In December 2024, the City of Pell City and the Greater Birmingham Humane Society (GBHS) finalized a partnership agreement to improve animal welfare in St. Clair County. On Monday, February 24, 2025, the City Council adopted the agreement and is preparing to transition operations at Pell City Animal Control Center (PCACC) to GBHS on April 1, 2025.
“The Greater Birmingham Humane Society is proud to extend our services to the Pell City Animal Control Center,” CEO Allison Black Cornelius said. “This expansion reflects our ongoing commitment to improving animal welfare across Alabama. We look forward to working in partnership with Pell City and St. Clair County to provide compassionate care, essential resources, and sustainable solutions for companion animals and pet owners.”
GBHS is the largest and most impactful humane society in the state and is the premier provider of animal services in Central Alabama. Annually, GBHS provides services for more than 22,000 dogs and cats in Jefferson and Walker Counties and the City of Jasper.
For several years, the City of Pell City has sought GBHS’ influence in its animal impoundment operation.
“When the City initially reassumed operation of Pell City Animal Control Center about 10 years ago, we attempted to partner with Greater Birmingham Humane Society,” City Manager Brian Muenger told the St. Clair Commission last week. “At the time, their organization did not have the capacity.
“We’ve stayed in contact, and they’ve acted as trusted advisors. A few years ago, the City reapproached GBHS. Since then, it’s just been a matter of timing.”
With this transition, GBHS also offers to more effectively connect residents to programs designed to promote the humane treatment of animals and people through education, advocacy, and services.
- Pet owner support programs: The GBHS Outreach Team provides support programs for pet owners facing barriers to keeping their pets.
- Supported Self-Rehoming: The goal of Supported Self-Rehoming is to provide pet owners with resources, services, connections, and assistance to rehome their pet, without that pet having to enter the shelter.
- Compassionate surrender programs: These offer a safe and humane option for responsible pet owners facing difficult circumstances, ensuring animals find loving new homes while minimizing stress and trauma.
- Access to GBHS Spay/Neuter & Critical Care Clinic: The donor-purchased, state-of-the-art facility is fully staffed and provides medical services to all of GBHS’ animals.
“This ensures adherence to all applicable code requirements, while simultaneously generating new opportunities for staff and expanding our capacity to provide optimal animal care,” Muenger said.
Since 2016, PCACC has been maintained by the City of Pell City and managed by the Pell City Police Department. Transitioning operational management to a nonprofit organization with a focus on compassionate animal care offers numerous benefits:
- GBHS specializes in shelter management and veterinary care, which will lead to improved animal health in the community.
- PCACC joins a broad, regional network of fosters, volunteers, and fundraisers.
- GBHS prioritizes lifesaving programs and innovative approaches to reduce euthanasia rates.
- GBHS will facilitate increased community involvement through volunteer programs, adoption events, and educational outreach.
Throughout its near-decade of operation under the City of Pell City, the Pell City Animal Control Center has served as the only animal shelter in St. Clair County. In that time, it has made possible the adoption of 6,200 animals and facilitated the transfer of 5,300 more to animal welfare organizations.
Alongside the City, the 501c3 nonprofit organization Friends of PCACC is actively working at the Center to prepare it for the transition. The numerous projects they’ve undertaken in recent months included the installation of new outdoor spaces for potential pet adopters to socialize with animals and acquiring and installing new appliances.
“We’re excited about the opportunity, and GBHS is excited about coming out to St. Clair County,” Muenger said. “We’re eager to see the expertise they bring to the table in action.”
