On July 1, 2013, the Georgia Department of Agriculture consolidated the issuing of licenses into a single Division to better serve our customers. The Licensing Division manages the administrative side of issuing licenses, while the Operation Divisions concentrate on the regulatory aspects of licensing. The Licensing Division is now mailing license renewal invoices to each licensee. Increased online adoption of the license renewal process is the first year’s main goal. Improving the online experience will allow external customers easy access to licenses, customer friendly, efficient and transparent government. More information on the Licensing Division is available at http://agr.georgia.gov/licensing.aspx.
WARNING
BE EXTREMELY CAREFUL WHEN PURCHASING OR ADOPTING AN ANIMAL OVER THE INTERNET. THERE ARE MULTIPLE PET SCAMS THAT SEEK TO DECEIVE UNSUSPECTING PET LOVERS. IT IS COMMON FOR THESE CRIMINALS TO OFFER THE PET FOR FREE OR AT A DISCOUNTED RATE AND THEN REQUIRE A DEPOSIT TO SHIP THE ANIMAL OR TO RELEASE IT FROM QUARANTINE . PET DEALERS, TRANSPORTS AND ANIMAL RESCUES DOING BUSINESS IN GEORGIA ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE A LICENSE FROM THE GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. IF THEY ARE SELLING ANIMALS OVER THE INTERNET THEY MAY ALSO BE REQUIRED TO HOLD A U.S.D.A. LICENSE. MANY OF THESE SCAM ARTISTS ARE FROM FOREIGN COUNTRIES AND IT WILL BE ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE FOR YOU TO GET YOUR MONEY BACK FROM THEM. NEVER WIRE MONEY BY MEANS SUCH AS WESTERN UNION TO THESE INDIVIDUALS. PLEASE RESEARCH YOUR PURCHASE THOROUGHLY.
Companion Animal Section
Mark Murrah, Manager
Tele: (404) 656-4914
Email: mark.murrah@agr.georgia.gov
Georgia's companion animal industry is a rapidly growing segment of Georgia´s economy. The Companion Animal Section was created in 1986 to regulate this industry. This Section enforces the humane care of animals and regulates anyone who produces, sells, boards, grooms, offers for adoption, or exchanges pet animals, including birds. The Companion Animal Section monitors the spread of disease in the companion animal industry.
The Companion Animal Section inspects licensed establishments and investigates complaints of people and/or facilities required to be in compliance with the Animal Protection Act, the Bird Dealers Licensing Act, the Animal Protection Rules and Regulations, and the Bird Dealers Licensing Rules and Regulations. The Companion Animal Section program is partially funded by license fees collected.
Nineteen full time Companion Animal/ Equine Health inspectors and four field supervisors ensure that the 3000 licensed establishments remain in compliance statewide. In order to accomplish compliance, inspectors also work in conjunction with various local, state and federal agencies to assist them with investigating complaints.
Who is required to have a license?
What Steps are Necessary to Become Licensed
Animal Protection Rules and Regulations
Interstate Shipment
Regulation and Enforcement
FAQ's Concerning Animal Protection
FAQ´s Concerning Animal Cruelty
Anyone attempting to obtain a new license has to go through the pre-license Inspection process where the application will be provided to them on-site by a GDA staff member. They can contact the Companion Animal Section Office to request a pre-license inspection at 404-656-4914.
Forms & Information (by license type)
Animal Control
Bird Dealer
Euthanasia
Kennel
Pet Dealer
Rescue Group
Exhibition License Application