Central Aroostook Humane Society: A New Home for Presque Isle Animals in Need

“It’s basically falling apart.”

Photo courtesy of Central Aroostook Humane Society

That’s how Betsy Hallett, Executive Director of Central Aroostook Humane Society, describes the building that the shelter has been operating in since it opened its doors in 1992. Located in Presque Isle–the largest city in Maine’s northernmost territory–the shelter serves 30 towns throughout Aroostook County, taking in roughly 500 cats and 250 dogs per year, along with many small animals.

The building, which acts as the animals’ temporary home until local adopters can be found, has been in bad shape for years. Severe structural problems have caused cracks and gaps in the floor, and an outdated air filtration system has allowed black mold to flourish.

“We've fixed it every way we can,” Betsy admits. “It's just really hard when it’s so hot. The humidity is so thick, our floors won't even dry.”

New building construction. Photo courtesy of Central Aroostook Humane Society

With the health, safety and comfort of both humans and animals on the line, the shelter launched a $810,000 capital campaign for a new shelter in March 2023. Betsy, who came to the shelter as a part-time kennel technician in 2001, soon started looking around for grants and remembered Sewall had previously awarded the shelter three grants totaling $17,500.

It was perfect timing, since Sewall’s Animal Welfare program accepts applications each spring, from mid-April through June 1. Her application was successful, and the shelter received a $200,000, 12-month grant for 2023, providing a significant boost to the campaign.

“It’s truly an honor to join so many others in supporting Central Aroostook Humane Society at this critical moment in their growth as an organization,” says Amie Hutchison, Sewall’s Animal Welfare Community Partner. “We’re thrilled that their new space will allow for better animal care, a more positive experience for adopters and increased opportunities for community engagement.”

Toast to the Animals Fundraiser. Photo courtesy of Central Aroostook Humane Society.

Supporters in Presque Isle and beyond have also rallied behind the cause: the local fundraiser Toast to the Animals brought in $15,000, and Maine Animal Coalition of Portland launched a GoFundMe campaign that has almost reached its $10,000 goal. In May, Jordan’s Way, which generates both “buzz” and funds for shelters across the U.S., held a Facebook Live event that raised about $10,000.

While the shelter’s fundraising goal has since risen to nearly $1 million, due to increased material costs and other incidentals, only $30,000 is left to raise as of July 2024.

Ground broke on the new, 3,300-square-foot shelter this past January, on a city lot just up the street from the current shelter. While the new building isn’t larger, the layout will accommodate a few more animals–13 dogs and 36 cats, compared to 10 dogs and 25 cats–and feature separate cat and dog areas to reduce noise.

New building construction, winter. Photo courtesy of Central Aroostook Humane Society.

Other upgrades include: modern equipment, a larger waiting area, a medical room, a laundry room, and a room for prospective adopters to spend time with cats and dogs. The dog kennels will also be bigger and let in more light, and open onto an outdoor playpen, so the dogs can get more exercise.

“It's going to be so much easier for the employees,” says Betsy.

The shelter is expected to open in September, and Betsy is considering options for a grand opening event to celebrate with the community. At the same time, she’s trying to get funding to host free or low-cost spay and neuter clinics next year–she says they field around five or six calls a day from locals asking for help, due to the vet shortage in the region.

While working to make these big goals a reality, Betsy still needs to keep the shelter afloat day-to-day. She says they’re taking in more owner surrenders now than ever–of senior pets, in particular–due to owners not being able to afford their vet bills. Medical care for these senior dogs can cost around $800, and with only a $150 adoption fee, there’s a significant gap to fill.

“It’s like walking a tightrope,” she admits.