When you move or simply visit Birmingham, Alabama, you can’t help but notice how pet-friendly the city is. It’s no surprise that WalletHub declared it the 5th Most Pet-Friendly City in the US.
There is so much that you can do here if you had a dog. And it’s no problem either if you’re yet to get a pooch to accompany you. There are dog rescue centers that house adorable and loving pooches, patiently waiting their turn to be adopted.
Maximize your life’s experiences with a four-legged companion from one of the best dog rescues in Birmingham, Alabama. We’ve compiled a thorough list for a more convenient search for your perfect dog.
10 Best Dog Rescues in Birmingham, AL
1. Greater Birmingham Humane Society
Greater Birmingham Humane Society has been helping pets and people since 1883. Its mission has never changed, which is to promote the humane treatment of people and animals. They do this through education, advocacy, and services.
If you adopt, the GBHS may have certain announcements you must check first. Presently, the adoption process is temporarily paused due to the community’s H3N2 canine influenza virus outbreak.
As they deal with this issue, they also wouldn’t be able to accept owner-surrendered dogs unless the specialized staff has quarantined them. Nonetheless, stay updated on when their adoption resumes.
How to contact them:
Website: Greater Birmingham Humane Society
Address: 300 Snow Drive Birmingham, AL 35209
Phone: 205-942-1211
Email: [email protected]
You may get in touch with them through their social media: Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
2. Alabama Animal Adoption Society
The Alabama Animal Adoption society is a non-government funded organization that serves the area of Birmingham, Alabama. Their advocacy for the humane treatment of dogs and other animals is driven through volunteer efforts and private donations.
They’ve been around since 1977. Without hesitations, their doors are always open to welcome any stray or unwanted pet. Nice shelters and basic needs are then provided until these dogs are adopted.
All volunteers work hard to find each pooch a suitable family they’d live with forever. It’s necessary that they carefully examine how responsible each prospective home is for their rescued dogs.
On top of this cause, AAAS also educates the public about responsible ownership and pet overpopulation.
How to contact them:
Website: Alabama Animal Adoption Society
Address: 2808 Crescent Ave Homewood, AL 35209
Phone: 205-871-6351
Email: [email protected]
You may get in touch with them through their social media: Facebook
3. Animal Assistance and Rescue Foundation
If you’re looking for a dog that’s been fostered, then you should visit the Animal Assistance and Rescue Foundation. They don’t have an existing facility but send their rescued dogs to dedicated foster homes.
This is a non-profit, volunteer-based organization that’s always on the lookout for pets in need. Considering that every dog they save may have individual needs, the AARF aims to fulfill those requirements within their means.
Along with this, they carefully decide which potential adopter best suits each dog. The ultimate goal is to find these four-legged companions a warm and loving home.
On another note, aside from adopting, you can help this group reach out to more neglected dogs through donations or volunteer efforts. Be part of the saving mission they do daily!
How to contact them:
Website: Animal Assistance and Rescue Foundation
Address: 106 Shop Drive, Birmingham, AL 35242
Phone: 205-447-6459
4. Bama Bully Rescue
Pitbulls are some of the most misconceived dogs. Due to bad ownership, these canines have been known to have a bad rap, with misconceptions and stereotypes forming in the minds of people who only judge them according to their looks.
Sadly, Pitbulls are the ones that are often overlooked during adoption. A number of them are even at the risk of being euthanized. That’s why Bama Bully Rescue intervenes, giving them a second chance for a better life.
All bully breeds that they care for are placed in foster homes. Along with this, they educate the community about the fundamental nature of these dogs. Behavioral training and providing them with their basic needs would get them to show their best behaviors.
Of course, adopting a bully breed is a commitment. Make sure you have what it takes, from experience down to your resources, to provide nothing but the best for such a dog.
How to contact them:
Website: Bama Bully Rescue
Email: [email protected]
You may get in touch with them through their social media: Facebook and Instagram
5. Oak Leaf Animal Rescue
Oak Leaf Animal Rescue is the sanctuary of all injured, neglected, and homeless animals around Birmingham, Alabama. Their ultimate goal for each rescue dog is to get them placed in permanent homes.
Kaitlin and Trenton Giles are the key persons who have established this dog rescue. Though this just started in 2019, countless animal lives have been given a significant and positive change in their lives.
Also, since they’re run as a not-for-profit charity, OLAR heavily relies on the community’s compassion. Get involved through sponsorships, donations, and volunteer activities, or consider bringing home a dog.
Be sure that you, your family, and your home are ready to take in a dog of a particular size and behavior. Compatibility is everything so take your time in choosing which dog resonates more with you.
How to contact them:
Website: Oak Leaf Animal Rescue
Address: 600 Roberta Circle, Birmingham, AL 35214 USA
Phone: 205-582-8772
Email: [email protected]
You may get in touch with them through their social media: Facebook and Instagram
6. Adopt a Golden Birmingham
The Golden Retriever breed is one of America’s most popular. Though this dog is known for its many wonderful characters and gentle-looking appearance, some still end up in dog rescue sites.
Adopt a Golden Birmingham is a breed-specific adoption center where you can get your dream Golden Retriever dog. They welcome any Golden in need, regardless of age or medical needs.
