Jefferson County unveils new Birmingham animal shelter

After years of planning and preparation, Jefferson County opened a new animal care shelter facility in Birmingham on September 29, 2026.

On hand for the ribbon-cutting were members of the Jefferson County Commission and its non-profit partner the Greater Birmingham Humane Society (GBHS).

Who built the new shelter

Located at 1052 Sydney Drive, the new facility was designed by architects Birchfield Penuel & Associates and built by Stone Building Company. The project manager was BL Harbert International.

GBHS manages animal control services for the county.

Before the ribbon-cutting Jefferson County Commission President Jimmie Stephens made a few remarks about the journey it took to make the new facility become a reality.

“It’s [animal shelter] been a long time coming. This is the culmination of what happens and occurs when we all work together. The County Commission has been working very hard to get us out of our financial problems and now we are able to place resources in areas of the community where it is much needed.”

Jimmie Stephens, President of Jefferson County Commission

What GBHS says about the new shelter

Allison Cornelius Black, Greater Birmingham Humane Society’s longtime Executive Director spoke with pride about the new shelter saying it gives families a welcoming place to come look for their lost pets.

“Today, the Jefferson County Commission and GBHS are going to be cutting a ribbon on an incredible state-of-the-art facility.”

What’s inside the new Jefferson County animal shelter

Here’s a peek at what’s inside::

• 172 cat/kitten cages
• 568 dog kennels
• Four secure courtyards that provide controlled outdoor access between animal-care wings
• Grooming and future treatment rooms
• A laundry, clean linen and linen storage area, dishwashing station, food prep area, and animal-supply rooms
• Stray-dog housing (8 rooms arranged around the courtyards with adjacent preparation and support spaces
• Dedicated cat, kitten, and puppy spaces that support age-appropriate care and separation of animal populations
• Space for director and staff, a breakroom, lockers, and other team-support space

The new shelter will not only provide a more humane site for pets, it will also keep the animals and people who work there safe and healthy.

What are your thoughts about Jefferson County’s new animal care shelter? Tell us on social media by tagging us in the comment section at @bhamnow