LifeLine Animal Project celebrates anniversary, pet saving milestone
February is the season of love – and lifesaving measures – for the largest welfare animal organization in Georgia.
Feb. 5 marked the 24th anniversary of LifeLine Animal Services (LifeLine), the nonprofit in charge of both DeKalb and Fulton counties’ animal services. “What started as a small online adoption network has grown into a movement dedicated to ending the euthanasia of healthy and treatable animals through sheltering, innovative programs, low-cost spay and neuter, affordable veterinary care, and community support,” stated LifeLine officials.
The nonprofit began in 2002 and by 2013, LifeLine began managing DeKalb and Fulton County Animal Services, leading to dramatic decreases in dog and cat euthanasians for both counties.
The past year also gave LifeLine another reason to celebrate: the nonprofit reached a 90.7 percent lifesaving rate, meaning more than 19,000 animals were saved in 2025 alone.
Even with record high intake and constant challenges, LifeLine saves more than 90 percent of the animals who entered their shelters.
“Last year, 21,406 animals came through our doors,” stated officials. “Even with record-high intake and constant challenges, LifeLine saved more than 90 percent of the animals who entered our shelters. Nationally, 90 percent is recognized as the benchmark for lifesaving.”
Additional statistics provided by LifeLine officials show that in 2025, more than 14,100 pets were adopted; more than 12,800 pets went to foster homes; more than 2,500 pets went to other rescue organizations and more than 2,500 lost pets were returned to their homes in DeKalb and Fulton counties.
“Lifesaving rate is directly tied to intake. The more animals who enter our shelters, the more it takes from all of us to keep that percentage strong, which makes this milestone even more meaningful,” stated officials.
LifeLine Animal Project has two DeKalb County locations; the LifeLine Community Animal Center is located at 3180 Presidential Drive in Atlanta and DeKalb County Animal Services is located at 3280 Chamblee Dunwoody Road in Chamblee.
Visit lifelineanimal.org for more information.
