Animal Industry

- 25 Capitol St, Concord, NH 03301

For pet owners and farmers across New Hampshire, the health and safety of our animals is a collective responsibility that extends beyond individual care. We rely on a system of regulations and public health measures to protect our animal population and, by extension, ourselves. In this crucial role, the Division of Animal Industry, a part of the New Hampshire Department of Agriculture, Markets & Food, serves as a central hub for animal health and welfare oversight. Located in the state's capital, this governmental office is not a typical veterinary clinic where you would take your pet for a routine check-up. Instead, it is a vital resource that works behind the scenes to maintain the health of all animals within our borders. This overview will shed light on the important functions of this division and why it is a key player in New Hampshire’s animal health landscape.

The Division of Animal Industry is a state-level agency with a broad and important mission. Its primary goal is to protect New Hampshire's livestock, poultry, and people from illness and disease. This is achieved through a variety of programs, including disease testing, vaccination protocols, and the regulation of animals entering the state. The Division is led by the state veterinarian, who acts as a crucial link between public health and animal health. While it does not offer direct medical services to individual pets, its work directly impacts the well-being of every animal in New Hampshire. For instance, by ensuring that certain diseases, such as rabies and avian flu, are monitored and contained, the Division helps keep our pets and our families safe. This preventative, macro-level approach to animal health is foundational to the state's public health infrastructure and is an essential complement to the services offered by private veterinary practices.

Beyond disease control, the Division of Animal Industry is also responsible for a number of regulatory and welfare-related tasks. This includes licensing pet shops, animal shelters, and livestock dealers to ensure they meet state standards. The Division also plays a role in assisting law enforcement officers with investigations of animal cruelty, acting as a crucial resource to protect animals from abuse and neglect. Additionally, they administer programs such as the Animal Population Control Program, which helps provide financial assistance for spaying and neutering pets for eligible low-income residents. This program is a perfect example of the Division's direct impact on the lives of individual pets and their owners, working to reduce pet overpopulation and promote responsible ownership. They are a behind-the-scenes force for good, providing the regulatory framework that makes New Hampshire a safe place for animals to live and thrive.

The Division of Animal Industry works in close partnership with a number of other organizations to achieve its goals. This includes joint responsibility with the University of New Hampshire for the NH Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, which is used by veterinarians across the state to identify animal health problems. This collaborative approach ensures that New Hampshire veterinarians have access to the diagnostic tools they need to accurately treat their patients. The Division's work is a testament to the state's commitment to animal welfare and public health. By setting high standards and providing a system for monitoring and responding to threats, they help maintain a stable and healthy environment for both our animal and human populations. For New Hampshire residents, it's reassuring to know that there is a dedicated state agency overseeing these critical functions, even if we don't interact with it on a daily basis.

While an appointment with the Division of Animal Industry isn't for a pet's annual wellness exam, it's where key state-level animal health decisions and programs are managed. The office is open to the public during regular business hours, and appointments are recommended to ensure you can speak with the appropriate staff member. This is particularly important for those who need to inquire about animal import regulations, report a notifiable animal disease, or seek information about specific state programs. The dedicated team works tirelessly to support the state’s agricultural community, animal welfare organizations, and pet owners by providing expert guidance and enforcing essential regulations. Their work is a quiet but powerful force in ensuring a high quality of life for all animals in New Hampshire.

The work of the Division of Animal Industry may not be as visible as a local vet clinic, but it is just as, if not more, important for the overall health of the state's animal population. They provide the fundamental structure and regulations that allow other veterinary services to operate effectively and safely. From managing animal disease traceability to assisting in disaster responses involving animals, their work is comprehensive and far-reaching. By being aware of the services and role of this division, New Hampshire residents can have a better understanding of the robust network of support that exists to protect our animals, from our cherished pets to the state's vital livestock. The Division is a true public service, dedicated to promoting animal and public health through a multifaceted approach of regulation, education, and collaboration.

Location and Accessibility

The Division of Animal Industry is located at 25 Capitol St, Concord, NH 03301. The office is situated in the heart of the state capital, making it accessible to those who need to visit for official business. While it is a government office and not a traditional clinic, the location is a significant landmark. The area provides a wheelchair-accessible parking lot, ensuring that individuals with mobility challenges can access the building. Given its location in the State House Annex, public transportation may also be an option for those visiting the area. The building is a professional and official setting, and it is recommended to schedule an appointment to ensure you can meet with the correct person for your specific needs.

Services Offered

As a government agency, the Division of Animal Industry provides regulatory and public health services related to animals, rather than direct medical care. Their services include:

• Animal Health and Disease Prevention: Overseeing programs for disease testing, vaccination, and managing outbreaks to protect both animals and humans.
• Animal and Poultry Regulation: Regulating the entry and movement of animals within and into the state to prevent the spread of disease.
• Animal Welfare and Cruelty Investigations: Assisting law enforcement in investigating animal cruelty and neglect cases.
• Licensing and Oversight: Licensing for pet shops, animal shelters, and livestock dealers to ensure compliance with state standards.
• Animal Population Control Program: Administering a program that provides financial assistance for spaying and neutering pets for qualifying New Hampshire residents.
• Collaboration and Diagnostics: Sharing oversight of the NH Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory with the University of New Hampshire.
• Disaster Response: Providing support and guidance for animal-related issues during state disasters.

Features / Highlights

• Official State Agency: This is the official body that oversees and regulates animal health and welfare across the entire state of New Hampshire.
• Public Health Mission: Their work is critical to protecting the public from animal-related diseases.
• Animal Welfare Initiatives: The Division is directly involved in programs that improve the well-being of pets, such as the Animal Population Control Program.
• Collaborative Network: They work in partnership with private veterinarians, laboratories, and law enforcement to create a robust system of animal care.
• Expert Guidance: The State Veterinarian and staff are a valuable resource for information on animal health regulations and best practices.
• Accessibility: The office provides a wheelchair-accessible parking lot for visitors.

Contact Information

For more information or to conduct business with the Division, you can use the following contact details:

Address: 25 Capitol St, Concord, NH 03301, USA

Phone: (603) 271-2404

What is worth choosing

While you wouldn't "choose" the Division of Animal Industry for your pet's annual check-up, it is an essential part of the New Hampshire animal health ecosystem. It is worth being aware of its existence and its role because it is the foundational body that ensures the safety, regulation, and overall well-being of the state’s animal population. The Division’s work protects our pets from widespread disease, sets standards for animal-related businesses, and supports critical public health initiatives. For any pet owner or individual concerned with animal welfare, knowing about this organization is a key part of understanding the broader network of care that exists in our state. For official business, such as inquiries about animal transport or licensing, contacting this office is the right and only choice for accurate, state-level information.

Animal Industry

25 Capitol St, Concord, NH 03301, USA