East Cobb Pets & Animals

Cobb Animal Services issues tips on coexisting with coyotes

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Cobb Animal Services issues tips on coexisting with coyotes

With warmer weather here for the next several months, the Cobb Animal Services department has issued an advisory for residents on what to do if they see coyotes roaming near their homes and in their neighborhoods:

“Residents are encouraged to remove attractants by securing trash, bringing pet food and water indoors, cleaning up fallen fruit, and eliminating potential shelter areas around their homes. Pet safety is also critical—cats should be kept indoors, and dogs should always be on a leash and not left unattended outside, especially during breeding season.

“If you encounter a coyote, do not run. Instead, stand tall, make noise, and wave your arms to reinforce their natural fear of humans. Community-wide awareness and prevention are the most effective ways to safely coexist. Report any aggressive behavior to Cobb County Animal Services or local authorities.”

There are more details here, including how to protect your outdoors pets from the coyotes, and “how to create a coyote-proof yard.”

Neighborhood efforts to stem the presence of coyotes work best, according to Cobb Animal Services:

“Coexistence is most effective when the entire neighborhood works together. By removing attractants and consistently hazing coyotes, we can empower ourselves and ensure that these wild animals remain wild and wary.

“If you witness an incident where a coyote is aggressive or lunges at a person, please report it immediately to local authorities. For general sightings, simply take the opportunity to practice your hazing skills and ensure your property is secure.”

 

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Homeless Pets Foundation schedules events, seeks volunteers

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Homeless Pets Foundation seeks volunteers

Submitted information and photos:

You may not know there is a no-kill animal shelter right near East Cobb called the Homeless Pets Foundation (HPF). Homeless Pets Foundation is a veterinary-led rescue dedicated to saving the lives of cats and dogs that have run out of time at public shelters. 

HPF holds several events every month at locations around our community, at the shelter, or at the Pet Smart located on Cobb Parkway. Please check out all the events at https://homelesspets.com

In addition, there are many volunteer opportunities. For example, every Sunday morning, there is a group walk with the dogs  that are housed at the shelter. This is a fun event that gives you time to play, walk and cuddle with the fur babies, all while getting the opportunity to meet other animal lovers. If you love animals, want to help shelter pets and make some great friends, then Homeless Pets Foundation can make it easy for you to get involved. 

Homeless Pets Foundation seeks volunteers

 

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Good Mews receives $113K in GAGives non-profit fundraiser

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Good Mews 30th birthday

The Good Mews Animal Foundation of East Cobb was among the leading recipients of donations from the public during the annual GAGives non-profit fundraising campaign on Dec. 2.

A total of 443 Good Mews donors pledged $113,050, surpassing its goal of $100,000, according to figures compiled by Georgia Center for Nonprofits (GCN), which organized GAGives. Those figures are for online donations only.

Good Mews, located with its no-kill shelter on Robinson Road, was one of seven animal non-profits in the top 10 of organizations receiving the most pledges (you can view all the recipients here).

Good Mews, which has operated since 1988, provides a full range of cat rescue services in addition to the shelter, which houses up to around 100 cats at a time. The organization typically adopts out 600 cats a year.

Good Mews conducts a trap-neuter-vaccinate-release program for community cats, provides low-cost neutering and spaying services, has a foster cats program and provides rescue services at overwhelmed public shelters throughout the Southeast.

In its GAGives appeal, Good Mews broke down how donors’ pledges helps their efforts:

  • $75 = covers a spay or neuter surgery for one cat.
    $150 = covers the total costs for a new Good Mews intake.
    $250 = covers the monthly supply of medicine for five cats.
    $500 = covers the whole week of food and litter for the entire shelter.
    $1,250 = covers vaccinations and microchips for 20 cats.

Also in the Top 10 was the Cobb-based Tommy Nobis Center, which received $88,000 in GAGives donations.

GCN said a total of $41 million in donations was pledged to GAGives, a record, and a 24 percent increase from 2024.

Since its launch in 2012, GAgives on GivingTuesday has raised over $241 million from more than 897,000 donors for nonprofits working to strengthen communities across the state.

