Cobb County • Georgia
Cobb Animal Advocates
Cobb Animal Advocates is dedicated to creating a sustainable, humane animal welfare system in Cobb County. We work to save the maximum number of lives possible by addressing animal welfare from all angles.
Latest News
2026 Commissioner Survey Results
We sent a survey about animal welfare prorities in Cobb county to the incumbent Cobb Commissioners and the candidate running for the District 3 seat up for election this November. See their answers here.
How we create change
Our Core Strategies
Cobb Animal Advocates is a 501(c)(4) non-profit organization comprised of Cobb County residents dedicated to advocating for systemic improvements, county policy reforms, and better outcomes for animals at Cobb County Animal Services.
Proactive Prevention
We tackle overcrowding at the source by advocating for increased access to spay/neuter services, supporting robust Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs, and advocating that no animal leaves the shelter unfixed and unvaccinated. This includes mandatory spay/neuter for all animals prior to adoption.
Life-Saving Advocacy
We work to maximize live outcomes by holding the shelter accountable for transparency. We demand a publicized list of animals at risk for euthanasia with timely access to information, including photos and videos of at-risk animals, so the community and rescues can intervene before euthanasia deadlines. We also support strong rescue partnerships and improved communication with all rescue partners.
Empowering Better Care
We believe healthy and adoptable animals are more likely to find homes. We advocate for giving County officials the resources needed to ensure all animals in the shelter receive appropriate medical attention, enrichment, and supervision. This includes supporting initiatives to increase veterinary staff and fostering a life-saving culture that retains volunteers by prioritizing every possible outcome besides euthanasia.
The work ahead
Strategic Priorities
Our advocacy is focused on practical policy reforms, transparent processes, and the resources necessary to create lasting improvement for animals in Cobb County.
Immediate Focus
TNR Ordinance
Advocate for an explicit, formal municipal Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return (TNVR) ordinance in Cobb County to protect community cat caregivers and reduce shelter intake.
Euthanasia Transparency & Public Access
Demand public, advance notification when animals are at risk of euthanasia to allow independent rescues and community members time to intervene.
Fair Re-Evaluation Procedures
Implement clear, standardized protocols to eliminate immediate/one-strike euthanasia decisions and ensure proper medical and behavioral re-evaluations.
Long-Term Priorities
Dedicated Animal Advocate Position
Establish a dedicated position at Cobb County Animal Services responsible solely for advocating for animals currently in shelter care.
Rescue Coordination Team
Form a specialized operational team to coordinate transfers, pulls, and partnerships with external rescue organizations.
Increased Shelter Funding & Staffing
Push county leadership for necessary municipal budget allocations to resolve severe shelter understaffing and expand overall care capacity.
Spay/Neuter Expansion
Broaden community access to low-cost spay and neuter services throughout Cobb County.
A better future is possible
Our Vision for the Future
By creating efficient and consistent processes within the shelter, community engagement geared toward intake reduction and keeping pets in their homes, transparent communication with the public and partner organizations, and a multitude of ways for the community to engage in volunteer efforts, Cobb can become a looked-to example of municipal sheltering operating at the highest standards of care for both the animals and and the community it serves.
Civic advocacy
Who Are Your Commissioners?
Cobb County Board of Commissioners — Commission Members & Districts
Cobb County Board of Commissioners
www.cobbcounty.gov/board
Address: 100 Cherokee Street, Suite 300, Marietta, GA 30090
Main Phone: (770) 528-3305
Public Comment & Meeting Logistics
Regular Business Meetings: Typically held on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month. 2nd Tuesday: 9:00 AM. 4th Tuesday: 7:00 PM
Public Comment Signup: Citizens wishing to speak on non-agenda items or shelter policy during public comment must sign up in person at the meeting location prior to the start of the meeting or via the county’s online clerk portal on meeting days.
Keli Gambrill
District 1 Commissioner
Email: keli.gambrill@cobbcounty.org
Phone: (770) 528-3313
Area: West Cobb / Acworth / Kennesaw
Erick Allen
District 2 Commissioner
Email: erick.allen@cobbcounty.org
Phone: (770) 528-3315
Area: East Cobb / Smyrna
JoAnn Birrell
District 3 Commissioner
Email: joann.birrell@cobbcounty.org
Phone: (770) 528-3317
Area: Northeast Cobb / Marietta
Monique Sheffield
District 4 Commissioner
Email: monique.sheffield@cobbcounty.org
Phone: (770) 528-3312
Area: South Cobb / Austell / Powder Springs
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