Athens Area Humane Society of Clarke County and SPCA Inc

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Nonprofit Overview

Causes: Animal Protection & Welfare, Animals

Mission: We rescue and protect companion animals by providing for their wellbeing, uniting them with loving homes, and advocating for a compassionate society.

Community Stories

14 Stories from Volunteers, Donors & Supporters

cmo910 Client Served

Rating: 5

04/03/2025

I have had the pleasure of adopting now two wonderful puppies from the Athens Area Humane Society. From the moment you enter the facility, it is clear how much the staff truly cares about the animals. The facility was clean and the cat-patio and cat play area are a welcoming sight as you walk in.

What impressed me the most was how well the animals are treated. Each has a clean space, toys and nice bedding. The animals also seem quite relaxed which is likely a reflection of how they are interacted with throughout the day. The outside runs for each of the dogs is a nice touch.

The adoption process was smooth and easy. I was taught how to take care of my new puppy that had just had a surgery each time and was provided everything I needed that day. Overall, a wonderful experience from beginning to end!

Beancounter33 Board Member

Rating: 5

04/01/2025

As a board member of the Athens Area Humane Society, I am proud to be part of an organization that is deeply committed to improving the lives of animals in our community. The Humane Society’s mission to promote animal welfare is reflected in every aspect of their work, from their exceptional programs to their compassionate staff and volunteers.

Outstanding Programs and Services
One of the standout qualities of the Athens Area Humane Society is their top-notch adoption program. They excel at matching loving families with pets in need, ensuring that each animal finds a forever home where they can thrive. Their spay and neuter clinics are another vital service, helping to control the pet population and reduce the number of animals in need. Additionally, their educational outreach initiatives are making a real difference by teaching the community about responsible pet ownership and the importance of animal welfare.

Dedicated Staff and Volunteers
The staff and volunteers at the Athens Area Humane Society are truly remarkable. Their dedication, compassion, and willingness to go the extra mile for the animals in their care are inspiring. They create a nurturing environment where animals feel safe and loved, and their passion is evident in everything they do.

Exceptional Facilities
The facilities at the Humane Society are another point of pride. They are clean, well-maintained, and designed to provide a safe and comfortable space for the animals. The welcoming atmosphere extends to visitors as well, making it a place where people feel encouraged to adopt, volunteer, or simply learn more about animal welfare.

Community Impact
Perhaps most importantly, the Athens Area Humane Society has made a significant impact on our community. They have helped countless animals find loving homes and have played a crucial role in educating the public about the importance of treating animals with kindness and respect. Their work has not only transformed the lives of individual animals but has also fostered a more compassionate community overall.

I am honored to be part of this incredible organization and to support their mission. The Athens Area Humane Society is a beacon of hope for animals in need, and I wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone looking to adopt, volunteer, or contribute to a cause that truly makes a difference.

Lgemers14 Board Member

Rating: 5

03/31/2025

Serving on the board of the Athens Area Humane Society for the past three years has been a very rewarding experience. I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside passionate leaders who are dedicated to improving the lives of animals and strengthening the bond between pets and people. The organization is run with remarkable efficiency, transparency, and heart, ensuring that every initiative makes a meaningful impact on the community. I’m proud to have contributed to their mission, and to have learned so much about effective nonprofit leadership along the way. AAHS is a shining example of what a well-run humane society should be!

Chelseac112 Board Member

Rating: 5

03/31/2025

The Athens Area Humane Society is an invaluable asset to the community, positively impacting both humans and animals across the greater Athens area. Their mission is clearly at the core of everything they do, reflected in every aspect of the organization. AAHS continues to innovate, recently opening a state-of-the-art facility and providing top-tier medical services for the animals in their care.

As a Board Fellow, I am honored to be part of this organization and have had nothing but positive experiences with the Board, CEO, and staff. It is rare to see a nonprofit operate as seamlessly as AAHS, and witnessing their profound impact firsthand has been a privilege. Their success is a testament to the dedication of their staff, strong leadership, and highly effective processes.

beverlylogan029 Board Member

Rating: 5

03/31/2025

I am so honored to be a part of this vital organization in my community. We are so blessed to have the men and women of AAHS who care and love our furry friends. From the director to the receptionist, you can feel how each animal is loved. The benefits offered by AAHS reach far beyond our surrounding counties into other parts of Georgia and beyond. Wonderful staff, doctors, students, and volunteers give AAHS a five star rating. Many moons ago, I adopted a puppy from an adoption event hosted by AAHS. I'll never forget how they touched my life, and for that AAHS will always have a place in my heart. I'm so happy to be able to serve with them and touch the lives of others and God's critters.

mukul0505 Board Member

Rating: 5

03/31/2025

I can’t say enough good things about the Athens Area Humane Society! Their dedication to animal welfare is truly inspiring. The staff and leadership, including the CEO, are not only highly competent but also incredibly empathetic and committed to making a real difference—for both animals and the community. Every interaction I’ve had with them has reinforced how much they care, and the impact they create is remarkable.

Whether it’s streamlining adoption processes or enhancing medical care, their innovative mindset ensures that more animals find loving homes and receive the care they deserve.

As part of my MBA program’s Board Fellow initiative, I have the privilege of serving on their board, which has given me a firsthand look at the passion and hard work that goes into their mission. (Disclaimer: My role as a Board Fellow allows me to engage with their work, but my views here are personal.)

