The Greater Birmingham Humane Society
Our Mission
The Greater Birmingham Humane Society exists to promote the humane treatment of people and animals through education, advocacy, and services. We are dedicated to building a community where every animal is treated with the compassion they deserve.
A Legacy of Compassion
Our journey began in 1883 when Dr. John Herbert Phillips founded the Birmingham Humane Society. Recognizing that compassion is a fundamental value, our organization has remained committed to this vision for over 140 years, navigating through changing times while keeping the needs of people and pets at the heart of our work.
How We Help
We operate a shelter at 300 Snow Drive in Birmingham, where our dedicated team provides medical care, housing, and enrichment for animals in need. Beyond traditional shelter services, we provide outreach support to pet owners, including a pet pantry, vaccination clinics, and guidance to help keep pets safely in their homes with the families who love them.
Your Next Best Friend
Adoption is the beginning of a beautiful, lifelong partnership, and we are here to ensure you find the perfect match. Our adoption process is designed to be simple and supportive, helping you and your future pet get off to the best possible start. Whether you are looking for a playful puppy, a gentle senior, or a curious cat, we work closely with you to understand your lifestyle and household needs.
Get Involved
Are you ready to welcome a new companion into your life? We invite you to view our adoptable pets online or visit us at our adoption center to meet your new best friend in person. Join us in our mission to create a brighter future for the animals of Birmingham.
- Knowledgeable and friendly staff
- Efficient adoption process
- Inconsistent health status upon adoption
8/5 - $93.5K awarded by Remy Fund to 12 Birmingham nonprofits for animals | Bham Now
🐶 2026 REMY FUND RECIPIENTS: Bettering the lives of animals in Birmingham is a common goal of these 12 local non-profits.
8/5 - Dogs in the fight: Birmingham humane society CEO says AI factory cut $18 million from fundraising
Greater Birmingham Humane Society CEO Allison Black Cornelius says the nonprofit is looking for a backup location for its new medical campus.
7/28 - Dog Shelter Sues to Block Data Center That Risks Endangering 44,000 Animals
In Alabama, the pushback against AI data centers is turning into a dog fight.
7/22 - City of Jasper Animal Care & Control Temporarily Closes for Facility Improvements
City of Jasper Animal Care & Control Temporarily Closes for Facility ImprovementsAnimals Relocated to Walker County Animal Services During Temporary ClosureJASP
7/22 - Sylacauga City Council approves Greater Birmingham Humane Society agreement, advances recreation center project - Sylacauga News
SYLACAUGA, Ala. – The Sylacauga City Council approved a series of resolutions, budget amendments, and project-related actions during its regular meeting on Tuesday, July 21, following a work session that began at 5:00 p.m. in the Faye Hosey Chambers at City Hall. One of the […]
7/19 - Stephanie Salvago and Sammy from the Greater Birmingham Humane Society visit GDA
Stephanie Salvago and Sammy from the Greater Birmingham Humane Society visit GDA
7/18 - Jasper Animal Shelters limits intakes as renovations are set to begin
The shelter will only accept dangerous dogs, severely injured or sick animals and animals seized by law enforcement.
7/16 - Greater Birmingham Humane Society to the rescue over recalled rabies vaccine lots
Greater Birmingham Humane Society are offering free rabies vaccines for anyone who's pet was vaccinated with a recalled lot number.
7/14 - Man charged with allegedly trying to abandon malnourished dogs in northern Jefferson County.
Delmetrius Bishop is charged with first-degree and second-degree animal cruelty, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office announced Monday.
7/13 - Fort Rucker opens $41 million training center; Lodging tax approved for Von Braun Center expansion; Birmingham humane society files suit over data center
A $41 million training center has opened at Fort Rucker in Dale County.
7/10 - Greater Birmingham Humane Society files lawsuit against planned data center
The Greater Birmingham Humane Society (GBHS) is pushing back against the planned AI data center set to build in Oxmoor Valley.
7/8 - Stray dog problem in Sylacauga removed from city council agenda
City leaders in Sylacauga said they’re looking for a way to deal with stray dogs roaming around Hwy 280 and sleeping in shopping plazas.
7/5 - Sylacauga City Council to Consider Recreation Center Bid, Animal Control Proposal - Sylacauga News
SYLACAUGA, Ala. – The Sylacauga City Council will hold a work session at 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 7, in the Faye Hosey Chambers, with the regular council meeting immediately following. During the work session, council members will consider a proposal from the Greater Birmingham Humane […]
6/14 - Birmingham animal shelter joins opposition against proposed multibillion dollar ‘AI factory’
GBHS leadership said animals recovering from trauma, surgery, illness, abuse, or neglect “need calm.”
6/3 - GBHS says proposed AI data center could impact Oxmoor Valley campus plans
The Greater Birmingham Humane Society says a proposed artificial intelligence data center could affect its long-planned new campus.
5/13 - Sylacauga tables plan to shoot stray dogs amid public outcry
Sylacauga city leaders have tabled a controversial proposal to shoot stray dogs, following public backlash and calls for more humane solutions.
5/7 - CBS 42+ Mornings with Greater Birmingham Humane Society CEO Alison Black Cornelius
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — Alison Black Cornelius, CEO of the Greater Birmingham Humane Society, joined CBS 42+ Mornings to discuss the growing concerns over a proposed data center that could …
5/1 - Alabama animal shelters face overcrowding as "Empty the Shelters" event begins
The Greater Birmingham Humane Society urges pet adoptions during the "Empty the Shelters" initiative, highlighting challenges like overpopulation and limited veterinary care in Alabama.
4/18 - Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month declared in Jasper
Jasper Mayor Josh Gates presented a proclamation to Walker County Children's Advocacy Center (WCCAC) Executive Director Johnny Sudberry on Tuesday, April 7, in recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month.
3/27 - Oxmoor Valley AI factory clears hurdle after zoning board approves substation
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — A proposed AI factory in Oxmoor Valley moved a step closer to becoming a reality Tuesday after the city’s Zoning Board of Adjustment approved
3/22 - ‘Puppy and kitten season’: Greater Birmingham Humane Society says now is a great time to adopt
Shelter staff say this time of year, often called “puppy and kitten season,” brings a surge of animals into their care.
3/17 - Sylacauga Animal Shelter to host free rabies clinic amid rise in local bite cases - Sylacauga News
SYLACAUGA, Ala. – The Sylacauga Animal Shelter, in partnership with the Greater Birmingham Humane Society, will host a free rabies vaccination clinic on Saturday, April 18 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Sylacauga High School student parking lot. The clinic is open to […]
3/17 - Improperly tethering dogs could lead to jail time under proposed Alabama law
The bill is sometimes called Beau’s Law because of a viral photo of a dog tethered in the snow.
3/11 - Bill setting guidelines on basic care requirements for pet dogs in Alabama set for a vote
It would be the first-ever law that lets dog owners know what's expected of them.
