Animal Protection
Mary Greene, Ag. Mgr. III
Tele: (404) 656-4914
Fax: (404) 463-8195
Email: Animal Protection Section
Georgia's companion animal industry is a rapidly growing segment of Georgia´s economy. The Animal Protection Section was created in 1986 to regulate this industry. This Section enforces the humane care of animals and regulates anyone who produces, sells, boards, grooms, offers for adoption, or exchanges pet animals, including birds. The Animal Protection Section monitors the spread of disease in the companion animal industry.
The Animal Protection Section inspects licensed establishments and investigates complaints of people and/or facilities required to be in compliance with the Animal Protection Act, the Bird Dealers Licensing Act, the Animal Protection Rules and Regulations, and the Bird Dealers Licensing Rules and Regulations. The Animal Protection Section program is funded by license fees collected.
Twelve full time animal protection inspectors and two field supervisors ensure that the 3,000 licensed establishments remain in compliance statewide. In order to accomplish compliance, inspectors also work in conjunction with various local, state and federal agencies to assist them with investigating complaints of animal cruelty and dog fighting.
Who is required to have a license?
FAQ´s Concerning Animal Protection
FAQ´s Concerning Animal Cruelty
Anyone attempting to obtain a new license has to go through the pre-license Inspection process where the application will be provided to them on-site by a GDA staff member. They can contact the Animal Protection Office to request a pre-license inspection at 404-656-4914.
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Georgia Animal Protection Act OCGA 4-11-1 (40KB)
Georgia Animal Protection Rules (Amended 09/13/2001) (20KB)
Animal Protection Renewal License Application (104KB)
Georgia Bird Dealers Act OCGA 4-10-1 (90KB)
Bird Dealer Licensing Rules 40-13-12 (17KB)
Bird Dealer Renewal License Application (65KB)
Certified Aviary Program (CAP) (89KB)
Georgia Animal Cruelty Criminal Provisions OCGA 16-12-4 (60KB)