Manchester Animal Shelter: A Comprehensive Guide to Pet Adoption and Animal Welfare
Manchester Animal Shelter is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing shelter, care, and adoption services for abandoned, lost, and unwanted animals in Manchester, New Hampshire, and surrounding areas. The shelter is committed to promoting animal welfare and responsible pet ownership, and it strives to find loving homes for every animal in its care.
About Manchester Animal Shelter
Established in 1911, Manchester Animal Shelter is one of the oldest and most respected animal welfare organizations in New Hampshire. The shelter has a long history of providing compassionate care to animals and working to improve animal rights and welfare laws.
The shelter is located at 490 Dunbarton Road, Manchester, NH 03102. Its facilities include:
- A state-of-the-art adoption center
- A fully-equipped surgery and medical treatment area
- A quarantine area for new animals
- Spacious outdoor play areas for dogs
Manchester Animal Shelter is staffed by a team of dedicated and experienced veterinarians, animal care technicians, and volunteers who provide the highest quality care to each animal in their care.
Mission and Vision
Mission: To provide shelter, care, and adoption services for abandoned, lost, and unwanted animals; to promote responsible pet ownership; and to advocate for the humane treatment of all animals.
Vision: A society where every animal has a loving and responsible home.
Programs and Services
Manchester Animal Shelter offers a wide range of programs and services to support animals and pet owners in the community, including:
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Adoption: The shelter has a variety of animals available for adoption, including dogs, cats, rabbits, and other small animals. All animals are spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped before being adopted.
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Animal care: The shelter provides a variety of animal care services, including:
- Vaccinations
- Microchipping
- Spay and neuter surgeries
- Dental care
- Boarding
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Education and outreach: The shelter conducts educational programs for schools, community groups, and individuals on responsible pet ownership and animal welfare.
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Disaster response: The shelter provides disaster response services to help animals affected by natural disasters or other emergencies.
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Volunteer opportunities: The shelter relies on volunteers to support its programs and services. Volunteers assist with animal care, adoption counseling, and other shelter operations.
Animal Adoption from Manchester Animal Shelter
If you are considering adopting a pet from Manchester Animal Shelter, here is a step-by-step guide:
1. Visit the shelter: The first step is to visit the shelter and meet the animals available for adoption. You can browse the shelter's website to see current listings of animals in their care.
2. Meet the animals: Spend some time getting to know the animals and ask any questions you may have to the shelter staff. This will help you determine if you are a good match for a particular animal.
3. Fill out an application: Once you have found a potential match, you will need to fill out an adoption application. The application will ask for information about your lifestyle, home environment, and experience with pets.
4. Home visit: The shelter may conduct a home visit to ensure that your home is a safe and suitable environment for your new pet.
5. Adoption fee: Once your application is approved, you will be required to pay an adoption fee. The adoption fee covers the cost of spaying or neutering the animal, vaccinations, microchipping, and other medical care.
Why Adopt a Pet from Manchester Animal Shelter?
There are many benefits to adopting a pet from Manchester Animal Shelter, including:
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Saving a life: By adopting a pet, you are saving the life of an animal who may not otherwise have a chance at a loving home.
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Providing a loving home: Adopted pets provide companionship, unconditional love, and numerous health benefits to their families.
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Supporting a local organization: Your adoption fee helps to support the Manchester Animal Shelter and its mission to provide care and protection to animals in the community.
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Making a difference: By adopting a pet, you are making a positive difference in the life of an animal and contributing to the community's animal welfare efforts.
Facts and Statistics on Animal Welfare
According to the American Pet Products Association (APPA):
- Approximately 6.5 million companion animals enter U.S. animal shelters nationwide every year.
- Approximately 3.1 million companion animals are adopted from U.S. animal shelters nationwide every year.
- Approximately 3.3 million companion animals are euthanized in U.S. animal shelters nationwide every year.
These statistics highlight the importance of adoption and the need for continued efforts to promote responsible pet ownership and animal welfare.
Table 1: Animal Adoption Rates by Species
| Species |
Adoption Rate |
| Dogs |
70% |
| Cats |
50% |
| Rabbits |
25% |
| Small animals |
10% |
Table 2: Reasons for Pet Surrender
| Reason |
Percentage |
| Owner moves |
30% |
| Behavioral problems |
25% |
| Financial difficulties |
20% |
| Lack of time |
15% |
| Allergies |
10% |
Table 3: Benefits of Pet Ownership
| Benefit |
Evidence |
| Reduced stress and anxiety |
Pets release hormones that have a calming effect. |
| Improved cardiovascular health |
Pets encourage owners to exercise and engage in healthy activities. |
| Increased social interaction |
Pets provide a common ground for people to interact and connect. |
| Cognitive benefits for seniors |
Pets help seniors stay active and engaged and provide companionship. |
| Support for children's development |
Pets teach children about responsibility, empathy, and love. |
Conclusion
Manchester Animal Shelter is a vital resource for animals and pet owners in the Manchester community. By providing shelter, care, and adoption services, the shelter helps to reduce animal homelessness and promote responsible pet ownership.
If you are considering adopting a pet, we encourage you to visit Manchester Animal Shelter and meet the wonderful animals available for adoption. By giving a loving home to an animal in need, you will be making a difference in the life of that animal and contributing to the community's animal welfare efforts.
Call to Action
- Visit the Manchester Animal Shelter website to learn more about its programs and services: https://www.manchesteranimalshelter.org/
- Follow the shelter on social media for updates on adoptable animals and events:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ManchesterAnimalShelter/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/manchestershelt
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/manchestershelter/
- Donate to the shelter to support its mission of providing care and protection to animals in the community: https://www.manchesteranimalshelter.org/donate/
- Volunteer your time to assist with the shelter's programs and services: https://www.manchesteranimalshelter.org/volunteer/
