The animal shelter that serves Johns Creek has run out of housing space. Fulton County Animal Services is now accepting only animals in emergencies or with critical needs, under an intergovernmental agreement between the city and Fulton County.
Cat intakes at Fulton and DeKalb County shelters jumped nearly 58% between May 2025 and May 2026. Owner-surrendered dogs at Fulton County Animal Services rose nearly 48% over the same period, The Speculator, Chattahoochee High School's student newspaper, reported Sept. 29.
The shelter, at 1251 Fulton Industrial Blvd. NW in Atlanta, is managed by LifeLine Animal Project under contract with Fulton County. LifeLine took in 20,497 animals across its two county shelters in 2025 and posted a 90.7% lifesaving rate that year, according to LifeLine's published statistics.
Overcrowding strains more than kennel space. Volunteer Hilary Phillips told WABE on Aug. 31 that court-held dogs compound the problem. "If those court case dogs were not there, there would have been no, not one, capacity-based euthanasia list in Fulton for the whole year," Phillips said.
In August, Fulton County commissioners voted 5-0 to direct the county attorney's office to work with LifeLine on filing cost-of-care petitions within two weeks of an animal being seized, WABE reported. LifeLine spokesperson Timkya Artist told WABE it costs about $40 a day to care for each shelter animal.
By May, the county was holding a free dog adoption event because the shelter was "dozens of dogs over capacity," according to a Fulton County announcement. Dog adoptions normally cost $85. Every adopted animal comes with vaccinations, a microchip and spaying or neutering.
According to LifeLine's foster program page, the greatest need is foster homes for medium-to-large dogs weighing 40 to 60 pounds. Foster families receive vet care, supplies and adoption assistance at no cost. Due to overcrowding and disease risk, LifeLine has paused dog meet-and-greets with resident pets at DeKalb County Animal Services.
Emerson Lee, a Chattahoochee High School senior who works at an animal clinic, told The Speculator that supply donations help too. Lee said people commonly donate pet beds, food they no longer need, and towels and blankets.
Residents who want to help can also volunteer at the shelter. LifeLine's more than 700 volunteers clean kennels, feed animals, photograph pets and staff adoption events. Volunteers ages 10 and up are welcome, though anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Johns Creek residents can reach Fulton County Animal Services at (404) 613-0358 or visit lifelineanimal.org for foster, volunteer and donation details. Check lifelineanimal.org/events for upcoming adoption events.
