Canine Non-Live Outcomes Show Worsening Crisis for Dogs at Georgia Shelters

Canine non-live outcomes increased 95% at GA public shelters from 2021 to 2025

All government-operated animal shelters in Georgia are required by law to submit monthly reports to the Georgia Department of Agriculture detailing canine and feline intake and outcome data. Trends for the past five years indicate a worsening shelter crisis for dogs across the state:

• Canine non-live outcomes increased by 95% between 2021 and 2025.

• Canine live release rates have steadily declined, decreasing by 10.6% between 2021 and 2025.

These trends underscore the need for expanded access to veterinary resources so that: (1) all shelter animals are sterilized prior to adoption or foster, except for medical reasons, and (2) low-cost, timely appointments are available for owned pets, ideally within two weeks of scheduling. As long as appointments are being scheduled two to three months out, the state will continue to fall behind in reducing inadvertent breeding and strays.

Canine live release rates decreased 10.6% at GA public shelters from 2021 to 2025

Click here to see the latest data and to read more about Government Shelter Data Reporting by the Georgia Department of Agriculture.