Nonprofit Profile: Animal Rescue League of New Hampshire

In our "Nonprofit Profile" series, we're introducing you to the many nonprofits from around the state, and the people who are behind them

April 16, 2024

Elisa Gonzales Verdi,

New Hampshire is home to dozens of nonprofits that provide much needed services and once-in-a-lifetime experiences to Granite Staters. The staff members and volunteers who help these organizations run have hearts that beat for the communities they serve. Our nonprofits play a vital role in every town, in every region of our state, and help make New Hampshire be the best place it can be. In our “Nonprofit Profile” series, we’re introducing you to the many nonprofits from around the state, and the people who are behind them.

For our latest profile, we’re meeting with The Animal Rescue League of New Hampshire. Read on to learn about how the ARLNH is helping improve animal welfare throughout the state for over a century.

New Hampshire Magazine: Tell us about yourself! What is your role at your nonprofit?

Marianne Jones: My name is Marianne Jones and I am the CEO of the Animal Rescue League of New Hampshire. Myself, along with Dr. Stephanie Magnarelli, Chief Medical Officer and Naomi Stevens, Chief Operating Officer lead the organization.

NHM: What is the Animal Rescue League of New Hampshire’s mission?:

MJ: The Animal Rescue League of New Hampshire improves animal welfare in our communities by helping pets and the people who care for them.

NHM: When was the ARLNH founded and why?

MJ: The ARLNH was founded in 1902 by a group of concerned citizens and was formally incorporated in 1904. In 1942, ARLNH’s first shelter facility was opened in Goffstown in a renovated home. In 1998, we opened our new facility in Bedford where we reside today.

NHM: How did you get involved?

MJ: As a life-long animal lover and local resident, I excitedly jumped at the chance to help the ARLNH with their donation tracking system in 2003. Twenty-one years (and many positions) later, I remain passionate and dedicated to the ARLNH’s mission of helping as many pets and the people who care for them in need as possible.

NMH: What services do you provide?

MJ: Being more than a shelter, the Animal Rescue League of New Hampshire provides a wide range of services, many of which are open to all residents of New Hampshire with a focus on the local communities of Amherst, Auburn, Bedford, Brookline, Candia, Dunbarton, Francestown, Goffstown, Hollis, Hudson, Hooksett, Litchfield, Londonderry, Lyndeborough, Manchester, Merrimack, Milford, Mont Vernon, New Boston, Peterborough, Wilton, and Windham.

NHM: How has ARLNH grown since its beginning?

MJ: For over 120 years, the ARLNH has provided help to those in their greatest time of need and has grown into an organization that currently helps over 2,000 pets and the people who care for them each year. Many of our community outreach programs are designed to help people who love their pets but are currently struggling to care for them. The ARLNH strives to continually enhance our programs to meet the growing needs of our community.

NHM: What’s next? What are you looking to do over the course of the next year?

MJ: The ARLNH looks forward to continually forming partnerships with area organizations to increase our network and help as many pets and pet owners in need that we can. We have existing partnerships with Chris’ Hero Pets to help adopt shelter pets into loving homes with veterans; Meals On Wheels of Hillsborough County to help provide food, supplies and medical care to homebound residents with pets; as well as several local food pantries.

NHM: What is the impact that ARLNH is looking to make in New Hampshire and beyond?

MJ: The ARLNH’s goal is to continue to focus on the many animals in New Hampshire in need. In addition to animals in our care, the ARLNH assists other rescues and agencies in the state if there are needs with their current animal population or if there is a need to remove animals from overcrowded or unhealthy situations around the state. As space and bandwidth allows, we welcome animal transports from overcrowded partner shelters in other states.

NHM: What has been your favorite part about working for ARLNH?

MJ: Our dedicated team treats each and every animal as if they were their own. Just like people, every animal has a story each arriving at the ARLNH with different needs. The ARLNH team always goes the extra mile to ensure that the needs of every animal are met. It is truly an honor to work with such an amazing team!

NHM: How can our readers get involved with ARLNH?

MJ: As the ARLNH does not receive any state or federal funding, we are 100% reliant upon the generosity of the communities that we serve. Our small team works tirelessly to raise over $1.2 million dollars every year in order to continue our mission-based programs. Readers can help by making a financial donation, donating goods, volunteering, adopting, attending our events, through business partnerships, following us on social media, and by spreading the word about the ARLNH!

To learn more about the Animal Rescue League of New Hampshire, visit their website here!

Here is a current list of ARLNH Programs: