in Atlanta that later tested positive for rabies.
On Jul 10, 2021, a FOX was captured in the 2900 Block of Turner Hill Rd in Lithonia that later tested positive for rabies.
On December 10, 2020, a COYOTE was captured in the 1600 Block of Folkstone Rd NE in Atlanta that later tested positive for rabies.
On March 28, 2020, a RACOON was captured in the 1800 Block of Gainsbrough Drive in Atlanta that later tested positive for rabies.
On August 15, 2019, a FOX was captured in the 1900 Block of Spencer Oaks Lane in Lithonia that later tested positive for rabies.
PET HELP
For assistance with housing, pet behavior, finding affordable vet care and more, please view our pet help resources. You can also email the DCAS Pet Help team for further information.
HOME FREE PROGRAM
Don’t wait to take action if your pet is missing. If they’re lost and brought to the shelter for the first time, we will waive reclaim fees and any dog-at-large citation so you can quickly reclaim them at no cost!
PET HELP
For assistance with housing, pet behavior, finding affordable vet care and more, please view our pet help resources. You can also email the DCAS Pet Help team for further information.
TRAP REQUEST
To make the most efficient use of staff and resources, Animal Enforcement uses wire traps to catch hard-to-catch domestic animals. An officer will set and bait the trap for you.
Wildlife
As more development in Atlanta destroys the homes of wildlife, wild animals are forced into smaller spaces, including our own backyards. While we may see these animals as a nuisance, they are simply trying to survive. This article by the HSUS explains how to live with the wildlife in our communities.
Here is a list of wildlife rehabilitators, and Wild Nest Bird Rehab has steps for you to follow if you find a bird in metro Atlanta.
If you need assistance with wildlife, please contact AWARE at 678.418.1111 or the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) at 1.800.241.4113.
Deceased Animals
DeKalb County Animal Enforcement Services does not provide removal of deceased animals. For pickup of deceased animals in public spaces, please call the Department of Sanitation at 404.294.2900
DeKalb County Animal Services Advisory Board
Meets the 3rd Thursday of every month at 6:30 pm
MEETING LINK:
Click here for the Zoom link
Use password: 246229
