Cobb County Animal Shelter: A Beacon Of Hope For Pets
Table of Contents
- Understanding Cobb County Animal Services and Its Mission
- The Transformative Merger: Humane Society of Cobb County and Atlanta Humane
- A New Era: Atlanta Humane Society's Permanent Presence in Cobb County
- The Adoption Process: Finding Your New Family Member
- Animal Intake and Owner Surrenders: What You Need to Know
- Community Outreach and Educational Initiatives
- How to Support the Cobb County Animal Shelter
- Contact and Location Information
Understanding Cobb County Animal Services and Its Mission
Cobb County Animal Services, often referred to as Cobb County Animal Control, is much more than just a facility; it's a dedicated team committed to the welfare of animals and the safety of the public. Located at 1060 Al Bishop Drive, Marietta, GA 30062, this open-admission shelter serves as a vital resource for the entire Cobb County community. Its mission is multifaceted, encompassing a broad spectrum of responsibilities crucial for maintaining a harmonious coexistence between humans and animals. The core mission of the Cobb County Animal Services unit is to enforce state laws and county ordinances pertaining to animal control and management. This includes responding to complaints, addressing instances of animal cruelty and abandonment, and impounding stray or unwanted animals found within Cobb County. Beyond enforcement, a significant part of their work involves educating the community on responsible pet ownership and wildlife care. This educational outreach is fundamental in preventing future animal welfare issues and promoting a more informed citizenry. Most importantly, the shelter provides housing and care for homeless animals, diligently coordinating their adoptions whenever possible, and ensuring humane euthanization when no other options remain. This comprehensive approach underscores their unwavering commitment to animal welfare, guided by the principle that all animals deserve love and care. The facility is licensed through the Georgia Department of Agriculture, affirming its adherence to state standards for animal shelters.The Transformative Merger: Humane Society of Cobb County and Atlanta Humane
A truly transformative moment for animal welfare in Cobb County and beyond occurred with the official joining of the Humane Society of Cobb County with the Atlanta Humane family. This significant partnership brought together the expertise, resources, and passion of two longstanding organizations dedicated to saving lives and serving pets and the people who love them. For years, the Humane Society of Cobb County, an animal shelter also located in Marietta, Georgia, operated as a tax-exempt charity, qualifying under IRS codes on both federal and state levels, and held its own animal shelter license with the Department of Agriculture for the State of Georgia. It was committed to helping homeless and needy animals find loving homes, funded primarily from donations, and notably, was not affiliated with Cobb County government or any other local or national humane society or animal welfare organization. This merger represents a strategic consolidation of efforts, creating a stronger and more impactful animal welfare organization. The collaboration aims to amplify their collective reach, streamline operations, and enhance the quality of care and services provided to animals and the community. By combining forces, the Atlanta Humane Society and the former Humane Society of Cobb County are better positioned to tackle the complex challenges of animal welfare, offering more comprehensive programs and greater support for pets and people in Cobb County and the broader Atlanta metropolitan area. This partnership benefits pets and people in Cobb County and beyond by leveraging shared resources and a unified vision for a more compassionate future.A New Era: Atlanta Humane Society's Permanent Presence in Cobb County
Following the merger, the Atlanta Humane Society has established a permanent presence in Cobb County, marking a new era for animal welfare services in the area. This strategic move means that the community now has enhanced access to vital resources and support. The new Marietta location is designed to act as a welcoming community center, featuring adoptable cats, community events, and a wealth of pet parent resources. This expansion signifies a deeper commitment to engaging with the Cobb County community directly, providing a local hub where residents can connect with animals, learn about responsible pet care, and access essential services. The establishment of this community center facilitates a more localized approach to animal welfare, allowing for tailored programs and events that directly address the needs of Cobb County residents. It's a place where families considering adding a pet can meet adoptable animals in a comfortable setting, attend educational workshops, and access advice from experienced animal welfare professionals. This physical presence underscores the Atlanta Humane Society's dedication to making a tangible difference in the lives of animals and their human companions within the county. For immediate assistance or information, the resource center can be reached at 404.875.5331, seven days a week, from 9 a.m.The Adoption Process: Finding Your New Family Member
