Cu doped $SnO_2$ thick films for gas sensors were fabricated by screen printing method on alumina substrates and annealed at $500^{circ}C$ in air, respectively. Structural properties of $SnO_2$ by X-ray diffraction showed (110), (101) and (211) dominant tetragonal phase. The effects of catalyst Cu in $SnO_2$-based gas sensors were investigated. Sensitivity of $SnO_2$:Cu sensors to 2,000 ppm $CO_2$ gas and 50 ppm $H_2S$ gas was investigated for various Cu concentration. The highest sensitivity to $CO_2$ gas and $H_2S$ gas of Cu doped $SnO_2$ gas sensors was observed at the 8 wt% and 12 wt% Cu concentration, respectively. The improved sensitivity in the Cu doped $SnO_2$ gas sensors was explained by decrease of electron depletion region in Cu and $SnO_2$ junction, and increase of reactive oxygen and surface area in the $SnO_2$.