Free Adoptions After Influx Of Animals: Atlanta Area Shelters

ATLANTA, GA — Atlantans are asked to adopt or foster a pet this week, as area animal shelters took in a staggering 358 animals in the past week. Because of the urgent need, LifeLine Animal Project is waiving all fees, including spaying and neutering, microchipping and vaccinations.

Four animal shelters — DeKalb County Animal Services (DCAS), Fulton County Animal Services (FCAS), the LifeLine Community Animal Center and the LifeLine Cat Adoption Center — are participating in the fee-free adoption event.

See a list of shelters and a list of adoptable animals.

DCAS Shelter Director Kerry Moyers-Horton said there isn't a sure reason as to why intake has increased so much. "While the majority of these animals are strays, intake typically decreases some in October, so we aren’t sure why so many are entering the shelter now," she said. "Putting ID on your pet, including a microchip and tag, is one of the best ways to prevent them from becoming a stray."

Another shelter director, Lara Hudson of FCAS, said adoption rates typically drop around this time of year. "People become busy with Fall plans and kids returning to school, so our adoption and foster rates decline this time of year which is why we so urgently need the community’s help," Hudson said.

If you can't adopt, Hudson said, you're encouraged to foster, even if just for a few weeks.