The ultimate goal for many animals at the Cobb County Animal Shelter is to find a loving, permanent home. The shelter offers animal adoption services, allowing individuals and families to provide loving homes to cats, dogs, and other companion animals. If you're considering adding a pet to your family, thinking about adopting from the Cobb County Animal Shelter is a wonderful choice that saves lives and enriches your own.Types of Animals Available for Adoption
At this open-admission shelter that serves Cobb County, you can find a diverse range of adoptable cats and dogs. These animals come from various backgrounds – some are strays, others are owner surrenders, and some have been rescued from instances of cruelty or abandonment. Each animal undergoes a thorough evaluation, including health checks and behavioral assessments, to ensure they are ready for adoption and to help match them with the right family. The shelter's website and physical location regularly update their listings of available animals, providing descriptions and photos to aid potential adopters.Steps to Adoption
The adoption process is designed to be thorough yet straightforward, ensuring a good match between pets and their new families. While specific steps may vary slightly, they generally involve: * **Browsing Available Pets:** Potential adopters can view adoptable animals online or visit the shelter in person. * **Application Submission:** Completing an adoption application provides the shelter with information about your living situation, pet experience, and lifestyle, helping them determine the best fit. * **Counseling and Meet-and-Greet:** Adoption counselors work with applicants to discuss their needs and preferences, facilitating meet-and-greets between families and potential pets. * **Finalizing Adoption:** Once a suitable match is found, the adoption paperwork is completed, and the new family takes their pet home. Fees typically cover vaccinations, spay/neuter surgery, and microchipping. Learn about their mission, vision, adoption process, and donation options directly from their official resources to get the most accurate and up-to-date information.Animal Intake and Owner Surrenders: What You Need to Know
The Cobb County Animal Shelter operates as an open-admission facility, meaning they accept all animals located within Cobb County, regardless of their age, breed, or temperament, provided they are within the county's jurisdiction. This includes unwanted, found, and stray animals. In addition, they impound animals from instances of animal cruelty and abandonment, ensuring these vulnerable creatures receive immediate care and protection. Understanding the intake process is crucial for community members who may need to surrender an animal or have found a stray. For owner surrenders, appointments are required. This system helps the shelter manage its intake flow, ensuring that they have the necessary resources and space to properly care for each animal upon arrival. It also allows staff to gather important information about the animal's history, behavior, and medical needs, which is vital for their well-being and future placement. Animal intake generally stops at 4 p.m. daily, so it's essential to plan accordingly if you need to bring an animal to the shelter. This structured approach helps the Cobb County Animal Shelter maintain its high standards of care while managing the significant volume of animals it serves.Responsible Enforcement and Community Safety
While fostering a thriving community where all animals find love is the primary focus, Cobb County Animal Services also plays a critical role in ensuring public safety through responsible enforcement. This includes responding to calls about dangerous animals, investigating cruelty cases, and managing stray populations to prevent public health and safety concerns. The unit's commitment to enforcing animal control laws is balanced with its compassionate approach to animal welfare, creating a comprehensive framework for animal management within the county. This dual responsibility highlights the complexity and importance of their work, aiming to protect both animals and people.Addressing Misinformation: Setting the Record Straight
In the age of social media, misinformation can spread rapidly, sometimes causing undue concern. The Cobb County Animal Services recently issued a statement to address what they described as grossly exaggerated numbers of pets being abandoned and euthanized at Cobb County’s animal shelter, contained in a social media post. Understandably, such posts can spark concern and lead many residents to share them, creating a distorted perception of the shelter's operations. The statement, copied verbatim from the Cobb County website, aimed to set the record straight on Cobb’s animal shelter, providing accurate data and context to counter the exaggerated claims. This proactive approach demonstrates the shelter's commitment to transparency and trustworthiness. It's a reminder that while not everything we read on social media is accurate, it's crucial to seek information directly from official sources like the Cobb County Animal Services website or by contacting their resource center for the most reliable data.Community Outreach and Educational Initiatives