The attached photo is from my first visit to AAHS—the smile says it all.

If you’re looking for an organization that truly goes above and beyond for animals in need, the Athens Area Humane Society is one you should absolutely support!

DavidEks Board Member

Rating: 5

03/31/2025

I recently had the pleasure of working with the Athens Area Humane Society and I cannot say enough about the incredible work they do for animals in need. From the moment I stepped through their doors, I was met with kindness, dedication, and a true passion for animal welfare. I had a wonderful experience with both adopting an incredible kitten named Lisa, as well as holding a fundraiser for the Humane Society at our store. The team at AAHS was incredibly responsive and helped us create fun promotional materials to let our community know about the event and help make it succesful!

The staff and volunteers go above and beyond to provide compassionate care to every animal that comes through their facility. They work tirelessly to ensure that each pet receives medical attention, proper nutrition, and the love they deserve while they wait for their forever homes. It was heartwarming to see the level of commitment they have—not only in caring for the animals but also in supporting the community through adoption events, education, and outreach programs.

During my visit, I had the opportunity to see firsthand how the Athens Area Humane Society changes lives. Whether it was a timid rescue dog learning to trust again or a litter of kittens receiving a second chance, the organization was inspiring. Their efforts are only made possible through the generosity of donors and the time given by dedicated volunteers.

If you are looking for a way to make a difference, I highly encourage you to support this wonderful organization. Whether through a donation, volunteering your time, or adopting a pet in need, every contribution helps them continue their vital mission. The Athens Area Humane Society is truly a beacon of hope for animals and the people who love them.

LauraGee Board Member

Rating: 5

03/31/2025

The Athens Area Humane Society isn’t just an animal shelter—it’s a community lifeline for pets and the people who love them. My first experience with AAHS after our cat, Kira, passed away truly touched my heart. I had a new bag of cat food in my trunk and decided to donate it. Not only did they thank me profusely and express genuine sympathy for our loss, but they also shared that they have a program providing pet food to families who are struggling financially. That moment reinforced what I now know to be true: AAHS cares just as deeply about people as they do about animals.

We have always chosen to adopt, so when our senior dog passed away, we knew it was time to find another companion. Every visit to the shelter was met with kindness, professionalism, and patience. When we found little Pepper, the adoption process was seamless. The staff celebrated with us and guided us through every step.

Now, as a board member, I have even more insight into this incredible organization. Every decision is made with the animals’ best interests in mind while also ensuring that pet ownership remains accessible and sustainable in our community. Cheryl McCormick, the executive director, is truly fluent in both dog and cat—her leadership is intentional, strategic, and filled with compassion. From free vaccine clinics to spay/neuter programs and pet retention initiatives, AAHS is dedicated to both reducing pet overpopulation and keeping pets in loving homes.

The effort it takes to fund and organize programs like free vaccine clinics is immense, but AAHS does it because they know the impact is life-changing for both pets and their owners. On top of everything, the staff, vet techs, and doctors at AAHS are absolutely amazing. Their expertise, kindness, and genuine dedication make all the difference for the animals in their care and the families they serve.

This organization is top of class in every way—caring, committed, and community-driven. I can’t recommend them highly enough!

danask Board Member

Rating: 5

03/31/2025

Two of my cats were adopted from the Athens Area Humane Society. This organization is doing really great work in the community to rehome pets in need of adoption. They also serve their clients and community through a free food distribution program, a low cost clinic, a monthly free vaccine day and more. This non-profit is making a huge impact, and I love supporting their work.

greentypewriter Client Served

Rating: 4

10/22/2012

The humane society's low cost neutering program has helped me help afford to take care of more cats than i would have without them.

Edwyna A. Client Served

Rating: 5

10/22/2012

The people involved with AAHS have been phenomenally helpful over the years. Four of my five cats are rescues from AAHS. A few years ago, I fell in love with a big brown tabby at the adoption center. I was reluctant to adopt him because he had been declawed and I had four dogs. He had been adopted and then returned at least once to the shelter. He was a biter. He bit my daughter's arm leaving two large gashes. I called the center. The first reaction was to let me know I could return him, and there wasn't any underlying judgment detected in her voice. This made me feel better. However, I didn't want to return him. I wanted to know how I could help him adjust. I got a lot of information that day and his biting behavior ceased. He is a big cuddler now.

AmandaN Client Served

Rating: 5

10/22/2012

I adopted one of my cats from AAHS three years ago, and the service provided by the staff was exceptional! They were very helpful and knew each cat's personality and quirks, so it was an easy process to find the perfect match for our home. I would certainly recommend this organization to others in our area if they're looking to adopt or to use any of their other great, low-cost services!!!

interknight2007 Client Served

Rating: 5

10/22/2012

AAHS has amazing service! They are very clean and make sure the animals are well taken care of. I went in to visit for about a month before I adopted my cat (back in August), and every time the staff were extremely friendly and knowledgeable about the animals and their "personalities". I've been in several more times since adopting her, and continue to be impressed. If I had the means, I would happily adopt from them again!

Andrea45 Donor

Rating: 5

10/22/2012

AAHS is a great institution here in Athens. They help numerous animals and their staff is awesome!

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