Prize sponsors and supporters of the GAgives campaign include Inspire Brands Foundation, Aprio, Carr Riggs & Ingram (CRI), Mauldin & Jenkins, Cox, Coca-Cola, Alston & Bird, Gas South, WABE, 11Alive, iHeart Radio, Outfront, and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

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Schoolhouse Brewing to hold 3rd ‘Dogs Gone Wild’ benefit

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Submitted information:

Schoolhouse Brewing is once again inviting beer lovers and dog owners to grab a leash and a pint glass for its third annual Dogs Gone Wild event on Saturday, November 8, 2025, from 12 to 6 p.m. at the brewery’s Marietta taproom. The event raises funds for the Homeless Pets Foundation, helping local rescue dogs find their forever homes.

Guests can bring their dogs to the brewery for a photo session, where each pup will be featured on a limited-edition Dogs Gone Wild beer label. Participants receive a commemorative glass and one free beer at the event. The finished beer, featuring the printed labels, will be available for pickup about two to three weeks after the event, once brewing and printing are complete.

“Dogs Gone Wild started as a fun way to bring together our love for beer and dogs, and it’s become one of our favorite community traditions,” said Ashley Good, Director of the Homeless Pets Foundation. “It’s a day that celebrates local rescue work, families, and the great people who open their homes to pets in need.”

How to Participate

• $30 Donation: Includes your dog’s photo on the Dogs Gone Wild label, a commemorative glass, and one free beer.

• Add-On Packages:

  •  $17 4-Pack: Four 16-ounce cans featuring your dog’s label.
  • $60 12-Pack: Includes a commemorative 2025 poster.
  • $99 Case (24 Beers): Includes a poster and a 10×6 portrait of your dog on the Dogs Gone Wild background.

All proceeds benefit the Homeless Pets Foundation, a local nonprofit dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming homeless and abandoned animals across the Atlanta area.

The event will feature live music, local vendors, and plenty of fresh Schoolhouse beer, all in a relaxed, dog-friendly atmosphere. It’s a community day meant for good beer, good people, and even better dogs.

Pre-registration is encouraged and can be completed visiting www.schoolhousebeer.com.

Event Details

When: Saturday, November 8, 2025 | 12–6 p.m.

Where: Schoolhouse Brewing – 840 Franklin Ct, Marietta, GA 30067

Benefiting: Homeless Pets Foundation

For more information, visit schoolhousebeer.com or follow @schoolhousebeer on social media.

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Good Mews seeking board and advisory council members

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Good Mews cat shelter surpasses GAgives fundraising goal

Submitted information:

Good Mews, a cage-free cat shelter and animal welfare organization in East Cobb, is seeking passionate and dedicated individuals to join our Board of Directors or the Board’s Advisory Council. 

As we continue to grow and expand our lifesaving work, we especially welcome applicants with experience in finance, law, animal advocacy legislation, technology, fundraising, strategic planning, and capital campaigns.

Board members play a vital role in guiding our mission, strengthening our organization, and helping ensure that more cats in our community and beyond receive the care they deserve. If you are ready to make a meaningful impact for animals while sharing your expertise, we invite you to apply and help shape the future of Good Mews. 

To learn more about Good Mews: https://www.goodmews.org/about-us

To be considered please send an email outlining your interest to governance@goodmews.org and attach a resume (if applicable). Board members meet monthly and dedicate approximately 5-15 hours per month. Advisory Council members meet quarterly at most, and are involved intermittently on a project basis.

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‘Best in Show’ event to feature pets, arts and community

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Submitted information:

Mark Saturday, Sept. 6 with a big, bold circle and keep 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. wide open for a whirlwind of pet-loving, art-dazzling, community fun! This family-friendly bash at the Sewell Library and Cultural Center is your ticket to supporting local furballs and showcasing artistic pizzazz.

The kiddos will have a pawfect experience at crafts, story time, and face painting. Come shake paws with Rose, the superstar comfort dog from the Cobb District Attorney’s Office. Thanks to our buddies at Cobb Animal Services, you can match up with a pet and adopt a forever friend for free. Don’t forget to peruse the Best in Show animal art exhibit.

