It wasn’t that long ago that animals were just “pets” to us. For many of us, our childhood pets roamed outside our homes. They were taken care of, but they weren’t considered part of our families like they are today. Many of us plan trips, dinner out with friends, and where they will take their next hike or run based on whether or not their four-legged children can tag along.

Birmingham is a great animal town. No matter what part of the metro area you find yourself in, you’ll see animals everywhere. Dogs hanging out on restaurant patios; runners with their dogs in tow; baseball games with designated pet sections; and even a café where you can enjoy a drink in the company of cats. There are more rescue groups than one can count, a nod to the generous spirit of our people and the desire to take care of the creatures God entrusted us with.

Bham Pets was born of a love for animals. It’s more than just a resource guide for animal lovers, although it does bring readers together with the businesses and organizations who strive to serve them. Bham Pets tells the stories of our magic city and the animals and people who do amazing things. If it isn’t about our city’s animals or the people who devote themselves to them, it isn’t going to make the pages of this magazine.

We hope you’ll join us on this journey — read the stories we tell; enjoy the photos we gather; patronize our advertisers; and help us support those organizations doing good work on behalf of animals all across Birmingham.

The magazine can be found in print at locations throughout Jefferson and Shelby Counties; it’s published quarterly in January, April, July and October. Find us on Facebook and Instagram, and of course, visit our website regularly.

To our advertisers, readers, friends, and family, thank you for making this magazine a reality.

Matthew Allen, publisher

matthew@jbmcmedia.com