Stratham, NH — On Sunday, September 15, 2024, the New Hampshire SPCA took in 8 dogs and 9 cats from Jefferson Parish, Louisiana. This emergency transport was coordinated by the Bissell Foundation in the wake of Hurricane Francine. This transport accounted for just 17 of the 64 total animals that were transported to New Hampshire SPCA over the weekend. Add 13 local surrenders over that same span, and we now have more than 200 animals in care. The New Hampshire SPCA is asking for the support of our community to care for and adopt this large number of animals.
“We were grateful to be able to help the BISSELL Pet Foundation,” said Executive Director, Lisa Dennison, “as they coordinated and funded a transport flight of nearly 80 homeless cats and dogs from Louisiana to shelters and rescues in Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Vermont.”
The pets on the flight were homeless and awaiting adoption at Jefferson Protection and Animal Welfare Services (JPAWS) in Harvey, LA, prior to Hurricane Francine’s landfall. This effort provides disaster relief to JPAWS, whose most critical need is space to take in pets displaced by the storm. The New Hampshire SPCA is excited to have welcomed 8 dogs and 9 cats from this transport and offer them a chance at wonderful new homes here in New England.
The timing of this transport was challenging. Overpopulation of adoptable animals in this country continues to rise and the New Hampshire SPCA is committed to helping to rehome as many animals as we are able.
We were already expecting at transport of 19 animals from Texas on Saturday and the ASPCA needed us to take a transport of 11 cats and kittens on Sunday. We then learned that two NH shelters needed relief and were able to accept 9 cats, 1 dog and 3 rabbits from them. We also unexpectedly took in 4 Friesen horses from a rescue in Vermont. All told, 64 transport animals came through our doors on Saturday and Sunday in addition to 13 local surrenders, making for an exceptionally large intake for one weekend.
Fortunately, we had excellent success during the Clear the Shelters month that recently wrapped up and our animal housing is flexible, so we were able to make space for these animals in need.
Now that they are all in the care of the New Hampshire SPCA, they will be held for the required quarantine period and then prepared for adoption. They will be medically checked and treated, and provided with healthy food, safe housing, and a chance to find a loving home.
We need your help
The New Hampshire SPCA is asking for the community’s assistance in caring for all the animals in our care. Here are three ways to help:
- September is Matching Gift Month. For every financial donation received this month, our dear friend Helen Brousseau is doubling it. Your gift of $25 becomes $50, $100 becomes $200, etc. Click here to have your gift matched today.
- We are in need of food for the animals. We currently have an urgent need for cat and kitten food, but dog and puppy food are always helpful. Please consider purchasing an item or two from our Chewy or Amazon Wish Lists, or purchase at your local pet supply store and drop it off at our shelter.
- Help spread the word on Facebook and Instagram. Follow us and share so that anyone seeking animals to adopt will know that there are many deserving animals here at the NHSPCA.