Enjoy free pet adoptions courtesy of Cobb Animal Services, and don’t miss the special Gotcha Day Celebration for Rose, the beloved comfort dog from the Cobb District Attorney’s Office. Get creative with hands-on crafts, enjoy a youth storytime, explore the Best in Show art gallery, and be there for the exciting exhibition awards announcement at 1 PM. This family-friendly event is the perfect way to support local animals and artists alike!

 

 

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Reward offered in animal cruelty case at East Cobb home

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Reward offered in animal cruelty case at East Cobb home

Cobb Police are looking for a suspect in an aggravated animal cruelty case in East Cobb.

Police said that a Good Samaritan arrived at the Cobb Animal Services shelter on Feb. 22 to report an emaciated puppy that had been caged and abandoned at a home on Forest Lane, located off Terrell Mill Road.

According to police, the puppy was left in a cage without food, water or bedding in near-freezing temperatures.

Police said an animal cruelty examination on the animal revealed visible pelvic bones and vertebrae as well as muscle loss.

Police said the suspect is a male but did not provide any descriptive information.

Anyone with information can submit an anonymous tip to the Crime Stoppers Atlanta tip line at 404-577-TIPS (8477), online at www.StopCrimeAtl.org, or by texting CSGA and the tip to 738477.

Persons do not have to give their name or identifying information to be eligible for a reward of up to $5,000.

You can also contact Cobb Police Det. Whitley at david.whitley@cobbcounty.org.

 

 

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Cobb County Animal Services to hold pet ID clinic

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Submitted information:For Pets' Sake Benefit
The FBI is NOT interested in your cat’s napping habits or your dog’s treat count. Microchips don’t track—it’s just a permanent ID to keep your pets safe. Join us at the ‘ID, Not FBI’ Microchip Clinic and keep your pets close, not the government closer!  Microchipping your pet is a responsibility that safeguards their well-being and strengthens animal welfare in the community. Cats, dogs, birds, and even rabbits can benefit from this simple yet effective form of identification.
If your pets aren’t microchipped and you are a Cobb County resident, NOW is the time to microchip your cat, dog, bird, and rabbit for FREE. RSVP to Jessica.Darrough@cobbcounty.org to set an appointment on February 17 from 11am-3pm to bring your pet to Cobb County Animal Services at 1060 Al Bishop Drive, Marietta, GA 30008. For additional information, visit CobbCounty.org/pets.
It’s Just Lunch adoption events to be held: February 10, February 24, March 10, & March 24. Each day the event is held from 11am-3pm:
🌟 It’s Just Lunch Adoption Event 🌟
🐾 Looking for the perfect lunch date? 🐾
Stop by the Cobb County Animal Services Parking Lot on Mondays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and meet your future forever friend! 💕
✨ Why you’ll love it:
✔️ Featured pets in our adoption trailer are FREE to adopt!
✔️ Every pet is spayed/neutered, microchipped, and up-to-date on vaccinations.
✔️ Make your lunch break unforgettable with a wagging tail or a soothing purr.
🍽️ Forever Friends = The Best Lunch Dates
Skip the usual lunch spot—share your midday with a furry companion waiting to meet you!
📍 Location:
Cobb County Animal Services Parking Lot
1060 Al Bishop Dr., Marietta, GA 30008
👉 CobbCounty.org/pets

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Good Mews cat shelter surpasses GAgives fundraising goal

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Good Mews cat shelter surpasses GAgives fundraising goal

The East Cobb-based Good Mews Animal Foundation has raised more than $167,000 via the GAgives on GivingTuesday campaign, hosted by the Georgia Center for Nonprofits (GCN) on Dec. 3.

The no-kill cat shelter showcased its work during the campaign by mounting a live feed of its kitten room and giving randomly selected donors the opportunity to name a kitten of their choice.

More than $36 million was raised across the state for a variety of non-profits during GAgives, “from animal welfare to healthcare, youth sports, parks and greenspaces, environmental stewardship, and so much more,” according to a release.

