Recently, I had the incredible opportunity to travel to Miami-Dade Animal Services, one of the largest municipal shelters in the country. I’ve worked in animal sheltering for many years, but I had never experienced a facility operating on that scale. The New Hampshire SPCA sent me there to gain perspective, learn new techniques, and bring back skills that could help us continue to grow and improve our programs here in the Northeast.
Walking into Miami-Dade was eye-opening. The sheer number of animals was overwhelming: hundreds upon hundreds of dogs and cats needing care, attention, and homes. It was a powerful reminder of the immense challenges faced by shelters in areas struggling with pet overpopulation. The staff there work tirelessly under incredible pressure, and I came away with a deep admiration for the dedication and compassion it takes to do that work every day.
The experience also made me so grateful for what we’re able to provide at the New Hampshire SPCA. Because we operate on a smaller scale, we can offer more individualized care and advanced medical treatment to each animal who comes through our doors. Our patients receive diagnostics, dental care, and ongoing management for chronic conditions like diabetes or hyperthyroidism, things that large, overburdened shelters often simply don’t have the capacity to do.
While in Miami, I had the chance to participate in their high-volume spay/ neuter program, which was both fun and inspiring. Working alongside such an efficient and skilled team gave me invaluable insight into how to streamline our own procedures while maintaining a high standard of care. I picked up several new techniques and efficiency tips that we’ve already implemented here at the NHSPCA, like improved patient positioning during surgery, creative ways to secure anesthesia masks, and a sticker system to track which animals need which services. These small changes have already improved our workflow and communication.
This kind of hands-on learning and experience is incredibly valuable to our team. Investing in professional development and training opportunities like this ensures that our staff continues to grow in skill, confidence, and efficiency. The more knowledgeable and prepared our team becomes, the more lives we can positively impact.
Perhaps the most meaningful part of my visit was getting to select a few dogs and cats to come to New Hampshire through our transport program. Knowing that those animals would soon find loving homes here reaffirmed the importance of the work we do. Transport programs like ours truly make a difference, helping to relieve overcrowded shelters in other parts of the country while giving deserving pets a second chance.
In the end, this experience was more than just a learning opportunity, it was a reminder of the larger network of shelters and rescues all working toward the same goal. I returned home with new skills, renewed motivation, and a deep appreciation for both the challenges and the compassion that define animal sheltering everywhere.
We’re so grateful to Miami-Dade Animal Services for welcoming us and sharing their expertise. The lessons learned there will continue to strengthen our ability to provide exceptional care and to help even more animals and people in our community every day.
Written by Dr. Carly LaGrandeur, DVM, Medical Director at the New Hampshire SPCA.