Beyond its core functions of intake, care, and adoption, Cobb County Animal Services, in collaboration with the Atlanta Humane Society's new Cobb County presence, actively engages in community outreach and educational initiatives. These programs are vital for promoting responsible pet ownership, preventing animal cruelty, and fostering a more compassionate community. Education initiatives cover a wide range of topics, from the importance of spaying and neutering to proper pet nutrition, training, and emergency preparedness for pets. One notable partnership highlighted is with "Dogs for Better Lives." The new Marietta location will be home to a special partnership with this organization, potentially offering information sessions, such as the one held on Thursday, June 26 from 7 p.m., focusing on how dogs can enhance human lives. Such collaborations enrich the community by providing specialized resources and opportunities for engagement. These educational efforts are not just about disseminating information; they are about building a stronger, more informed community that values and protects its animal residents. The welcoming community center also hosts various community events, further strengthening the bond between the shelter and the public it serves.How to Support the Cobb County Animal Shelter
The vital work carried out by the Cobb County Animal Shelter and its partners relies heavily on community support. As a facility dedicated to animal welfare, it thrives on the generosity of individuals and families who believe in their mission. Supporting the shelter is not just about helping animals in need; it's about investing in the well-being of the entire community.Donation Options
For those looking to contribute financially, the Cobb County Animal Shelter and the Atlanta Humane Society (which now includes the former Humane Society of Cobb County) offer various donation options. As qualifying tax-exempt charities on both federal and state levels, donations are often tax-deductible. These contributions directly fund lifesaving programs, including medical care for injured or sick animals, food, shelter maintenance, and educational initiatives. Donating is a direct way to ensure that the shelter has the resources it needs to continue its critical work. Learn about their donation options directly from their official websites.Volunteering and Fostering
Beyond financial contributions, individuals can offer invaluable support through volunteering and fostering. Volunteers assist with daily operations, animal socialization, events, and administrative tasks, directly impacting the lives of the animals. Fostering provides a temporary home for animals that may be too young, recovering from illness, or simply need a break from the shelter environment. Both roles are crucial in providing animals with the care, attention, and comfort they need while awaiting their forever homes. These hands-on contributions are deeply appreciated and make a tangible difference in the lives of the animals.Contact and Location Information
For those looking to adopt, surrender an animal, report a concern, or simply learn more, knowing how to contact the Cobb County Animal Shelter is essential. **Cobb County Animal Control / Cobb County Animal Services:** * **Address:** 1060 Al Bishop Drive, Marietta, GA 30062 * **Distance:** Approximately 4.7 miles away from central Marietta. * **Services:** Animal adoption, complaint reporting, and control services. * **Animal Intake Hours:** Stops at 4 p.m. * **Owner Surrenders:** Appointments are required. **Atlanta Humane Society (Cobb County Location - former Humane Society of Cobb County):** * **Resource Center Phone:** 404.875.5331 (7 days a week, 9 a.m. onwards) * **Location:** Marietta, GA (exact address for the new community center should be confirmed via their website). * **Services:** Features adoptable cats, community events, and pet parent resources. It is always recommended to visit the official websites of Cobb County Animal Services and the Atlanta Humane Society for the most current information regarding hours of operation, available animals, specific program details, and any updates. The Cobb County Animal Shelter, through Cobb County Animal Services and its robust partnership with the Atlanta Humane Society, stands as a testament to the power of community, compassion, and dedicated effort in animal welfare. From enforcing laws and providing essential care to facilitating adoptions and educating the public, their work ensures that countless animals in Cobb County receive the chance at a loving, safe life they deserve. If you've been touched by the stories of animals finding their forever homes or are considering making a difference yourself, we encourage you to explore the opportunities available. Whether through adoption, volunteering, fostering, or making a donation, your support directly contributes to the life-saving mission of the Cobb County Animal Shelter. Share this article to help spread awareness about the incredible work being done and inspire others to get involved in supporting animal welfare in our community. Every action, no matter how small, helps foster a thriving community where all animals find the love they deserve.
Cobb County Animal Services | Marietta GA
Cobb County Animal Shelter
Photos | Cobb County Animal shelter animals | 11alive.com
