Frequently Asked Questions

• How do I identify and report animal cruelty?
• What is the main difference between the Atlanta Humane Society and the many organizations that solicit funds from me through the mail like Humane Society of the United States, PETA, American Humane Association, Friends for Animals, etc.?
• If I make a gift to a national organization like HSUS, American Humane Association or PETA, does the AHS receive a portion of my gift?
• Where does the money come from to support the animal welfare services and programs provided by the Atlanta Humane Society?
• Does the Atlanta Humane Society sell animals for scientific experimentation?
• How does the Education Department help the animals?
• How long are animals kept at the Shelter prior to adoption?

It is important to know what constitutes cruelty in the eyes of the law before proceeding with any actions to fight it. Click here for more information. 

What is the main difference between the Atlanta Humane Society and the many organizations that solicit funds from me through the mail like Humane Society of the United States, PETA, American Humane Association, Friends for Animals, etc.?

The Atlanta Humane Society operates a shelter which receives and houses animals with a trackable adoption program and deals directly hands-on with animals and their problems. AHS efforts provide immediate and critical services such as sheltering for the unwanted, abandoned, abused, and injured on a regional scale. The Atlanta Humane Society is your local Animal Care and Community Center, and your financial support is vital to our success.

If I make a gift to a national organization like HSUS, American Humane Association or PETA, does the AHS receive a portion of my gift?

No. There is no national organization which financially supports local shelters. The AHS is like over 3,000 other humane shelters in this country in being a non-profit independent organization which takes in funds to provide services and programs for their individual communities. Supporting your local shelter supports your community.

Where does the money come from to support the animal welfare services and programs provided by the Atlanta Humane Society?

The AHS does not receive federal or local governmental funding nor United Way funding. Support of the shelter and hospital at 981 Howell Mill Road, NW is from individuals, corporate and business gifts and private foundations. We are a 501c(3) non-profit organization and the majority of our funding is from individuals. Funding is in the form of cash donations, bequests, trusts and endowments, and fees. Our tax ID number is 58-0685900. To view or print the IRS 990 forms, you will need to download Adobe Acrobat.

Does the Atlanta Humane Society sell animals for scientific experimentation?

Never. We are a safe haven for the sick, homeless, and abused. Under no circumstances are our animals utilized for experimentation or research.

How does the Education Department help the animals?

The Education Department provides informative programs to schools and community groups on a number of topics. One purpose of the Education Department is to promote Responsible Pet Ownership in an effort to reduce the number of homeless animals and increase awareness of pet overpopulation. The Department also serves as a troubleshooter to help people communicate and work out problems with their pets rather than surrender their pets. We offer an extensive SmartHeart pamphlet series to answer many commonly asked questions.

How long are animals kept at the Shelter prior to adoption?

There are no time limits on animals awaiting adoption from the Atlanta Humane Society.