Dr. Robert Macdonald joins humane society medical team

Robert MacDonald DVM, has joined the medical team at the non-profit animal welfare agency on Meredith Center Road.

Starting in October, all veterinary care, including sterilization procedures for homeless animals will be performed in-house by this accredited animal doctor. The N.H. Humane Society believes his considerable expertise, gentle approach, and understanding of the differences between shelter care and paid veterinary hospital service, will result in more streamlined care for more than 2,000 cats, dogs, puppies and kittens each year.

MacDonald comes to the shelter after working four years at Pembroke Animal Hospital, and also had a long tenure at Lakes Region Veterinary Hospital in Laconia.

Since 1998 the society has refused to euthanize animals for arbitrary reasons such as time spent waiting for a home, to relieve overcrowding or for owners seeking to euthanize their pets. It has also abandoned crematorium services for highway departments and road agents. Once within the gates, a permanent, adoptive home will be found, no matter how long the wait.

Other programs were revamped. Comprehensive care is now offered for animals being looked after in private homes. Fundraising was beefed up for extraneous care often needed by sick animals. A spay-neuter fund was established to help cover the thousands of dollars paid to area veterinarians for surgical services.

The new shelter opened in May as a full service adoption agency. Unveiled at the grand opening June 7, was a fully-equipped, state-of-the-art treatment and surgery suite. With MacDonald added to the staff, a professional is now spearheading the medical team.

MacDonald grew up in New Hampshire attending Kearsarge High School and University of New Hampshire. He received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Tufts University in 1995.

He lives in the Meredith area with his wife Susan and son Tristan, 5, five cats, two dogs, 73 chickens, two goats, a Jersey cow, and other livestock.