Upper Valley Humane Society jobs

For over 65 years, UVHS has provided services to pets and families across communities in New Hampshire and Vermont.

The first meeting to organize the Upper Valley Humane Society was held in 1959, which resulted in a temporary shelter being set up at the home of the President, Frank Sanborn. For the next dozen or so years, animal housing was at various people’s homes. Then, in 1972, Betty Farnsworth helped raise funds to purchase UVHS’ first property for $36,000, in Plainfield, New Hampshire. The property consisted of the Doggie Motel, a house, barn, and 6.39 acres of land.

Not much has changed – except the cost of real estate! 65 years later, UVHS’ current location in Enfield, New Hampshire consists of two main buildings. The Adoption Center houses the majority of the animals, including nearly 30 kennels for dogs, more than 40 enclosures for cats, and flexible space for rabbits and other small animals. UVHS also periodically shelters birds, ferrets, and other pets.

As one of the first animal welfare organizations in the country to provide positive reinforcement training and behavior resources, UVHS’ sheltering strategies provide mental stimulation, socialization, exercise, improved nutrition, and a reduced stress environment for all animals in its care. To help ensure success with new adoptive families, every animal is behaviorally evaluated to determine the best home setting and each shelter dog’s tailored behavior and training program helps build skills and overcome challenging behaviors.

UVHS has worked to create a compassionate and humane community with innovative and leading edge strategies and has received national recognition from American Humane, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and the Humane Society of the United States. UVHS is proud to be at the forefront of a growing movement in animal welfare by serving our communities through care and resources for companion animals and families.