The Concord-Merrimack County SPCA, located in Penacook, New Hampshire, opened in 1910 to relieve suffering and cruelty to animals in their community. These efforts were enhanced by offering humane education programs to show people the importance of being compassionate towards all animals. This was very progressive for that time. The organization’s original facility was a chicken coop which was far from ideal but it was much better than the alternatives. Today the Concord-Merrimack County SPCA has a 2,000 square foot shelter with additional administrative space on the property.

The Concord-Merrimack County SPCA has a different sheltering philosophy. They do not serve as a "warehouse" for homeless animals. The facility is truly a shelter, with all that word implies in providing animals that are in transition with a safe and nurturing place to stay. The employees put a lot of time and effort into screening applications to find permanent, loving homes for all the adoptable animals, no matter how long it takes. There is a genuine commitment on the part of the employees and volunteers and it is evident in all the hard work they do for the wellbeing of animals. And their mission, while basically the same since 1910, has expanded to include an even more active involvement in the community by serving as a resource to all pet guardians and an educational resource for young people.

The organization’s youth programs offer a fun and informative way for children to learn about dogs and cats, plus other animals. Many of the lesson plans presented to these groups include New Hampshire Curriculum Frameworks which meets many of the guidelines public schools must follow. The adult programs provide an opportunity for the public to learn more about the significant role the Concord-Merrimack County SPCA has in the community as well as providing practical information that benefits animals. The programs include:

Getting to Know the Concord-Merrimack County SPCA – Too often a community has little information or incorrect information about the role an animal shelter plays in their area. This program explains the vital role the organizations plays in the community.

Dog Bite – This is an important program that provides safety tips and precautions to take around dogs, especially when interacting with a stray dog or one you have never met before.

Cat and Dog Safety – This program teaches a person how to read a cat and dog's body language to remain safe and to gain a better understanding of what the animal is trying to convey.

Responsible Pet Ownership - Properly caring for a pet is a big responsibility and this program provides helpful information on how to be a responsible care giver.

Careers with Animals – There are a growing number of careers that benefit animals and this program identifies what options are available.

Animal Cruelty – Each community has an agency designated to respond to reports of animal abuse and neglect. This program explains what the laws are and helps people to be aware of when the authorities should be contacted if they feel an animal is being mistreated. Having trained individuals to help the authorities by being the “eyes and ears” for them, increases the chances that incidents of animal abuse and neglect will be reported and the appropriate action will be taken to safeguard the animal.

Thanks to a $10,000 grant from PetSmart Charities, the Concord-Merrimack County SPCA recently achieved a long time dream to be able to spay and neuter their animals on-site. This is accomplished by setting up a mobile spay/neuter clinic in their conference room every 6 to 8 weeks. One average, 30 animals are altered each time. The program has been able to expand to include spaying/neutering animals from the community too. In addition, low cost rabies and distemper vaccines are offered. Ear mite and flea treatments are also available, as well as micro chipping. These are all lifesaving services which makes the Concord-Merrimack County SPCA an even stronger ally for the animals in their community. This is an organization that definitely makes a difference every day.