Clayton County Animal Control

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Clayton County Animal Control Stray and owner released animals are housed between our two facilities. The laws fall into two categories, The Official Code of Georgia Annotated (O.C.G.A.) a. b.

In September of 1990, the Animal Control Unit, formally a separate county agency was merged with the police department. Responsibility
The Clayton County Police Department Animal Control Unit is responsible for the enforcement of laws pertaining to animals. The unit also accepts abandoned or orphaned animals from Clayton County residents, which are placed for adoption. and the Clayton County Code. Clayton County Codes are enforced by the Animal Control Officers. Animal Control Officers are Civilian employees who are sworn to enforce Clayton County Code. The Animal Control Officers handle the care, pick up and investigations of animals found to be in violation of Clayton County Code. The Felony Animal Cruelty Law is found in the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (O.C.G.A.). Violations of the O.C.G.A. have to be investigated by a P.O.S.T. certified law enforcement officer. Therefore, the Clayton County Police Department has a certified police officer assigned to the Animal Control Unit to investigate violations of animal law found in the Official Code of Georgia Annotated. The Clayton County Police Department, Animal Control Unit does not handle wildlife, or pest control, in or outside of your home. Private companies provide this service for a fee. The only wildlife the unit handles are those animals suspected of having rabies or are a danger to human life. Animal Care
Stray and owner released animals are housed in our facility located at 1396 Government Circle, Jonesboro, Georgia and our Adoption Center facility located at 3161 Anvil Block Road, Ellenwood, Georgia. Animals are cared for by compassionate and dedicated staff. Animals are treated with dignity and respect while they are in the care of the Clayton County Police Department. Animal Reclaim
Owners wishing to reclaim their animals should provide proof of ownership along with proof of rabies vaccination and proof of sterilization. If the animal does not have the current rabies vaccination or proof of sterilization, the animal can still be reclaimed, however, additional fees apply. Animals owners are charged a reclaim fee as well as a per-day board fee. As with the adoption, a valid form of identification is required for reclaiming the animals. Some owners may not be able to reclaim their animals due to pending court cases. Investigations
There are a wide variety of laws regarding animal care and ownership. The most notable violations involve cruelty and animal fighting. Animal Cruelty can take many forms; from intentional, malicious behavior, to mere neglect. Animal Cruelty is covered by laws which differentiate by behavior; felony treatment for intentional malicious behavior towards animals, and, misdemeanor treatment for neglect of animals. There is a strong link between animal violence and violence against people. Many of the most notable serial killers started off by killing and torturing animals. The link is often overlooked by investigators who have no experience dealing with animal issues and animal investigators often overlook the connection between animal violence and human violence. By making Animal Control a part of the Police Department, Clayton County has helped eliminate the missed connection. Often times animal cases turn into cases involving other criminal activity towards humans. Please report suspected animal cruelty cases. Your report may lead to other crimes being discovered. Persons reporting animal cruelty are covered by the new Animal Cruelty Law. Persons who report suspected animal cruelty will bear no criminal or civil liability. Animals must be provided fresh water and food daily, adequate shelter, current shots yearly and can only be tethered with the use of a β€œTrolley” or β€œRunner” system. If a neighbor is not providing all of the above, this constitutes as β€œProhibited Treatment” which is a county ordinance violation. Current Information
We at Clayton County Police Animal Control have formed a very strong working relationship with pet rescue groups and the Clayton County Humane Society in our attempts to reduce the euthanasia rates of animals that come into our shelter. Euthanasia Procedures

1. Euthanasia is one of the most unpleasant, but important, functions of the Animal Control Unit. It requires careful scrutiny and protocol to prevent the euthanasia of the wrong animal(s), protect the dignity of the animals and minimize unnecessary suffering during the procedure. Generally, there are two (2) types of euthanasia, scheduled and emergency. Scheduled euthanasia requires the notification of the Animal Control Commander and concerned Division Commander. This requirement does not apply to emergency medical circumstances involving sick or injured animals. Scheduled euthanasia may be performed dependent upon the conditions within the kennel, as determined by Command. Reasons for scheduled euthanasia may include, but are not limited to, aggressive animals beyond their availability date; any other animals, other than canines, still in the shelter beyond their availability date; animals held in the shelter beyond 21 days, if other special circumstances do not exist. Emergency euthanasia will be utilized at the discretion of the Veterinarian and requires the notification of the Unit Commander and concerned Division Commander. Reasons for emergency euthanasia SOP G6, Page 20 of 35 may include, but are not limited to, illness, injury, unnecessary suffering, etc. http://www.claytonpolice.com/support-operations-command-2/animal-control/


Found a microchipped pet and need help locating an owner? https://microchiphelp.weebly.com/

Looking for a lost pet, or interested in adopting or rescuing a dog or cat at our shelter? Please contact [email protected]

