June 17, 2021- While the weather continues to vacillate between Spring and Summer, construction at the NHSPCA carries on. The agency is now thoroughly into Phase two of construction, and renovations on the existing structures are well underway. A group of horses used the new arena for the first time last week to escape the brutal heat, giving them a chance to romp around despite the weather. The inside of our Adoption Center (the AC) has become a giant Plywood wall, creating a small hallway for staff to walk from the front of the building to the back as they work. At the same time, construction crews hammer away on the other side. Our exteriors are getting closer to completion with roadways and parking lots torn up, new trenches, and curbing being created. Parking is even more limited than usual, and it is tricky for even the staff to navigate.

We miss the interaction with our community and look forward to the day we swing the doors back open and invite everyone to see what we have been working towards. Until then, the New Hampshire SPCA remains an active construction zone, and access to the facility needs to be controlled for safety. By appointment, we continue our work. Animals in need of a safe place can still be surrendered, and most of the steps for adoption can be done over the phone or online. We have resumed vaccination clinics, and training classes are held both indoors and out. We are excited to invite campers back in person this summer. With the addition of a second classroom, social distancing and smaller groups will ensure everyone’s safety. Working space has been very limited during renovation, and so we have only minimal room for storage. It is heartbreaking to turn away donations of blankets, toys, and beds, but we cannot store them at this time and appreciate folks refraining from leaving them outside our door.

Fortunately, this is only temporary while we update our facility and prepare to serve generations to come.

We can not wait to see you all again. Please keep your eyes out for an invitation to our ribbon cutting this fall!

May 19, 2021: It’s official! We have reached an exciting milestone in the Campaign for Changing Times. We have entered phase two of the project meaning that new build areas are almost complete. We will soon be able to begin using the spaces, and staff have already transitioned into offices and work areas. Equipment is being delivered for the low-cost medical clinic every day. Renovation can now begin in the existing areas, and progress continues in the new barn & arena. It won’t be long until horses are able to call the eight-stalls home while they await adoption.

Here is a sneak peak at two expansion articles that will be in our summer newsletter, being delivered to homes now.

January 27, 2021: As we close the doors on the first month of this new year, we are literally building new doors at the shelter. The warm weather and mild days have allowed the construction crews to forge ahead, and so much has been accomplished. Spaces that only a few weeks ago looked like open frames are now dry-walled, mudded and in some areas even painted. Wiring and ductwork progress and finishing work will soon begin. Visually the New Barn may stand out the most, however. In mere weeks posts have gone in, joists lifted, and a roof has gone on. It will not be long before horses can call this new space home. 

October 23, 2020: Work continues, and with each passing day, progress makes the grounds look different. The roofing has been replaced on existing structures, and foundations are being laid for new ones. The new medical clinic’s exterior walls are already up, and the multi-purpose classroom is not far behind. The mountains of earth behind the property have begun to be spread out, and the rain gardens are beginning to take shape.