There were more than 180,000 separate donations, and other beneficiaries included the Tommy Nobis Center in Cobb County.

According to a GCN release, “many nonprofits used GAgives on GivingTuesday to engage donors, showing that gifts of any size can make an impact when combined with online outreach—and with official GAgives prizes, awarding funds based on the number of donations (rather than dollars raised) across a dozen different ‘power hours,’ golden ticket contests, and leaderboard competitions.”

Good Mews said in a social media posting its goal was to raise $150,000.

“From sharing posts to rallying support, encouraging donations, and spreading the word far and wide, your efforts have made an immeasurable impact. You turned compassion into action and showed just how powerful our Good Mews community truly is.

“We cannot thank you enough for being part of our community and helping those who need it most.”

GAgives on GivingTuesday launched in 2012 and has raised $155.97 million since then.

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Cobb Police release footage of pet dog shooting by officer

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Cobb Police release footage of pet dog shooting by officer

Cobb Police Chief Stuart VanHoozer said Monday that an internal investigation is continuing into the shooting death of a pet dog last week by an officer making a 911 call to a residence in South Cobb.

During a brief press conference at Cobb Police headquarters in Marietta, VanHoozer said that while the event was “tense and unpleasant,” no apparent department policies have been violated.

Cobb Police released a four-minute segment of officer bodycam footage from the Dec. 2 incident at a home off Macland Road near Powder Springs (see below; the video is graphic and reader discretion is advised.)

Police were responding to a 911 call about a reported missing person in the area when they arrived at the home of Justin and Tessa Carr around 8:40 p.m.. They own two dogs and according to the initial police report, the dogs began to leave the home.

Police said one of the dogs ran toward an officer, who “perceived the dog’s actions as potentially threatening” and then shot the animal in self-defense.

That dog was named Zeta (photo above), who was fatally wounded.

VanHoozer said Monday (you can hear his comments here) that he watched the video footage, pledging transparency and a better understanding of the incident. But he said he didn’t any conclusions about possible contact between the officer and the animal.

“Part of doing right is to look into what happened to see if we can do better as a profession,” he said.

He offered condolences to the family of Zeta, saying that “it’s very, very sad to lose a dog, a friend, man’s best friend.”

The officers have not been cleared of wrongdoing, and they are back on duty, VanHoozer said, adding that more information will be coming out as open records requests have been filed.

The Carrs have started a Facebook page and are raising funds for legal action they’re planning against the police.

They said on that page after the incident that Zeta never showed aggression to humans or animals, except for barking.

Tessa Carr said she took a video of the dog’s corpse and has no intention of releasing it publicly but “in case I need it for later.”

She added that “we are not going to stop until we have real answers. . . I wanna know what the Cobb County Police Department’s training looks like for situations like these. Most of all, I wanna know who’s gonna make this right for my family, my friends, and most of all Zeta.”

Editor’s Note: Viewer discretion is advised.

 

 

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Good Mews announces 2024 gala dinner and auction

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The East Cobb-based Good Mews Animal Foundation said the theme of this year’s annual gala dinner and auction is “Over the Mewn.”Good Mews announces 2024 gala dinner and auction

The event takes place on Saturday, Oct. 26 from 7:30-10:30 p.m. at Salon San Francisco La Hacienda
(1906 South Cobb Drive).

The cost is $75 a person and the dress code is cocktail attire.

Tickets include dinner two complimentary drink tickets for beer, wine, soda, or a featured cocktail, and a cash bar will be available, along with non-alcoholic drinks. The program includes live and silent auctions.

The gala is the non-profit foundation’s main fundraiser. From Executive director Nikki Healey:

“Since 1988, Good Mews has been a cornerstone of feline rescue in Cobb County and the Atlanta Area. At our no-kill, cage-free shelter, we give about 600 cats each year the chance to find loving homes. Through our Community Cat Program, we tackle the feral and abandoned cat overpopulation issue head-on—providing critical medical care and surgeries to over 4,500 cats annually through our Trap, Vaccinate, Spay/Neuter, and Return Program.

