Business Details
Your Trusted Partner for Animal Rescue and Adoption in Athens, GA
Founded with a mission to rescue and protect companion animals, the Athens Area Humane Society has dedicated itself to ensuring the wellbeing of pets and uniting them with loving homes. Our organization operates with a deep commitment to fostering a compassionate society through comprehensive adoption programs, affordable veterinary services, and community-driven initiatives like our Community Cat Program. With decades of collective experience among our leadership team, including veterinary professionals and nonprofit experts, we bring both expertise and passion to animal welfare. Our spay/neuter and wellness clinics provide accessible, low-cost care, addressing critical barriers to pet ownership while reducing pet homelessness.Through partnerships with local volunteers, fosters, and donors, we have placed thousands of pets in permanent homes and distributed over 75,000 pounds of pet food to families in need. We maintain transparency in our operations, regularly sharing impact reports and strategic plans to build trust with our community. Our teams extensive background in nonprofit management, veterinary medicine, and community engagement ensures we deliver reliable, ethical services that align with our vision of a society where every pet has a home. By combining education, advocacy, and direct care, we strive to be a trusted leader in animal welfare, continuously improving our processes to better serve both animals and people.
Services
Adoption Process
Spay/Neuter Clinics
Community Cat Program
Pet Food Pantry
Wellness Services
Highlights and features
- We offer affordable spay/neuter services to reduce pet homelessness.
- Our adoption process ensures pets find loving, screened homes.
- We provide free vaccine clinics and pet food assistance to the community.
- Our team includes experienced veterinarians and nonprofit professionals.
- We advocate for animal welfare through education and community programs.
Services
Adoption Process
Our adoption process ensures pets find loving homes through careful screening and matching. We provide guidance for adopters, including pet care resources and post-adoption support. This service helps reduce pet homelessness while connecting families with their ideal companions.
Spay/Neuter Clinics
Affordable spay/neuter clinics target pet overpopulation by offering low-cost surgeries. Services include pre-op exams, pain management, and vaccinations. These clinics serve both owned pets and community cats, promoting long-term animal welfare.
Community Cat Program
The Community Cat Program supports Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) efforts to manage feral cat populations. We provide spay/neuter services, vaccinations, and ear-tipping for identification. This initiative reduces euthanasia rates and stabilizes neighborhood cat colonies.
Pet Food Pantry
The Pet Food Pantry offers free or low-cost food to families facing financial hardship. Partnering with local organizations, we distribute over 75,000 pounds of food annually. This service ensures pets receive nutrition while preventing surrenders due to economic barriers.
Wellness Services
Wellness services include vaccinations, microchipping, and preventive care at accessible prices. Our clinic provides routine exams, flea/tick prevention, and diagnostic tests. These services help maintain pet health and prevent disease spread within the community.
People
Cheryl McCormick
CEO
Dr. Cheryl McCormick leads AAHS with expertise in nonprofit strategy and fund development. She founded Ascend Nonprofit Consulting and has directed conservation and animal welfare organizations nationwide. Her background includes executive roles at YWCA Monterey County and Lindsay Wildlife Experience.
Christina Simpson
Lead Veterinarian
Dr. Christina Simpson oversees veterinary operations with a focus on shelter medicine and surgery. She previously worked in private practice and nonprofit clinics, bringing six years of clinical experience. Her passion for rescue veterinary work drives AAHS's medical programs.
Heather McMichael
Staff Accountant
Heather McMichael manages financial operations with a background in construction and banking accounting. A lifelong animal advocate, she contributes to AAHS's fiscal sustainability while caring for rescued pets on her hobby farm.
Lorah Patman
Adoption Services Manager
Lorah Patman has over a decade of animal welfare experience, including roles as shelter manager and foster coordinator. She specializes in adoption advocacy and community outreach, ensuring pets find permanent homes through tailored support.
Steven Jackson
Volunteer Manager
Steven Jackson coordinates volunteer efforts with a background in corporate finance. A lifelong animal lover, he organizes community engagement initiatives and manages over 1,000 annual volunteer hours for AAHS programs.
Questions
How do I adopt a pet from AAHS?
Visit our Adoption Center during operating hours to meet available pets. Our staff will guide you through the screening process and paperwork to ensure a good match.
What are the costs for spay/neuter services?
Dog spay/neuter costs $175–$250; cat services range from $50–$90. Prices include surgery, pain medication, and vaccinations.
How can I help community cats?
Participate in our TNR program by trapping cats and scheduling spay/neuter appointments. We provide guidance and affordable services for colony management.
Do you offer volunteer opportunities?
Yes! Volunteers assist with animal care, events, and administrative tasks. Visit our website to apply and attend orientation.
Can I donate pet food or supplies?
We accept donations of unopened pet food, toys, and bedding at our facility. Contact us to schedule a drop-off or learn about urgent needs.
What are clinic operating hours?
The Spay/Neuter Clinic operates Monday–Thursday, 9:00 AM–4:30 PM. Appointments are required for all veterinary services.
Reviews (4)
B. C.
May 31, 2022
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A few weeks ago I adopted a cat from Athens Area Humane Society. The process was smooth, and Ms. Cindy was wonderful. However, she was full of fleas and tapeworms when I brought her home. I'd recommend getting a flea collar or giving Capstar 24 hours before bringing your new pet home. Also request another round of dewormer. She was not the only cat there with tapeworms. Other than that, and going to the vet for the second time in 3 weeks, she is a great addition to the home. Just. really check for fleas and worms!
Chunwing Ng
May 19, 2022
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Such a great place to play with cats and dogs. Getting to know your future companion here is the biggest plus to adopting. I really like how each animal is taken care of properly which can be shown in their behavior as they are so relaxed and calm.
God Wolfie
May 16, 2022
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Thank you so much. She is doing so good and we appreciate you so much. She is almost back to her old self as she continues her duties as my ESA while I am working and she is still enjoying her Paw Patrol. So thank you again for fixing her and giving her a microchip so I know she is always safe.
Sherry Dale
May 13, 2022
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Excellent facility, caring helpful staff. They helped us find just the right cat as a companion to our present cat. Reasonable adoption charge that covered everything.
