Pet Portal

Pet Portal

Welcome to the Georgia Department of Agriculture’s Pet Information Portal.  Georgia offers many resources for Pet owners but sometimes locating them can be challenging.  Whether you are looking for veterinary services, starting a new pet related business, or just searching for pet related information we’ve complied it all in one location! 

Pet Sterilization

If you would like to help by donating to the Georgia Dog and Cat Sterilization program or if you need assistance having your own pet spay/neutered, we have some great information linked below:

Donate to Georgia Dog and Cat Sterilization Program- https://agr.georgia.gov/dog-and-cat-sterilization-program-dcsp

2024 DCSP Grant recipients:

Find a grant recipient in your area that may be able to assist with spay/neuter expenses: https://agr.georgia.gov/2024-dcsp-grant-recipients

Veterinary services in Georgia

Providing adequate veterinary services to your pet is essential to keeping your companion healthy and vibrant. Search for Georgia Veterinarians below:

Directory Search - GVMA - Search Georgia Veterinary Medical Association membership

Georgia State Board of Veterinary Medicine | Georgia Secretary of State (ga.gov)

Pet Care Assistance

Having a pet during tough economic times can be quite a challenge.  Below we have linked to some resources in your area that may be able to provide some guidance. 

Pet Food Pantries- https://www.gapetresources.com/p/pet-food-banks.html 

Licensed animal shelters and rescues in Georgia: https://www.kellysolutions.com/ga/animalshelters/

Responsible Pet Ownership

We know that caring for your companion animal is something that you will want to be well educated on. The type of care that your pet needs is unique to its species and is dependent on other factors. To assist we’ve put together a few references of best practices.

Bite Prevention

Animals can sometimes be unpredictable. This is especially true when they are unsocialized or are taken by surprise. Take a few hints from the experts at the World Health Organization and the American Veterinary Medical Association to ensure that you, your family and other pets are prepared. 

World Health Organization (who.int)

American Veterinary Medical Association (avma.org)

Statistics

Knowledge is key. Whether you are trying to help with animals in your local community or to target areas that have specific needs. We have put together some sites that have done the homework for you. Also, included are the monthly statistics that are reported by Georgia’s licensed animal shelters. 

Government Shelter Data Reporting | Georgia Department of Agriculture

Pet Statistics | Shelter Intake and Surrender | ASPCA

Pet Ownership Statistics 2024 - Forbes Advisor

Pets by the numbers | HumanePro by The Humane Society of the United States

Laws and Regulations

Know the law. Pets are regulated on Federal, State and local levels. Navigating this can be painful! In Georgia, animal control ordinances are established and enforced on a city/county level. Animal related businesses such as pet stores, kennels, grooming shops, and animal rescues are regulated by the Georgia Department of Agriculture.

 

Federal Law
State Law

Resources

Local Regulations

For more information contact your local city hall or county board of commissioners. 
City and County Ordinance Lookup
(list does not cover all Georgia cities and counties).

Other resources

Animal Law Source

Reporting Pet Scams

Internet pet scams aim to deceive unsuspecting pet lovers. These scams offer a pet for little or no cost but will request a hefty shipping deposit or other "unforeseen" expenses during the process.
Many of these criminals operate overseas. Finding and prosecuting them could be extremely difficult; maybe impossible. Research the seller thoroughly. Only purchase from sellers you can validate. If you would like to report suspicious activity see the organizations below that can assist.

 

  • Federal Bureau of Investigation: File an online report at the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov or call the FBI El Paso Field Office at (915) 832-5000
  • Petscams.com: This site tracks complaints and works to remove fraudulent pet sales websites.
  • Federal Trade Commission (FTC): Here, you can file a complaint online or call 877-FTC-HELP.
  • Better Business Bureau: Try the BBB Scam Tracker to report online scams.

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