NHSPCA Staff Member and Local Animal Control Officer to Stay in Dog House Overnight
to raise awareness of the concerns associated with dogs in dog houses during extreme winter temperatures

Where: New Hampshire SPCA, 104 Portsmouth Ave, Stratham, NH 03885

When: February 12, 2018; 6:00 p.m.- 6:00 a.m. (may end sooner if conditions warrant)

Why: The purpose of this event is to educate the public about the importance of proper animal shelter during the winter. Is a dog house enough to stay warm?

About the Event

This winter has seen some of the coldest days on record in many places in the Northeast. While temperatures continue to drop below freezing on a nightly basis it is crucial to provide adequate shelter for animals. To raise awareness around this important pet care practice, the New Hampshire SPCA will demonstrate what it is like for a dog sleeping outside in just a dog house. Ian Mathieson, a part-time NHSPCA staff member and Allison Caprigno Animal Control Officer from Pelham, have volunteered to spend the night in a standard doghouse on Monday, February 12 at the NHSPCA. Throughout the night there will be an EMT on hand to monitor body temperature and help insure the safety of the volunteers. Steve Sprowl, Field Services Manager for the NHSPCA will also be on hand monitoring the differential between the outdoor temperature and the temperature inside the dog houses.

The New Hampshire SPCA takes frequent calls about animals, especially dogs, left out in the elements during frigid temperatures. We hope that by having these two brave individuals stay in a doghouse on a cold February night we will make the public aware of the importance of bringing pets inside during extreme cold.

Community members are welcome to stop by and cheer them on.

Tune in to our Facebook page for live updates!

UPDATE 6:15pm, February 12.  Check out our Facebook video recorded live at the event here: 

UPDATE 8:00pm. February 12

Update: 11:00pm, check out WMUR’s coverage of our event on the 11:00 news! 

Update: 11:30pm. February 12