Piscataqua Savings Bank is the proud supporter of over 100 Seacoast area nonprofits. We’re highlighting a few of the nonprofits doing incredible, critical work in our Seacoast community with our Seacoast Spotlight Series. Next up in our spotlight is Pope Memorial Humane Society Cocheco Valley.
Pope Memorial Humane Society Cocheco Valley (PMHS) of Dover, NH, is a vital resource for animals in need, providing compassionate care and a safe haven for pets awaiting their forever homes. More than just a shelter, PMHS is committed to improving the lives of animals through education, advocacy, and community involvement. Serving as a hub for animal welfare, PMHS offers adoption services, medical care, and outreach programs that benefit both animals and people. As we celebrate Earth Month in April, the shelter’s dedication to animal welfare and environmental stewardship takes center stage, highlighting the deep connection between the health of our planet and the well-being of all its inhabitants.
A Legacy of Care and Compassion
Founded in 1984 as Cocheco Valley Humane Society, PMHS has been a cornerstone of animal welfare in the region for over three decades. Located in the Strafford County Complex in Dover, NH, the shelter serves over 125,000 residents in Strafford County, as well as residents from New Hampshire and southern Maine. Each year, PMHS provides refuge to more than 1,000 abused, neglected, or unwanted animals, offering them a safe space while they await adoption.
Though it once operated out of a century-old piggery, PMHS has transformed into a modern, essential community resource. The organization is dedicated not only to sheltering animals but also to advocating for humane treatment, offering educational resources on responsible pet ownership, and running adoption services, rescue operations, and other programs that support animal welfare across the region.
PMHS’s outreach programs and volunteer opportunities help extend its mission beyond the shelter, creating a ripple effect of kindness and compassion throughout the community. Through these efforts, PMHS plays a pivotal role in the lives of countless animals and families, offering hope and a brighter future to those in need.
Adoption and Community Engagement
Adoption is at the heart of PMHS’s mission. Each year, the shelter helps find homes for hundreds of pets. As an open shelter, PMHS places no time limits or restrictions on its animals. Every pet that enters the shelter receives as much time as they need to find a loving forever home, ensuring they are treated with compassion and care during their stay. The staff takes the time to get to know each animal, prioritizing matching pets with families who can meet their needs, ensuring that animals go to loving homes where they’ll thrive.
PMHS also encourages the community to engage in hands-on volunteer opportunities. Volunteers play an essential role in the daily operations of the shelter, helping with everything from dog walks to socialization sessions. These opportunities not only make a difference in the lives of the animals but also enrich the lives of those who offer their time and energy to the cause. The shelter’s programs also extend to educational initiatives, including pet care and responsible ownership training, fostering a more informed and compassionate community.
Earth Month: The Environmental Impact of Pet Adoption
April is Earth Month, a time to reflect on our impact on the planet and take meaningful steps toward sustainability. At Pope Memorial Humane Society, protecting animals goes hand in hand with protecting the environment. One of the most impactful ways to do both is by choosing adoption over purchasing pets from breeders.
By adopting from a shelter, you’re not only giving an animal a second chance at a loving home, but you’re also reducing the demand for commercial breeding operations, which contribute to overpopulation and resource consumption. Puppy mills and large-scale breeders often require significant amounts of food, water, and land, adding to environmental strain. Meanwhile, thousands of pets in shelters are already waiting for homes – adoption reduces waste, lowers the carbon footprint associated with breeding, and prevents unnecessary euthanasia.
PMHS encourages pet owners to further reduce their environmental impact by choosing sustainable pet products, from biodegradable waste bags to eco-friendly toys and responsibly sourced food. Additionally, the shelter actively participates in community environmental initiatives, reinforcing the idea that caring for animals and caring for the planet go hand in hand.
This Earth Month, consider making a difference by adopting, fostering, or supporting local shelters. Small actions, like providing a home to a rescued pet, can create a ripple effect of positive change for animals and the environment alike.
Moving Forward Together
As we celebrate Earth Month, it’s important to remember that the health of our planet and the well-being of its creatures are intertwined. PMHS’s work serves as a powerful reminder that small actions, whether it’s adopting a pet or reducing waste, can have a significant impact on our world.
Looking ahead, the shelter continues to innovate and grow, striving to meet the needs of the community and the animals it serves. Whether you’re interested in adopting, volunteering, or supporting their efforts, there are many ways to get involved and make a difference. As we reflect on the importance of Earth Month, we’re reminded that protecting the environment benefits us all, animals and humans alike.
For more information about Pope Memorial Humane Society and how you can get involved, visit their website.
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