Volunteers work together to ensure that all dogs are up to date with their vaccinations and needed treatments. Also, they are spayed and neutered to avoid unwanted or accidental litter.
There are also dog trainers that help with the temperament of these dogs. Knowing that some of them may have experienced trauma and abuse, rehabilitation is one of the first steps before they’re placed for adoption.
How to contact them:
Website: Adopt a Golden Birmingham
Address: P.O. BOX 361753 Birmingham, AL 35233
Phone: 205-290-7788
Email: [email protected]
You may get in touch with them through their social media: Facebook and Twitter
7. The Cavalier Rescue
Another breed-specific dog rescue in Alabama is The Cavalier Rescue. If you’re particularly into Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, you’ll have many options to choose from here.
This non-profit organization works with other teams across the USA, and their goals include rescuing, rehabilitating, reuniting, and rehoming the dogs. Get to know their available adoptable dogs and see which one has the personality you’re looking for.
These dogs are sweet, affectionate, and friendly; owning them won’t be a burden but a joyous moment for you and your family. If ever you want to do more than just adopt, consider donating to this charity. This way, more Cavaliers can be rescued and given a second chance at life.
How to contact them:
Website: The Cavalier Rescue
Address: 5330 Technology Lane, Birmingham, AL 35217
Phone: 205-790-4316
Email: [email protected]
You may get in touch with them through their social media: Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram
8. Wags Way Home Rescue
Another go-to dog rescue in Birmingham, Alabama, is Wags Way Home Rescue. They’re the place of dogs that have been dropped, surrendered, or abandoned. Each dog that’s available for adoption is posted with profiles and their current medical status.
They have lovely names matched with genuine soulful-looking faces. They’re all patient when it comes to waiting for a family that will take them home. As a means to further support their cause, WWHR sells merchandise with an adorable cartoon dog face at the back.
Buy a shirt for your loved one and encourage others to do the same. The money will directly go to dogs in need, further fueling the mission of this passionate Alabama dog rescue.
How to contact them:
Website: Wags Way Home Rescue
Address: 2804 Crescent Avenue, Homewood, Alabama, 35209
Phone: 205-902-9247
Email: [email protected]
You may get in touch with them through their social media: Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram
9. A Leash of Their Own
The primary concern of A Leash of Their Own is the rising number of euthanized animals in the community. They dedicatedly fight for these animal lives to be saved by providing them foster homes, temporary housing, or any other suitable venues that can fulfill their needs.
Ultimately, they are prepared to be placed in permanent homes. Alongside this rigorous effort is to educate the community on the importance of sterilizing their pets to avoid unwanted pregnancies.
All these goals can be successfully reached not just through the help of volunteers and foster homes or adopters. Aside from taking a wonderful dog home, you can help further their mission by donating whatever amount you can give.
It’s enough to impact positively, especially if the whole community does the same.
How to contact them:
Website: A Leash of Their Own
Address: Birmingham, Alabama, United States
Phone: 205-563-7013
Email: [email protected]
10. Dixie Girl Dog Rescue
Dixie Girl Dog Rescue was inspired by the founder’s first dog, a Catahoula Mix, named Dixie or popularly called Dixie Girl. This is a rescue sanctuary that saves dogs of all sizes, ages, and breeds.
Therefore, you’ll possibly find Chihuahuas, Mastiffs, or even Labrador Retrievers here.
Ready yourself should you adopt a dog from this place, as every pooch can bring you and your family an unmatched amount of happiness.
It’s going to be just like how it was with Dixie, who was hit by a car. She never experienced having a family before her rescue, yet she became the most loving dog.
Dixie Girl Dog Rescue takes in all dogs that need help, especially the ones that are sickly, injured, or mangy. Those dogs that have struggled the most usually end up becoming the sweetest, most loyal companions in the world.
It’s time to give a dog rescue some love and a furever home. Start the adoption process as soon as your home and family are ready!
How to contact them:
Website: Dixie Girl Dog Rescue
Address: 3557 Cahaba Beach Rd, Birmingham, AL 35242
Email: [email protected]
You may get in touch with them through their social media: Facebook
How Much Would It Cost to Adopt a Dog in Birmingham, AL?
The cost to adopt a dog in Birmingham, Alabama, is $50 to $125. That may change, however, considering how prices and vet services fees soar. Senior dogs will be your best bet if you’re looking for a more affordable option, as they usually have the lowest adoption fee.
Meanwhile, adult and adolescent dogs fall in the middle of the price range, and puppies are in the highest range. Younger dogs cost more due to their need for up-to-date vaccinations, flu preventive treatments, and sterilization.
Nonetheless, the adoption fee is considerably very low compared to the prices set by breeders and even pet shops.
Is It Worth Adopting a Dog Rescue From Birmingham, AL?
Adopting a dog rescue from Birmingham, Alabama, is indeed worth it. It doesn’t matter if you got your dog from here or from another city. As long as you take part in saving dog lives, you’re already part of the solution.
After all, there’s no need to go to a breeder for a dog when millions are out there in shelters, waiting to get adopted. Every time a pooch is taken home, a new room becomes available for another rescue.
Anyhow, if you live around Birmingham, Alabama, and you’re considering adopting, consider the best dog rescues we’ve listed in this article.
