The Greater Birmingham Humane Society, founded in 1883, is the oldest and largest humane organization in Alabama. It runs adoption centers in Birmingham, Jasper, and Pell City, and it handles contracted animal control for the Birmingham area. Here is how adoption, surrender, and its field services work, with current fees and hours.
Founded in 1883, GBHS is the oldest and largest humane society in Alabama, and it began as a society for the prevention of cruelty to both children and animals. It is open-admission, which means it takes animals regardless of age, health, or temperament rather than turning them away.
It also acts as the contracted animal-control authority for several jurisdictions. Its Animal Care and Control division covers unincorporated Jefferson County, the City of Birmingham, and the City of Jasper, running stray pickup, injured-animal rescue, bite response, and cruelty investigation around the clock. Some nearby cities, including Hoover, Bessemer, and Vestavia Hills, run their own animal control instead.
Adoption fees are tiered by age, with a $10 microchip added to each cat and dog adoption. Certain animals may carry a higher fee.
| Animal | Adoption fee |
|---|---|
| Cat, kitten, puppy, or dog, 6 months or under | $100 |
| Cat, kitten, puppy, or dog, over 6 months | $50 |
| Small-breed dog | $100 |
| Rabbit | $25 |
| Ferret | $50 |
| Rat, guinea pig, or hamster | $10, or $15 a pair |
Each cat and dog adoption includes a microchip with the first 90 days of registration; confirm an animal's vaccinations and spay or neuter status at the shelter. Adoption is walk-in, and to be considered for same-day adoption you should submit your application and be at the center by 4 p.m. The Birmingham adoption center is open Tuesday through Saturday, 1 to 5 p.m.
Owner surrender is by appointment only at the Snow Drive facility, scheduled by emailing [email protected], and the organization points owners to alternatives first. It also runs a Pet Pantry that provides pet food to families in need.
GBHS operates a spay, neuter, and critical care clinic, but it works on contract for nonprofit shelters and approved rescue groups rather than as a walk-in public clinic.
Because GBHS holds the animal-control contract for its area, it investigates reports of cruelty and neglect and responds to injured and stray animals. For animal control and cruelty concerns in its jurisdictions, call 205-591-6522, which is staffed around the clock.
Volunteers must be 16 or older and pay $25 in joining dues that cover training and supplies. Fostering is for adults 19 and older whose own pets are spayed or neutered and current on vaccines, and GBHS provides all supplies, including food and veterinary care, at no charge.
The wish list includes wet and dry pet food, towels and small blankets, newspaper, and dog and cat toys and treats, with an Amazon list available. GBHS holds a four-star rating from Charity Navigator with a 97 percent score, and its EIN for tax-deductible gifts is 63-0288810.
Dogs, cats, and small animals across Birmingham, Jasper, and Pell City.
Contracted stray pickup, rescue, and cruelty response for the Birmingham area.
Surgery and critical care for partner nonprofit shelters and rescues.
Pet food assistance for families in need.
Investigates reports of animal cruelty and neglect in its jurisdictions.
Short-term homes supported with food and veterinary care at no charge.
Sources: Greater Birmingham Humane Society (gbhs.org) adoption, animal control, foster, and donate pages; Charity Navigator (EIN 63-0288810). Adoption inclusions beyond the microchip are not itemized on the adopt page. Retrieved June 2026. We are not affiliated with Greater Birmingham Humane Society and receive no compensation for this listing. Spotted an error? [email protected]
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