After seeing what I feel are troll reviews, I felt compelled to provide my own review. I have volunteered at GBHS for many, many years. I have had a front row seat at GBHS since the 90's when the shelter was on Lomb Avenue. I have seen the changes and the growth of the programs, and the tremendous job the staff and management do for every animal in our community. The organization has grown tremendously since 2014 when it was small and only provided placement for owner surrendered animals.
Now GBHS provides free spays and neuters for any pet owner that needs it. They run animal control and impoundment for our county and other cities and counties. When GBHS took over our county's impoundment facility the euthanasia rate was more than 90%, GBHS works hard to save every animal it can possibly save. I never thought I would see the day when the shelter did not euthanize for space - but that is now the norm not the exception.
GBHS has a warehouse that receives pet food and supplies that GBHS then turns around and donates to shelters and rescues, some pay cents by the pound for monthly pet food. They answer their phones and emails 24/7, and provide emergency veterinary care for injured and abused animals. They transport hundreds of animals to northern states every month at their own expense. They do disaster response for shelters in states along the gulf coast and they train vet students from Auburn and Tuskegee every week at their hospital and spay and neuter clinic. They provide training for law enforcement and animal control officers.
I have never seen anyone there turn away an animal or owner that needed help. They are compassionate and welcoming to anyone that comes in the door. I do not know how they do what they do without giving up. They see the most horrible things. I don't know how their leadership works the hours I see them put in with the animals, volunteers, and staff, or how they raise the money they raise, day after day, trying to change attitudes towards helping animals in our community. They are transparent to a fault, and good stewards of their people and their funds. We are blessed to have GBHS in our state and in our town. They make me very proud to be associated with them.
Review from Guidestar
After much research, I have learned the huge kill rate of this shelter. It is not openly ready on their site, you must go to the site, the FAQs, then all the way down and you find a link for "census".
After finally going through the documents you find between Jan 2019 and November of 2021 Greater Birmingham Humane Society killed more than 9,500 animals. This is NOT rescue. As an honorable charity their kill rate should be more prominent and available to those donating.
Review from Guidestar
I served as a Board of Director for 6 years and this has been the most rewarding civic duty I have ever participated in. GBHS is very financially responsible and transparent. They continually keep their mission at the forefront.
Review from Guidestar