After more than two decades of dedicated service to the community, the Franklin Animal Shelter has announced its impending closure due to financial constraints. The shelter, operated by the Granite State Animal League, has been a haven for abandoned, neglected, and stray animals, providing them with medical care and a chance to find loving homes. However, rising costs and financial difficulties have led to the difficult decision to cease operations.

A Difficult Decision 

According to the Laconia Daily Sun, Jennifer Ach, President of the Granite State Animal League, expressed deep sadness over the closure. “This is a very sad time,” Ach said. “Franklin Animal Shelter would like to note, at this time, the utmost gratitude to the community for its historic and unprecedented kindness and generosity, not only to the animals of Franklin and surrounding communities but to each other and the community as a whole.”

Despite their best efforts to sustain operations, increasing veterinary costs and a decline in public donations have made it impossible to keep the shelter running. Ach explained that small community shelters like Franklin Animal Shelter often struggle without the financial backing of a larger network, making them vulnerable to economic downturns and rising expenses.

Adoption Efforts Before Closure 

Before officially shutting down, the shelter is making a final push to find homes for its remaining animals. Adoption fees have been waived in an effort to encourage adoptions and ensure all pets find a safe home before the shelter closes.

Currently, two dogs, Merlin, a bluetick coonhound mix, and Koda, a terrier and American pitbull mix, are available for adoption, with more animals to be listed soon. Potential adopters must still go through the standard vetting process to ensure the pets are placed in suitable homes. The shelter remains open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The New Hampshire Humane Society (NHHS) in Laconia has stepped in to assist with the transition, ensuring that any animals not adopted before the closure will still receive care and rehoming assistance.

Community and Local Government Response 

The decision to close the shelter has come as a surprise to many, including Franklin Mayor Desiree McLaughlin. She attended the most recent board meeting in January and noted that there was no discussion indicating financial distress. “There wasn’t even a discussion or a motion saying they may need more funds,” McLaughlin said, adding that the city had even increased its financial contribution to the shelter from $20,000 to $25,000 in the 2025 budget.

In response to the unexpected closure, McLaughlin has initiated the formation of an ad-hoc committee to review the city’s partnerships with organizations like Franklin Animal Shelter, aiming to improve communication and oversight to prevent similar situations in the future.

The Future of Animal Welfare in Franklin 

While the Franklin Animal Shelter’s closure marks the end of an era, the NHHS has pledged to extend its coverage to Franklin. NHHS provides an array of services, including low cost or no-cost microchip and vaccine clinics, spay and neuter programs, a free pet food pantry, and community outreach initiatives.

Charles Stanton, Executive Director of NHHS, acknowledged the broader struggles faced by small shelters nationwide. “We are seeing a lot of strain on particularly small shelters that are struggling to make ends meet,” Stanton said. “They’re struggling not only to raise money but also to navigate the current climate.”

Despite its closure, Stanton emphasized that Franklin Animal Shelter should be proud of its legacy, having facilitated over 4,500 adoptions. “Hopefully, the folks with Franklin Animal Shelter are proud of the work they’ve done. The board has done very good work, particularly in the last couple of years, in building the organization,” he said.

Final Message from Franklin Animal Shelter 

In its official statement, Franklin Animal Shelter expressed gratitude to the community: 

“Thanks to your kindness and generosity, many local animals, neighbors, and community members have benefitted from Franklin Animal Shelter’s presence for years. It is with great sadness that its Board of Directors shares the news that shelter operations will be suspended today due to financial constraints.”

While this chapter in Franklin’s history is closing, the community’s commitment to animal welfare remains steadfast, ensuring that vulnerable animals will continue to receive care and support through NHHS and other initiatives. If you would like to learn more about pets currently looking for a loving home, please visit their website.