DeKalb Board of Commissioners Approves Key Animal Services Budget Requests

Join the State of DeKalb Animals Steering Committee to help address further animal overpopulation

On July 9, the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners approved significant animal-related items requested by Commissioner Michelle Long Spears.

The approved budget items include: 

• Adjustments to salaries for animal control officers to ensure competitive compensation and attract skilled personnel.
• Increasing the number of animal control officers to 25 by 2025 to enhance the county’s capacity to respond promptly to animal control issues.
• The acquisition of a mobile spay-and-neuter vehicle to provide convenient, place-based access to spay and neuter services for residents. 

Additionally, funds were allocated for veterinary services to perform mobile spay-and-neuter surgeries, veterinarian/vet tech support to conduct community spay-and-neuter surgeries on Saturdays, and a court dog coordinator to address the issue of court dogs remaining in the DeKalb County Animal Services center for undesirably long periods.

"I am deeply grateful to the Board of Commissioners for approving these critical budget requests,” Commissioner Long Spears said. “With these funds, DeKalb County will be better equipped to address the concerns of our constituents, particularly around animal services. This is a significant step forward for our community, and I am committed to ensuring that these resources are used effectively to improve the lives of both our residents and our animals.”

The meeting included approximately 30 members from Advocates for DeKalb Animals, who were in strong support of the funds for animal-related issues. Their support underscores the community's commitment to improving animal welfare in DeKalb County.

In conjunction with these efforts, the State of DeKalb Animals (SoDA) initiative is currently accepting applications for a steering committee. SoDA envisions an animal services system where every animal is safeguarded from abuse or neglect, and no companion animals are left homeless. 

The committee will plan and execute several events aimed at addressing animal challenges, identifying and engaging partners, providing support at various animal-related events throughout the county and fostering collaboration and advocacy countywide.

Please find the application here and email it to sstyler@dekalbcountyga.gov. Deadline for submissions is July 31.