Animal Services & Enforcement
DeKalb County Animal Services & Enforcement works to protect public health and safety while promoting the humane treatment and responsible ownership of animals throughout the county.
The division enforces local and state animal laws, responds to animal-related concerns, investigates complaints, and partners with public health and shelter organizations to serve residents and their pets.
This page provides an overview of Animal Services & Enforcement, including reporting tools, rabies information, and how to request assistance.
Animal Services & Enforcement officers help maintain safe neighborhoods and protect animal welfare across DeKalb County. Officers respond to calls for service, enforce ordinances, and work with pet owners and the community to ensure compliance with animal laws.
Leadership
Director Natasha Wallen
Natasha Wallen serves as Director of Animal Enforcement Services for DeKalb County. With more than 15 years of progressive leadership experience in public safety and county government, she oversees regulatory enforcement operations focused on animal welfare, community safety, and operational excellence.
Ms. Wallen holds an MBA in Finance and is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP). She has led multi-departmental initiatives to improve staffing, streamline workflows, modernize processes, and enhance service delivery for residents. Under her leadership, the department has strengthened professional standards, improved response operations, and advanced strategic planning efforts.
Her background includes service with the DeKalb County Police Department, the Office of Public Safety, and public safety education. She is committed to accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement in serving the DeKalb community.
Mission
To protect the public and promote animal welfare through fair, consistent, and compassionate enforcement of DeKalb County’s animal ordinances ensuring safer communities and humane treatment for all animals.
Goals
Public Safety and Welfare: Proactively reduce threats posed by dangerous, neglected, or stray animals through education, enforcement, and collaboration with community partners.
Community Engagement and Trust: Foster partnerships with residents, organizations, and other County departments to strengthen compliance, awareness, and mutual respect.
Services Provided
- Response to loose, injured, aggressive, or dangerous animals
- Investigation of animal cruelty, neglect, and abandonment
- Follow-up on animal bites and rabies exposure incidents
- Animal welfare checks and compliance inspections
- Public education and outreach related to responsible pet ownership
Animal Services coordinates closely with shelter partners and the DeKalb
County Board of Health to ensure a humane and effective approach to
animal care and public safety.
Contact & Hours
DeKalb County Animal Services & Enforcement
Hours of Operations
DeKalb County Animal Enforcement Services provides public safety assistance twenty-four (24) hours a day, seven (7) days a week through a scheduled on-call rotation.
- Front Office hours: Monday-Friday 8:30 AM-5:00 PM
- The weekday on-call begins at 10:00 PM at the conclusion of the evening shift.
- Saturday & Sunday on-call begins at 8:00 PM
- The on-call shift ends at 7:00 AM at the start of the day shift.
Phone: 404-294-2996 ext.2
- After office hours, calls are automatically forwared to the main E911 call center
- Non-emergency: 678-406-7929
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 Control dispatchers at 404-294-2996 ext. 2. Please do not submit urgent requests online.
Community Impact
1,200+ : Service calls responded to this year
300+ : Animals assisted through rescue and welfare checks
25+ : Community outreach events and school programs
Rabies Information & Reporting
Rabies is a serious public health concern that can affect both people and animals. Georgia law requires that dogs, cats, and ferrets be vaccinated against rabies.
Rabies Safety Information:
- Keep pets current on rabies vaccinations
- Avoid contact with stray or wild animals
- Report animal bites or exposure promptly
If You Are Bitten or Scratched:
- Seek medical attention immediately
- Report the incident as soon as possible to Animal Services & Enforcement and the DeKalb County Board of Health
Timely reporting helps protect the community and ensures appropriate follow-up.
Wildlife & Rabies Safety
Addressing wildlife conflicts with public safety and humane care as top priorities.
Rabies Alerts
Animal Service RequestsResidents may request assistance for non-emergency animal-related concerns through DeKalb County Animal Services & Enforcement.
Common Requests Include
- Loose or stray animals
- Injured or sick animals
- Animal cruelty or neglect concerns
- Animal welfare checks
- Dangerous or aggressive animals
How to Request Service
- Online: Submit an Animal Service Request form
- By Phone: During business hours 404-294-2996 Ext. 2
Emergencies
For immediate threats to public safety or dangerous animal situations after hours, call 911.
Quick Actions
- Register or Renew a Pet License
- Submit an Animal Service Request
- Report an Animal Bite 404-294-2996 ext. 2
- DeKalb County non-emergency response line at 678-406-7929 (after business hours/weekends/holidays)
- View Animal Ordinances
- Animal Shelter/Adoptions
- Lost or Found a Pet
