Founded in 1883 by Dr. John Herbert Phillips, the Greater Birmingham Humane Society’s mission to promote the humane treatment of people and animals through education, advocacy, and services has remained unchanged. They were recently called to help in a devastating case of animal hoarding and worked tirelessly alongside the Walker County Humane Society and Sheriff's Department to aid in the rescue of over 100 animals. We spoke with Director of Marketing and passionate GBHS representative Stephanie Salvago, who shared that, “When most people think about GBHS the first thought they have is of adoptions, and while that is a very large and important part of our organization, we offer much more.” 

 

Rehoming and returning lost or stolen animals from situations such as the animal hoarding case is a difficult yet rewarding part of the society. Salvago shares that “Personally, working for GBHS has been a dream come true. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing a pet head off to their forever home, a family to be reunited with a lost pet, or a family able to keep their pet thanks to services like Pet Pantry.” 

 

GBHS reported that on average, each month they receive around 1,200 animals throughout all of their locations, and also respond to calls of suspected animal cruelty and strays on a daily basis. “We work with Jefferson County to manage the animal care and control facility and GBHS remains true to the heart of our mission to promote the humane treatment of people and animals through education,” says Salvago. “We have many different education programs that run throughout the year, and we also provide our Pet Pantry, Project Pet Safe, low-cost spay/neuter services, and so much more.” 

 

The upcoming Jazz Cat Ball on April 30 at the Sheraton in Birmingham is also expected to be one of the highlights of the year, as Salvago confirms that “This is our largest fundraiser and includes live music, dinner, drinks, and a live and silent online auction.” The GBHS is open to working with the community on events and fundraisers such as this, as well as encouraging fellow animal lovers to make a donation either on the website linked below, over the phone or by sending a check to the adoption center. 

 

When asked about how GBHS values the support of the local community, Salvago also stated that, “GBHS has a robust volunteer program, with hundreds of volunteers distributed over four different facilities.” The volunteers assist with things such as animal care and socialization, education, fostering, and transporting animals to other rescues across the United States.” So, whether it’s educating children at the GBHS summer camp about local Alabama wildlife, assisting in lessons about humane animal treatment within schools and libraries, rebuilding an animal’s trust as a socialization volunteer, or becoming a new foster parent to a furry friend, the GBHS has plenty of ways for you to get involved. 

 

Click here for more information.

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Photo Credit: GBHS