If you’ve ever had a question about Atlanta Humane, chances are you’re not alone. Over the years, we’ve heard plenty of assumptions about who we are, what we do, and how we help animals and the people who love them.
Let’s separate fact from fiction and clear up some of the most common misconceptions.
❌ Myth: The Atlanta Humane Society is part of the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS).
✅ Fact: While we share a commitment to helping animals, Atlanta Humane is an independent, local nonprofit organization serving pets and people right here in Georgia and has no direct ties to HSUS or any other humane society. In fact, most humane societies operate independently from any other shelter or rescue.
❌ Myth: All we do is adoptions.
✅ Fact: Finding loving homes for pets is only one piece of what we do. We are committed to solving the root problem behind pet homelessness and supporting pet parents. We do this through affordable veterinary care, pet food support, and additional resources that aim to keep pets in the homes that already love them.
❌ Myth: The Atlanta Humane Society receives government funding.
✅ Fact: Atlanta Humane is a private nonprofit organization that relies on donations, grants, and community support to fund its programs and services.
❌ Myth: If I find a stray animal, Atlanta Humane can always take them immediately.
✅ Fact: It is law that all stray animals first be reported through the local animal control. This gives pet owners one centralized location to search for their pets and increases the chances of reunification.
❌ Myth: Adopting a pet means you don’t know what you’re getting.
✅ Fact: We have a dedicated Behavior Team who works to learn each animal’s personality, behavior, preferences, and needs to help make successful matches between pets and adopters.
❌ Myth: Atlanta Humane takes in and adopts out animals other than cats and dogs.
✅ Fact: While we’d love to help every animal that comes through our doors, our facilities and staff are specifically equipped to care for cats and dogs. If someone brings us another type of animal, we’ll do our best to connect them with the appropriate wildlife rehabilitator, rescue organization, or animal care facility that is best suited to meet that animal’s needs.
Our goal has always been bigger than finding homes for pets. We believe that every animal deserves a loving family, and every family deserves access to the resources they need to keep their pets healthy, safe, and by their side.
By understanding who we are and how we serve our community, you can help connect more people and pets with the support they need. Whether you’re adopting, volunteering, donating, utilizing our services, or simply sharing our mission with others, you’re helping create a more humane Georgia for all.
Have a question not answered here? We’d love to hear from you. Reach out to our team or connect with us on social media, and we’ll be happy to help.