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1. Who picks up dead animals?

Athens-Clarke County does pick up dead animals in the street or on the right of way. Dead animals on private property can be disposed of by private wildlife removal companies or by transporting them to the ACC Landfill.

• Outside Urban Service District (area where residential waste is collected by private haulers): ACC Transportation and Public Works Department Streets and Drainage Division – 706-613-3465
• Inside Urban Service District (area where residential waste is collected by ACC Solid Waste): ACC Solid Waste Department – 706-613-3501
• State roads (any road maintained by the state in Athens-Clarke County): GA Department of  Transportation – 706-583-2644

2. Do I have to buy a pet license?

No, there is no pet licensing in Athens-Clarke County. However, all dogs and cats must have current rabies vaccinations and must display a current rabies tag at all times. 

Rabies tags are obtained from the veterinarian’s office where the vaccination is given.

3. What is the process for adoption?

ACC Animal Services Adoption Process:

All adoptions are done on a first come, first served basis in the timestamped order that a potential adopter submitted the online application.

All animals that come in as ‘stray’ are placed on a 5-day hold in hopes that the original owner will come reclaim their pet. During this 5-day window, no animal on a stray hold may be adopted or transferred, however anyone interested in a specific pet may place an adoption application on this animal through their Petango profile on our webpage.

All available pets may be viewed here: https://www.accgov.com/257/Available-Pets

When a potential adopter sees an animal they are interested in, they must click on the picture, and then click on the large orange tab that says: “Interested in this Animal? Click here!” That application will be submitted directly to us online and our Adoption Center Supervisor will call to set up an appointment.

When an animal comes off of their 5-day stray hold, they are made available to adopters and rescue groups. If an animal comes off of a stray hold with no previous applications, the pet will be available to the first interested adopter or rescue group. No available animals are held active once an adopter or rescue group has been approved and finalized the adoption/transfer process.

It is recommended to anyone interested in a highly adoptable pet, that already has adoption applications before theirs, that they call before their appointment to ensure that pet is still available.

All dogs and cats must be altered before they can leave with their adopter. ACCAS will transport the pet to and from the clinic for their spay/neuter surgery, and the adopter may pick up from the Adoption Center post-surgery.

Anyone interested in meeting a pet or walking through the Adoption Center must make an appointment first by calling 706-613-3540.

4. How do I make a complaint about a barking dog?

Animal Services handles complaints of barking dogs during regular business hours only. We respond to these complaints by issuing a written warning to the owner at the time of the first complaint. 

If we receive another complaint within 90 days, we will issue a citation to the owner provided that at least two adult witnesses sign a written statement and agree to appear in Municipal Court to testify about the complaint. 

View the Barking Dogs Complaint Form.

5. What should I do if my dog gets lost?

We recommend that you come to the Animal Shelter at 125 Buddy Christian Way and determine if the dog is here first. If not, Animal Services can take a detailed lost report that we can use to identify the dog if it is brought in to us later. 

The Athens Banner-Herald newspaper will run a free lost dog notice in their classified advertisement section if you call 706-549-0123. 

Before posting signs, check with the Code Enforcement Division at 706-613-3790 regarding where signs may be posted.