*CLAYTON COUNTY ANIMAL CONTROL HAS TWO FACILITIES*

Adoption Center
Address: 3199 Anvil Block Rd. Ellenwood, Georgia 30294
Phone: 770-347-0210

Animal Control Headquarters
Address: 1396 Government Circle, Jonesboro, GA 30236
Phone: 770-477-3509

Current Dogs β€œPet Harbor Album”
https://phshelter.com/

Amazon Wish List:
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/NQYIJJH08JZU?ref_=wl_share&fbclid=IwAR0LHL-PiEIkdpu2GmafMAv3JR7ND-_jh9-ahees5Q7nfbFzTj3KGs496eU

ANIMALS THAT HAVE LEFT OUR FACILITY WITHIN THE PAST 10 DAYS
https://24petconnect.com/CLTNOutcomed

Clayton County Police Department Animal Control Unit is committed to professionalism and respect in all matters. To that end, we must conduct and manage our page in that same manner. Hence, we have set the following parameters for all residents, citizens, rescue groups, and employees.
1) Profanity or acronyms for profanity will not be tolerated
2) Insulting comments about others on the page, the Clayton County Police Department, the Clayton County Animal Control, or any employees will not be tolerated
3) Disparaging comments about others on the page, the Clayton County Police Department, the Clayton County Animal Control, or any employees will not be tolerated
4) All comments should be for the welfare, rescue, adoption, or sharing of the animals
Non-compliance with these parameters will result in the person being permanently banned from commenting on our page.

10/23/2026

🐾 KO β€” A028184 | RESCUE ONLY
Meet KO! πŸ’™ KO is people-friendly, knows basic commands, and is non-dog reactive. KO has some great qualities and deserves the opportunity to leave the shelter and start a new chapter. Can your rescue help KO get the second chance they deserve?

10/23/2026

🐾 LOWELL β€” A028121 | RESCUE ONLY
Say hello to Lowell! πŸ’™ Lowell is people-friendly, very sweet, and non-dog reactive. Lowell deserves the opportunity to leave the shelter and experience the love and security of a home. Could your rescue be Lowell’s ticket to a brighter future?

10/23/2026

🐾 LARA β€” A028214 | RESCUE ONLY
Meet Lara! πŸ’• Lara is people-friendly and non-dog reactive, but can be a little timid. With patience, kindness, and a safe place to settle in, Lara deserves the chance to build confidence and find a loving home. Can your rescue step up for Lara?

10/23/2026

🐾 BALTO β€” A028137 | RESCUE ONLY
Meet Balto! 🐾 Balto is people-friendly, very sweet, and non-dog reactive, though a little timid. A patient and understanding rescue could give Balto the chance to feel safe, settle in, and thrive. Please consider giving Balto that opportunity!

10/23/2026

🐾 THUMPER β€” A028159 | RESCUE ONLY
Here comes Thumper! 🐾 Thumper is people-friendly, non-dog reactive, high-energy, and treat-motivated. This pup deserves the chance to leave the shelter and find a safe place to call home. Could your rescue help Thumper get there?

10/23/2026

🐾 MOON β€” A028155 | RESCUE ONLY
Meet Moon! πŸŒ™ Moon is potty trained, people-friendly, and knows basic commands! These are wonderful qualities to bring into a home. Moon needs a rescue to step up and help make the next chapter possible. Please consider Moon!

10/23/2026

🐾 ELIO β€” A028183 | RESCUE ONLY
Meet Elio! πŸ’› Elio is people-friendly and high-energy, but is dog-reactive. Elio will need a rescue prepared to understand and appropriately manage this behavior and provide a suitable environment. Please consider helping Elio get the opportunity for a fresh start!

10/23/2026

🐾 ALLY β€” A028198 | RESCUE ONLY
Say hello to Ally! πŸ’• Ally is people-friendly, treat-motivated, and knows basic commands. With a great foundation to build on, Ally deserves the opportunity to leave the shelter and find a loving home. Can your rescue help Ally's next chapter begin?

10/23/2026

🐾 ZOE β€” A028197 | RESCUE ONLY
Meet Zoe! πŸ’— Zoe is people-friendly, knows basic commands, and is non-dog reactive. Zoe has some wonderful qualities and deserves the chance to become a cherished companion. Please consider stepping up for Zoe!

10/23/2026

🐾 MELODY β€” A028194 | RESCUE ONLY
Meet Melody! 🎢 Melody is people-friendly and non-dog reactive, though a little timid. With patience and gentle encouragement, Melody deserves the opportunity to feel secure and find a loving home. Please consider helping Melody get a second chance!

Address

1396 Government Cir
Jonesboro, GA
30236

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 5pm
Tuesday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 4pm

Telephone

(770) 477-3509

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