AWS Atlanta is a 501c3 non-profit organization located in Decatur, Georgia, 10 miles east of Atlanta, and began in August 1966 as the DeKalb Humane Society with an overriding philosophy that it would be a no-kill shelter, where every animal would stay until they could find a new, forever home. In 2002, we changed our name to PAWS Atlanta, and as Georgia’s oldest no-kill animal shelter, our goal for over 56 years is to care for at-risk animals in need and entrust them into loving families. Our mission is “to build a community of caring, by people helping pets and pets helping people.” 

PAWS Atlanta is a very special place in our community. Our facilities sit on four acres and include a cat cottage with four free-roaming rooms, small and large dog areas, an isolation area for sick pets, our animal admission areas, and a small veterinary clinic and administrative offices. Our shelter also includes a unique 1.5-acre wooded walking trail and off-leash area on our campus, as well as Delko's Den, our new dog enrichment area. These outdoor areas not only provide a peaceful place for prospective pet parents to walk through pathways and spend quality time with our animals, but also a special area for our animals waiting to be adopted to enjoy time to run free, play with other dogs, and check out our agility equipment and numerous toys. 

Our programs include pet adoption and foster services, Public Vaccine Clinics, a pet food bank for pet parents going through hard times, and senior support/pet matching assistance.