In 1883, a young educator, Dr. John Herbert Phillips, came to Birmingham to direct the city's floundering school system. Dr. Phillips realized that a well-rounded child must be taught humane values and compassion. To that end, he founded the Birmingham Humane Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children and Animals as well as the city's first High School and Birmingham's public library.

GBHS has worked through more than our share of obstacles and problems. And yet, when you consider our predecessors had to take uncharted steps through times of war, social upheaval and economic uncertainty, it is a credit to uncounted supporters that we have not lost sight of our primary goals. Our mission is, always has been, and will be "to promote respect for life through education and prevention of cruelty to animals and people."

1871

Birmingham Humane Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children and Animals is founded by Dr. John Herbert Phillips One of the first in the United States.

1883

Birmingham Humane Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children and Animals incorporates.

1910

Building at 2115 Avenue A opens to receive unwanted animals - Boards up to 65 pets at $1.50 to $3.50 per week.

1915 - 1928

Dr. Phillips forces passage of first Humane Laws in Alabama requiring each county to provide an animal enforcement officer and outlining minimum standards of care.

1919

Birmingham Humane Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children and Animals receives $50,000 bequest from Christina Webb to construct state-of-the-art building that is so unique visitors to Atlanta and New Orleans are urged to “take in” the Humane Society during their travels.

1920

Humane Society begins to refer child cruelty investigations to new Juvenile Court officer and starts concentrating on responding to reports about animal welfare.

1930s

Birmingham Humane Society staffed by 3 employees - Birmingham dog owners urged to keep pets confined during air raids - First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt advocates the use of dog tags as pet identification.

Early 1940s

Cat litter is introduced to the market and allows cats to be kept indoors and creates new cat care industry - Veterinary journals begin advocating spay & neuter to control pet population - Jefferson County Health Department establishes Rabies Control Department.

Early 1950s

Birmingham Humane Society discontinues boarding & grooming services - Updates Christina Webb Building by adding a kitchen, heat blowers for winter, exhaust fans for summer and replaces old wooden posts with new metal supports.

1957

Last recorded rabid dog case in Alabama.

1962

Federal Animal Welfare and Endangered Species Acts passed - Mayor George Seibels acquires funding to build separate Animal Control facility.

Late 1960s

Birmingham leash law goes into effect resulting in up to 75% fewer animal injuries - animal cruelty fines increase from $50 to $500.

Early 1970s

Birmingham Humane Society adopts new constitution and bylaws - Begins Christmas Giving Tree fund raiser.

1974

1975

Birmingham Humane Society hires Executive Director Dr. Patricia Chase: 1st full-time Veterinarian and the 1st full-time Education & PR Director - All female adoptees are spayed - County authorizes funds to hire 1st Animal Cruelty Officer 50 years after law’s passage.

1977

Birmingham Humane Society Women’s Auxiliary is founded - Remodeling begins on Lomb Avenue building.

1978

1979

Early to Mid-1980s

United Way funding is cut by 90% because Humane Society refuses to share smaller facilities with Rabies Control - Former Mayor Seibels takes over Giving Tree fund raiser

1987

Early 1990s

 1999

Capital Campaign begins to raise money and final plans are drawn up for new shelter on Snow Drive in Wildwood - Pet Supply Plus adoption centers close due to lack of revenue - Construction of new building on Snow Drive begins in earnest in 2003

The Greater Birmingham Humane Society responds with the rest of the nation to the horrors endured by the Gulf Coast from Hurricane Katrina and immediately after by Hurricane Rita GBHS and Gulfport’s Humane Society of Southern Mississippi agree to assist each other to save and rescue sheltered animals in times of disaster.

The effects of severe drought are felt throughout the Southeast and the GBHS begins working with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office to build a barn to house rescued horses and livestock.

The Greater Birmingham Humane Society expects to receive close to 10,000 animals of which at least 27% will be rehomed - All animals are spayed or neutered and are implanted with a microchip before adoption in addition to receiving all recommended inoculations plus flea and heartworm preventative in addition to a full animal care and clinic staffs GBHS has departments active in Pet Surrendering, Pet Adoptions, Volunteering, Humane Education, Disaster Response, and responds to a 24 hour Cruelty Hotline.