“Our gala is vital in sustaining this work, raising much-needed funds and awareness to help us continue our lifesaving efforts. We invite your audience to join us at the gala for an unforgettable evening that not only supports a great cause but also strengthens the bond between animals and people in our community.”

Good Mews is also seeking sponsors for the event.

Good Mews operates an adoption and care shelter at 3805 Robinson Road, and offers several vaccination and microchip clinics a year, along with an annual book sale.

To purchase tickets and for sponsorship information, click here.

 

 

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Cats at Cobb Animal Shelter rescued after FPV outbreak

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Cats at Cobb Animal Shelter rescued after FPV outbreak
This cat affected by FPV survived the outbreak, according to FurKids, a volunteer rescue groups which is trying to place felines rescued from the Cobb Animal Shelter.

Earlier Monday we got a message from a reader in East Cobb saying there was a frantic effort underway to rescue cats at the Cobb Animal Shelter due to a major outbreak of panleukopenia (feline distemper/FPV) over the weekend.

Among the rescue groups involved is Fur Kids, which said it has pulled “dozens” of cats from the shelter to avert euthanasia.

Late Monday afternoon, Cobb Animal Services posted on its Facebook page that 50 cats had been rescued, and that the outbreak affected 100 cats.

“What does this mean?! It means we DO NOT need to euthanize!” the message stated. “We are INCREDIBLY GRATEFUL to our rescue groups! If you would like to adopt a cat or kitten, we will post here when the cat/kitten adoptions have reopened.”

FurKids said there were two cases of feline FPV, which is a highly contagious and potentially lethal parvovirus, at the Cobb Animal Shelter (info here about the disease).

FurKids is a major no-kill cat animal rescue non-profit based in Cumming. It said it’s raised around $5,000 for this emergency effort thus far, and is seeking more donations for the rescued animals from the Cobb shelter. (furkids.org/donation.)

“We will provide for all of their medical needs and will make sure they are fully vetted, spayed or neutered, microchipped, and vaccinated before they are put up for adoption in a few weeks,” FurKids said. “On top of these intake and vetting costs, come the cost of daily care—food, shelter, medical needs, and everything in between.”

The Good Mews Animal Foundation in East Cobb also has rescued some of the kids along with its partner, the Kudzu Cat Alliance, and also is seeking donations for caring for those animals.

You can contribute to that effort by clicking here.

 

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Good Mews to hold TNVR workshop for new volunteers

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Submitted information:
Good Mews is hosting an upcoming FREE 2-Day TNVR (Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return) Workshop Friday-Saturday, May 18-19, to help recruit new volunteers while teaching the community about humane trapping and medical care of community cats. 
We will start with a short training class on Saturday. On Sunday, we’ll be taking a field trip to a local Cat Colony, where you can get hands-on experience trapping cats that will be sterilized, vaccinated, and returned home! 
Sign up by filling out the following form: https://docs.google.com/…/1UIzylD1huAtFrChlFHuP…/edit…
Good Mews to hold TNVR workshop for new volunteers

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Sweat Mountain Park among nation’s ‘Hidden Gems’ for dogs

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Sweat Mountain Park among nation's 'Hidden Gems' for dogs
Cobb PARKS photo

Sweat Mountain Park in Northeast Cobb is one of three parks in Georgia that’s included in a list of “Hidden Gems” for dogs.

Based on a survey of 3,000 dog owners across the country, the dog-oriented website Technobark.com “unleashed” a ranking 120 parks in all. The goal is “to highlight the unsung sanctuaries for pets and their owners, showcasing their unique features and the joy they bring to get tails wagging.”

Sweat Mountain Park, which includes a two-acre dedicated area for dogs off Steinhauer Road, came in at No. 41.

“It includes shaded areas, benches, and water fountains for dogs. The park is well-maintained and offers a peaceful environment for dogs to socialize and play, away from the city’s hustle and bustle,” Technobark said in a release.

That was the highest ranking in Georgia, followed by Piedmont Park in Atlanta at No. 68 and Newtown Dream Dog Park in Johns Creek at No. 84.

