Lifeline Animal Project supports pets and pet owners of our city in every way. The joy of pet companionship is scientifically proven to reduce the risks of heart disease and uplift our everyday lives. These precious souls deserve happy homes and proper resources.
Two major causes of animal homelessness include a lack of spaying and neutering, and pet owners being unable to afford the cost of care for their pets. This is why Lifeline Animal Project offers affordable (and often free) pet care services.
Timyka “Tiki” Artist, is Lifeline’s PR Manager. A storyteller at heart, she understands how tapping into the authentic everyday life of Lifeline Animal Project touches people’s souls and drives them to take action. Tiki cites the massive passion that exudes from every person involved in their mission, from staff to volunteers to prospective pet parents. There have been numerous nights of extended hours late into the night, holding out hope that an adoption event will find homes for every pet in need. Often they succeed, due in no small part to the marketing push that Tiki and her team make.
Lifeline’s newest addition to their expansive organization in Chamblee is called “The Pet Neighborhood.” These climate-controlled buildings can house up to 12 dogs each. “Currently, court case animals, animals in medical isolation, and dogs in quarantine are being housed there,” Tiki explains. “This addition means we now have more space in our main shelter to house dogs in need more humanely, which eases overcrowding and enables us to provide a better quality of life for the animals in our care.”
The project broke ground in December of 2025 and is an example of the highly specific ways Lifeline directly serves our animal population. Creating more space for animals in need has a resounding impact. Hope is fostered, conditions are enhanced, and the power of animal advocacy runs strong.
Lifeline Animal Project makes animal adoption clear-cut while ensuring pets are matched with homes that work best for all involved. Jessica Lunsford-Davis, Social Media Coordinator, explains, “You can come to the shelter with a specific dog in mind, browse our adoption floor, or speak with a staff member or a volunteer about your lifestyle and they can make suggestions. After you've met some dogs and decide you want to adopt one, you'll fill out some paperwork and give the shelter your ID.”
Then important details are discussed. An adoption counselor will go over all of the dog's notes: how they got here, any behavioral or medical notes, etc., and they'll chat with you about the microchip and getting it transferred to your name. The adoption fee is typically $85, but it's occasionally waived on certain days or for certain pups. When you take home your furry friend, your pup will be dressed with a leash and collar. You'll also receive some basic information about training and vet care, toys, a starter bag of food, and treats.
Lifeline Animal Project aims to support pet parents along every step of their journey while providing top-tier services for every animal. Services include low-cost and free veterinary services, which includes spaying and neutering, as well as pet food assistance. Saving animals from the streets and supporting them once they’ve found their forever home is what makes Lifeline’s organization stand out. “Animal welfare entails supporting pets from every angle,” Tiki tells me. By offering quality care, overpopulation is controlled, and pets all across the city can live happier lives.
The heart of Lifeline beats across our city, and partnerships span the gamut: local county commissioners who advocate with gusto, Moondog Pub and Grub, which hosts adoption events in the heart of Chamblee, and Advocates for DeKalb Animals, who work tirelessly to improve the lives of all animals on a policy level. Uplifting Lifeline’s mission is possible through adoption, fostering, volunteering, and donations. One can volunteer in a variety of ways, and many will come to their local shelter to take dogs on a walk, or simply sit on the floor and play with the pet that calls to them that day. There are additional options to take pets out for the day or longer through the “Dog for the Day” and “Weekend Warrior” programs before deciding to move forward with fostering or adoption. And as a proper 501(c)(3), Lifeline relies on and appreciates every dollar donated.
This month, Lifeline Animal Project is partnering with NBCUniversal for the annual “Clear the Shelters” campaign. All pet adoption fees are reduced to $25 at Chamblee, Decatur, and Atlanta shelters. Over one million pets have found their forever homes through this initiative since its inception in 2015.
Looking toward the fall, October 24th is Lifeline’s 2nd Annual Spooky Pooch 5K at Grant Park. This seasonal Halloween-themed community event brings together pets and their humans, decked out in costumes, to get some exercise in while raising money for Lifeline. “Healthy Pets Dekalb” takes place four times a year offering free veterinary services and pet supplies in a fun, family-friendly outdoor event.
Lifeline Animal Project provides exactly the type of good news we all need in today’s day and age. Even more powerful, everyone has the opportunity to contribute to this cause in any way they can. Animals, like humans, require loving care to grow to their full potential. By supporting shelter animals and taking excellent care of our own pets, we make our city better, and Lifeline Animal Project is here every step of the way.
Creating more space for animals in need has a resounding impact.
The joy of pet companionship is scientifically proven to reduce the risks of heart disease and uplift our everyday lives.