Renovation construction of the Bill Atkinson Animal Welfare Center is underway. The center will remain open during the construction and will continue to operate with regular business hours, providing full services and accepting donations. There will be intermittent parking area closures; please use caution when visiting the center and obey all posted signage. Parking or standing in line before 7:30am will not be allowed. For more information, call 770.339.3200.

Animal Ambassador Camp | June 2 – 6 (ages 7 – 9); June 9 – 13 (ages 10 – 13)

12:30pm – 4:30pm | Bill Atkinson Animal Welfare Center | $80/camper

Get up close with animals in this interactive experience, featuring arts and crafts, inspiring guest speakers, and fun educational activities — all centered on responsible, compassionate pet ownership!

Pet-Friendly Travel Tips

Planning a trip with your pet in tow? Follow these tips: 

• Make sure your pet’s ID tag or microchip information is current.
• Research pet-friendly accommodations, dog parks, and pet amenities ahead of time.
• Pack all pet essentials, like food, water, waste bags, toys, and medications.
• Secure pets with a seatbelt harness or crate; take frequent potty breaks and keep pets hydrated.
• Stick to your pet’s routine as much as possible; use calming aids if needed.
• If flying, arrive early for security and check the airline’s pet policy. 

Paws Off the Heat

With summer’s scorching temps on the way, keep your pet healthy and happy by remembering to:

• Always provide fresh water.
• Avoid walks on hot pavement and offer shaded areas for rest.
• Groom regularly to help with heat regulation.
• Limit outdoor activities to cooler parts of the day.
• Never leave pets in a hot car.

SUCCESS STORIES

Our sweet girl Dolores, now named Bunny, is living the good life in her forever home in Fayetteville, Pennsylvania, with three Chihuahua siblings. Her new mom reached out to thank the veterinarians and staff at Gwinnett Animal Welfare for their care and compassion. Bunny needed eye surgery when she arrived, and after receiving treatment, she was transferred to a Tennessee shelter and then to PetConnect Rescue in Maryland, where she was adopted.

While Bunny is still working through some health issues from her hoarding past, her eye has healed, and she continues to gain confidence. We love to hear happy stories like this! If you’ve adopted or rescued a shelter animal, send us an update at AnimalWelfare@GwinnettCounty.com. 

HELPING HANDS

Good Dog Gwinnett joins forces with center

We want to give a doggie high-five to our new partner, Good Dog Gwinnett. This Lawrenceville facility is boarding select shelter dogs and providing personalized care and training to address behavioral challenges, build confidence, and improve socialization to help these pups get adopted. Thank you for this incredible opportunity! Our first participating pup, Jermaine, has already been adopted.

Love rules!

Our Love-a-Mutt Wedding in February went off without a hitch, thanks to hardworking staff, dedicated volunteers, and enthusiastic supporters who came out for this canine celebration. Our shelter sweethearts charmed guests from the ceremony to the reception, as they sashayed around in frilly gowns and dapper tuxedo ensembles.

We're happy to share that several of the dogs in the bridal party, including the bride and groom, have since found their forever homes!