Fulton and DeKalb County animal shelters are seeing a sharp rise in pet surrenders this summer compared to last year.
LifeLine Animal Project, which manages the shelters, says the increase in intakes is tied to housing issues that pet owners are facing. The animal shelters are currently offering special promotions for the adoption of cats and dogs to help ease overcrowding.
Its “Twice the Fun for the Price of One” promotion allows people to adopt two cats or kittens for $25, through Aug. 31. The organization is also continuing its “Free Dog Friday” deal, which waives all adoption fees for dogs on Fridays through Aug. 29.
Regular adoption fees are $25 per cat and $85 per dog.
According to LifeLine, cat and kitten intakes rose by more than 70% in both Fulton and DeKalb between June 2024 and June 2025. Dog surrenders also surged, up 281% in Fulton and 125% in DeKalb between May 2024 and May 2025.
The spike in intake has pushed shelter populations to levels not seen in years. Fulton County Animal Services took in 984 animals in June — the highest number since 2017 — while DeKalb saw 979 animals, its second-highest intake in the same period.
A Lifeline spokesperson said that historically, pet surrenders tend to rise when people are facing hardship. In many cases, the shelters have seen pet owners surrender their animals due to eviction from rental homes and apartments, rising rent, moving or housing restrictions that limit where dogs can live.
“When people are struggling financially, our animals suffer as well,” Public Relations Manager Timyka Artist said. “That is why we need the help of the entire community to find homes for hundreds of animals in our care.”
All Lifeline adoptions include spay or neuter, microchipping, and vaccinations.
“Adopting cats in pairs helps with their socialization,” Artist said of the special promotion. “It reduces feline anxiety and helps them adjust to their new home.”
Visit the Lifeline Animal Project website for more information on adoptions.
