Shelby Humane Society

Funded in 2020 and 2021

The Shelby Humane is a nonprofit organization founded in 1977 with the mission of rescuing and rehoming the neglected and homeless pets of Shelby County, Alabama. They now provide care to over 5,000 dogs and cats each year. They house 200-350 adoptable cats and dogs at any given time and have developed an extensive network of foster homes to care for adoptable dogs and cats. In 2008, they started a low-cost spay/neuter program (Shelby Spay Neuter). Through this program, Shelby Humane works with local veterinarians to provide discounted spay/neuter programs, serving more than 2,300 pets per year. Other services include hosting low-cost vaccine and microchip clinics, providing public education about responsible pet ownership, and operating Shelby SafePet, a statewide program that helps survivors of domestic violence care for their pets. 

Thanks to a Grey Muzzle grant, Shelby Humane’s Save the Seniors program will address poor senior dog outcomes, including euthanasia and low adoption rates, by focusing on senior pet retention and promoting senior adoption. Save the Seniors will offer financial assistance and treatment to senior dog owners requesting euthanasia due to treatable illness or to those who may benefit from other types of care. This program will also promote senior pet retention by offering financial assistance to people who lack the resources to care for their senior dog. Public education about the joys of senior pet ownership and adoption will be provided and relationships forged with local senior housing complexes to encourage pet- friendly housing.