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Animal Services
 

 

 

The City's Animal Services Department (ASD) seeks to reduce the risk of disease in domestic animals, limit the contact between wild and domesticated animals, educate the public on the humane caring of animals and to enforce the laws governing the humane treatment and care for all animals. Doraville ASD works closely with partners like the Humane Society and the DeKalb County Animal Services Department.

Dennis Chupp, Director                                                          3883 Flowers Road                                                            Doraville, Georgia 30340                                                        (770) 451-7845

   
 
 
 
 
Guidelines for Pets
 
In order to own a pet, the animal must first be seen by a veterinarian and inoculated against Rabies. Vaccinations must be administered every year. Vaccinations are required by law.
 
Pets must be confined to a fence with access to a structure where it may seek shelter from rain, snow and extreme temperatures. Adequate clean water and nutritious food appropriate for the type of animal must also be provided.
 
The legal limit for the number of pets that may be kept is three (3) – three dogs OR three cats or any combination of animals.
 
Please be considerate to your neighbors. Barking, howling, etc. or obnoxious smells can be annoyances to neighbors, so be sure to provide adequate attention, regular exercise, baths and a clean and secure environment for your pet (s).
 
Understand that as a pet owner, you are responsible for the animal’s welfare as well as its actions.     
 
Doraville Stray Pet Policy
 
Doraville DAS operates a small kennel where stray animals can be housed for up to twelve (12) hours. After that time expires, animals are taken to the DeKalb County Department of Animal Services for confinement
 
Under the law, DeKalb Count can only hold a stray for up to five (5) days before the animal is euthanized. If Doraville DAS captures an errant or strayed pet that is wearing its mandatory rabies inoculation tag, then DAS can return the animal to its owner.
 
If the animal is not wearing a rabies tag, it must be taken to DeKalb County for confinement. If DAS captures a pet wearing its rabies tag that also has the owner's contact information then the Department will make every effort to contact the owner before the pet is taken to DeKalb County's facilities.
 
Doraville Pet owners are strongly encouraged to have their contact information engraved on the pet's collar.
 
Your Pet is Missing... What to do!
 
Steps you can take to find your pet:
  • Talking to neighbors
  • Posting signs (but please do not post them on government owned poles)
  • Offer a reward and tell area children 
  • Notify your neighborhood watch and neighborhood association group site moderators. They will notify their members via email. For the Northwoods Neighborhood Association, contact Chris Avers at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . For Oakcliff Neighbors Association, contact Susan Fraysee at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .
  • Send detailed information about your pet to the Doraville and DeKalb County Animal Service Department.
  • If you have recently moved contact your old neighbors and any local jurisdictions that separate your old residence from your current residence. It is not uncommon for pets to journey back to your old residence especially if you have recently moved. 

Solving Barking Problems...

Problems such as excessive barking can result in neighborhood disputes and violations of animal related ordinances, and that means problems with your pet can become "people problems." 

It is perfectly normal for dogs to bark from time to time, however continuous barking needs to be addressed to avoid fallout with with your neighbors. If your dog's barking has created tension with neighbors then it's a good idea to discuss the problem with them to let them know that you're taking steps to rectify the problem.

The first step is to determine when and how long your dog barks and what causes him/ her to bark whether it's loneliness/ boredom, protectiveness/ territorialism, fear or separation anxiety. 

If it's loneliness or boredom then spend more time with your pet and broaden your activities together such as exercise, grooming, etc.

If it's protectiveness or territorialism you can teach "quiet" commands by methodically desensitizing him/ her to the stimulus that triggers the barking. You can also have your dog spayed or neutered to diminish aggressive behavior, which is highly recommended. 

If your pet is responding out of fear you can always use the desensitizing approach to sooth your pet's anxiety. If your efforts to improve the behavior fair then the problem may merit professional help. As hard as it is, try to avoid coddling your pet because it may be interpreted as rewarding your pet's behavior.

Often barking is the result of separation anxiety and in some cases it can be resolved using counter-conditioning and desensitization techniques. Other cases may also require veterinarian subscribed medication. In any event, nervous behavior may result in serious medical problem such as heart and interstinal problems. Remember, stress has physical consequences just like it does with humans.

If your pet's anxiety is a response to illegal behavior (such as gun shots or violence) then conact the Doraville Police Department immediately at 770-455-1000. If you suspect a neighbor is abusing a pet contact Doraville Animal Services immediately at 770-451-7845. The City does not tolerate animal cruelty and abuse will be vigorously prosecuted.

Althoug there are several types of barking collars on the market, they are not recommended because they don't address the underlying causes of the barking. This solution may eliminate the symptom (i.e. barking), however it merely redirects the animals outlets for dealing with stress. For example, your pet may take up digging, attempt to run away or become destructive or even agressive.

Bark collars can be helpful when used in conjunction with treatment of the underlying problem. However, you should never use a bark collar if you suspect separation anxiety or phobias to be the root of the problem because punishment always makes the and fear and anxiety behaviors worse. 

Animal Related Ordinances...

Chapter IV of the Official City Code

 
Sec. 4-1. Definitions.

Sec. 4-2. City declared bird sanctuary.

Sec. 4-3. General responsibilities of owners.

Sec. 4-4. Keeping animal under restraint while on owner's property.

Sec. 4-5. Duty to restrain while off owner's property.

Sec. 4-6. Animals at-large.

Sec. 4-7. Keeping of certain animals prohibited.

Sec. 4-8. Keeping small domesticated animals.

Sec. 4-9. Diseased animals.

Sec. 4-10. Number of pets per household.

Sec. 4-11. Treatment.

Sec. 4-12. Required permanent identification.

Sec. 4-13. Dangerous and potentially dangerous animals.

Sec. 4-14. Exemptions from classification as a potentially dangerous animal.

Sec. 4-15. Insurance.

Sec. 4-16. Confinement of potentially dangerous and dangerous animals. 

Sec. 4-17. Transportation of animals in open air vehicles.

Sec. 4-18. Hazardous animals.

Sec. 4-19. Guard dogs.

Sec. 4-20. Certain animals deemed public nuisance.

Sec. 4-21. Training animals for fighting prohibited.

Sec. 4-22. Rabies tag; rabies vaccination and animal registration.

Sec. 4-23. Rabies vaccination required for reclaim of an animal.

Sec. 4-24. Enforcement generally.

Sec. 4-25. Right of entry.

Sec. 4-26. Fees and miscellaneous regulations.

Sec. 4-27. Notice to owner of impounded animal.

Sec. 4-28. Transient animals.

Sec. 4-29. Limitation on ownership.

Sec. 4-30. Violations and enhanced penalties.   

 

 
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