Find a Rescue Group
You may call the animal shelter for contact information for local rescues and humane organizations. You can also Google “Atlanta Rescue Groups” for additional information. There is a local directory for metro Atlanta rescue groups at www.spotsociety.org. Owners can search either by dog or cat rescue, and can search for groups that rescue specific breeds as well. Another www.theshelterpetproject.org where you can look up shelters/rescue groups around the USA! Most rescue groups are run by volunteers so you will need to leave a message or send an email with information about the animals (and photos). They will contact you back if they have space available for your animal.

Courtesy Facebook Post on the Shelter page
The Douglas County Animal Shelter cannot take your animal, but we can post them on Facebook for the community to reach out directly to you for adoption! Please send us an email at: animalshelter@co.douglas.ga.us We will send you back a quick questionnaire about the animal for us to post with 1-3 photos of your pet.

Advertise Locally

• Advertise through friends, neighbors, and local veterinarians first; then try the newspaper, if all else fails. Your chances of finding a good home are increased when you check references with someone you know.

• Take every opportunity to physically showcase dogs – have them accompany you to pet stores, parks, community events, and other pet-friendly venues wearing an "Adopt Me" scarf!

Do a Home Check & Contract for the New Owner

• Visit the prospective new home in order to get a feel for the environment in which your pet will be living. Explain that the pet is part of your family and that you want to make sure she will be cared for properly and that you want to see how the animal responds to the new home. Screen potential homes carefully.

• Don’t be fooled. If anyone refuses to allow you to visit their home, do not place your pet with them. Individuals known as “flippers” routinely answer “free to good home” ads, posing as people who want family pets when, in actuality, they sell pets to animal dealers who in turn sell animals to institutions for invasive experiments. These people are “professionals” who may even bring children or their mothers with them when picking up pets. They also may adopt to turn around and sell the animal for a profit to someone else.

• Always be mindful of your own safety when you go to interview potential adopters or if you allow a prospective adopter to enter your home.

• Carefully consider all the elements of the new home: Will your pet get along with small children? Is the family planning to keep the dog chained outside as a watch dog? Will the cat be kept only as a mouser? Does the family have a veterinary reference? Do not be shy about asking questions. Your pet’s life and happiness may depend on it.

• Ask for a valid form of identification (preferably a driver’s license). Make a copy of it as part of the transaction.

• Have your pet neutered or spayed before he or she goes to the new home. This will make the animal more adoptable and help stop irresponsible breeding. You should also get the dog microchipped and register the chip to the new owner

• Make a Transfer of Ownership contract. Write a quick letter stating your are handing ownership to this new person. Have them sign it accepting the new ownership. Include the animal information and both parties' contact information and address in the letter. You can also require the new owner to sign a contract stating the requirements of adoption upon which both parties agree. As part of the contract, require the new owner to contact you if he or she decides at some point that they must give up the pet.

Resources to help you KEEP your pet

Behavior Problems
If you are dealing with a pet behavior problem, consider first consulting with your veterinarian. Many problems may be due to a treatable medical condition. For example, a housetrained pet may begin urinating in the house due to a urinary tract infection rather than a behavior problem. Your veterinarian will be able to rule out any physical cause of the problem and may also be able to refer you to an animal behaviorist or trainer in your community who has the experience and expertise to help address your pet’s behavior problem. There are also many resources on our website that offer helpful tips on solving pet behavior problems. Read our cat and dog behavior tips. Click here to see our list of local dog trainers.

Housing Problems
In a recent study, “moving” and “landlord won’t allow” were among the top reasons for the relinquishment of pets to shelters. If you are moving and are having trouble finding animal-friendly housing, or are experiencing other pet-related housing difficulties, please see our resources »
If you know you are intending to move or are going to be evicted, start looking for a rescue or new home for your pet immediately. Very few rescues can take animals the same day you call. Do not wait until the day of eviction to call a rescue!

Allergies or other Health Problems
Do you or a family member have a health problem (for example, an allergy or an infection that weakens the immune system) that makes it difficult to keep your pet? Has a physician actually recommended you give up your pet? Before taking such a step, read our information on how you can help an allergic or immunocompromised person keep their pet without sacrificing their health or comfort.

Financial Need- Food
The Douglas County Humane Society provides animal food for those in financial hardship while you get back on your feet. Please visit our Pet Pantry page for more information and to apply for this program.

Financial Need- Vetting
There are some vet offices in the Atlanta area that provide low cost spay/neuter, vaccines, surgeries and emergencies procedures. Please visit our Local Vets page for more information.