The top dog park was Prospect Dog Park in New York City, according to the survey, which you can peruse in full by clicking here.

Sweat Mountain was the first of three off-leash dog parks in Cobb PARKS, opening in 2006. The others are Pinter Road Dog Park in Acworth and Sweetwater Park in Austell.

 

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Good Mews to hold microchip and vaccination clinic Sunday

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Submitted information and flyer:Good Mews to hold microchip and vaccination clinic Sunday
Good Mews Animal Foundation is hosting their quarterly Microchip and Vaccination Clinic at our shelter on Sunday, March, 24, 2024 from 10AM to 4PM! Though walk-ins are accepted, appointments are preferred. Make your appointment here:  goodmews.org/microchip-vaccination-clinic or scan the QR code on our flyer. View our flyer or website for all offerings for CATS and DOGS. All proceeds go directly towards the care of our residents while they wait for adoption. Thank you for your support! 

Send Us Your Event News!

Let East Cobb News know about your organization’s public events.

Pass along your details to: editor@eastcobbnews.com, and please observe the following guidelines to ensure we get everything properly and can post it promptly.

Send the body of your announcement, calendar item or news release IN TEXT FORM ONLY in the text field of your e-mail template. Reformatting text from PDF, JPG and doc files takes us longer to prepare your message for publication.

We accept PDFs as an accompaniment to your item. Images are fine too, but we prefer those to be JPG files (more than jpeg and png). PLEASE DO NOT send photos inside a PDF or text or any other kind of file. Of course, send us links that are relevant to your message so we can direct people to your website.

 

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Scene in East Cobb: Have you seen this rare type of deer?

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We got the photo above Thursday from a reader who reported that “our teenage daughter spotted a rare albino ‘piebald’ buck in our yard this morning. Not sure if newsworthy, but we thought it was pretty cool. Our south Georgia family had never even seen one.”

“Piebald” deer have pigmented backgrounds with white, unpigmented patterns, and other animal breeds with similar conditions include birds, cattle, dogs and cats, horses, foxes and pigs.

A UGA researcher estimates that piebald deer total less than 2 percent of the deer population, and other estimates figure it’s even rarer than that.

The National Deer Association, which is based near Athens in Bogart, Ga., lays out the differences here between albino, piebald, melanistic and other off-color deer types. In case you spot one like the above in your neighborhood.

Send Us Your News!

Let East Cobb News know what your organization is doing, or share news about what people are doing in the community—accomplishments, recognitions, milestones, interesting photos, etc.

Pass along your details to: editor@eastcobbnews.com, and please observe the following guidelines to ensure we get everything properly and can post it promptly.

Send the body of your announcement, calendar item or news release IN TEXT FORM ONLY in the text field of your e-mail template. Reformatting text from PDF, JPG and doc files takes us longer to prepare your message for publication.

We accept PDFs as an accompaniment to your item. Images are fine too, but we prefer those to be JPG files (more than jpeg and png). PLEASE DO NOT send photos inside a PDF or text or any other kind of file. Of course, send us links that are relevant to your message so we can direct people to your website.

 

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Cobb Animal Services employee retires after 45-year career

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45-year Cobb Animal Services employee retires

The Cobb Animal Services Department recently threw a retirement party for one of its longest-serving employees.

Cindy Ganues retired in September after 45 years as an animal care specialist, and she was showered with gifts, a cake and the well wishes of her colleagues.

The Wheeler High School graduate also has been involved in animal rescue and wildlife rehabilitation work in Cobb, metro Atlanta and Georgia.

“Animal Care Specialist Cindy Ganues has spent 45 years of her life providing selfless treatment to the pets at Cobb County Animal Services,” Cobb Commissioner JoAnn Birrell said in her email newsletter Friday. “Her long tenure is truly remarkable. . . We congratulate Cindy on her retirement and wish her all the best in her next adventure.”

45-year Cobb Animal Services employee retires

45-year Cobb Animal Services employee retires

 

 

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Cobb Animal Services to hold ‘Yappy Hour’ pet adoption event

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Submitted information:Cobb Animal Services 'Yappy Hour' pet adoption event

Calling all pet lovers! Get ready for an exciting event that will warm your hearts and wag some tails. The highly anticipated Yappy Hours Pet Adoption Event is just around the corner, offering a chance to bring a new four-legged friend into your family.

