Animal Enforcement

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.

dekalb animal enforcement officer smiling in front of a truck
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.

Meet the Officers
Rabies

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.

Residents in the area of 1224 Constitution Rd should be aware that a stray Chihuahua was captured on APRIL 2, 2023, and later bit someone has 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.

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.

Other Helpful Contacts
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

Donate Today

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