Portsmouth Humane Society Inc

Portsmouth Humane is a small organization achieving big things. As the only animal shelter serving the City of Portsmouth, we receive thousands of animals each year—and we have made it our mission to provide the best level of care possible for each and every one of them. We operate under two basic assumptions: that there is a home for every animal, and that every animal deserves a chance at finding love. Regardless of breed, size, age, or health status, we give every dog, cat, or other small animal the best care we can while they are here. Our mission is to create a safe, compassionate, inclusive community for people and animals through education and resource programs that elevate animal welfare standards and champion the human-animal bond.

Our shelter meets around new 7 animals every day. Each animal's story is unique, and their needs vary wildly. Whatever their need - we're here to help. Sometimes, all they need is a safe place to land, and other times, they have complicated medical needs that need our help. But we don't do this work We have an amazing network of Veterinary Hospitals that provide expert care to our shelter pets, but it's because of you - our supporters - that we're able to offer them the chance to see a Veterinarian, and heal, before they start the next chapter of their story. 

Every year, our shelter touches the lives over more than 2,800 animals. We provide preventative care, such as vaccines, deworming, flea and heartworm medicine, and spay/neuter surgery, to keep them healthy. And for those pets that are not-so-healthy, we're able to provide additional care for those that need it. Broken bones, injured eyes, upper respiratory infections, heartworm treatments and more, our shelter animals get a second chance because our community believes that their lives matter.

Who We Are

In 2025, Portsmouth Humane Society touched the lives of over 2,800 companion animals and their guardians. Our shelter depends upon charitable contributions to accomplish our work and on volunteer support to augment a very small staff. Since 1889, PHS has been dedicated to caring for homeless animals in the community by promoting their adoptions into loving, permanent homes. We also provide education and community outreach programs to help decrease the pet overpopulation problem.