Scheduled for August 21, 2023, from 3pm to 7pm, the Yappy Hours Pet Adoption Event will take place at Cobb County Animal Services at 1060 Al Bishop Drive, Marietta, GA 30008. This family-friendly event is designed to bring together current and future pet parents and pets needing a forever home.

During this event, attendees will have the opportunity to adopt loving pets from the featured trailer at no cost. We are committed to finding forever homes for these wonderful animals, making it an ideal occasion for anyone considering bringing a furry companion into their lives.

The event’s timing from 3pm to 7pm ensures that even those battling post-work traffic can attend. The convenient location at 1060 Al Bishop Drive further adds to the accessibility of the event.

Our Yappy Hours event promises a delightful atmosphere filled with loving pets, education, and fun. Attendees are encouraged to spread the word, bring their friends and family, and contribute to the success of the adoption event.

Join us at Yappy Hours Pet Adoption Event and make a difference in the lives of animals in need. Let’s find forever homes for these deserving pets and create heartwarming stories of companionship.

For more information, visit CobbCounty.org/pets or call 770-499-4136.

 

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Cobb Animal Services warns of missing/lost pet recovery scam

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The Cobb Animal Services Department is warning the distraught owners of lost pets not to fall for a phone call from someone posing as shelter staff in helping them recover their animals.

Cobb Animals Services lost pet scam
Cobb Animal Services logs detailed information and a photo for lost pets brought to the shelter.

Cobb County government said in a video presentation Wednesday that some pet owners who have posted missing and lost pet notices online are getting called by someone who’s claiming to work for the county shelter.

The caller then says the pet is injured, and demands money from the owner to recover the animal, according to the video (see below), which emphasized that Cobb Animal Services never asks for money over the phone for helping retrieve lost pets.

“First off, it’s a distraction for us, because we’re receiving phone calls from people thinking it’s coming from us,” Cobb Animal Services Director Steve Hammond said in the video. “They’re also skeptical when we do call them if we do find the animal because now they’ve received two calls.

“We’re upset with it because it takes away from the good work our team is doing every day.”

Cobb government spokesman Ross Cavitt said the scammer is able to spoof the number of the Animal Services Department when making the calls.

The caller tells the pet owner to pay via the PayPal and Venmo online payment systems, but Cobb Animal Services doesn’t use them.

“There may be a small fee once the pet’s owner comes to the shelter, but county officers will never ask for payment before that,” the county said in a release Wednesday.

A citizen who posted a message on the county government’s Facebook page said the scam happened to her earlier this week.

“I was asking too many questions that he could not answer. He said just come down to Cobb County Animal Services and even provided the address,” she said.

“When I asked for photo proof that’s when things got even more strange. Fortunately the conversation was recorded and in the possession of the proper staff there. Let’s do what we do and blast this everywhere. I pray they somehow catch evil man!”

Another poster said she almost fell for the scam, but said she was told that “we’ll call you back after the vet has had time to look at the pet.”

While waiting for around 30 minutes, she said, “I had time to realize it was too good to be true. He called back, and after TEN MINUTES he finally got to asking about my credit card, so I hung up on him and called the legit Cobb Animal Services number.”

That number is 770-499-4136.

Cobb Animal Services has an online portal to report missing or lost pets that you can access by clicking here.

You can also click here to check on the missing pets that have been taken to the shelter.

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Cobb Animal Services to hold Santa Paws holiday pet event

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Cobb Animal Services will be holding a special holiday-related event this weekend it’s calling Santa Paws.Cobb Animal Services Santa Paws

Pet owners can bring their pets to the shelter (1060 Al Bishop Drive) from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday for photos with Santa.

Citizens come to the shelter for adoptions during the event can also have their new pet photographed with Santa.

Shelter staff and volunteers also will be on hand to spread holiday cheer.

For information, visit the Cobb Animal Services website.

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