History of the Animal Rescue League of New Hampshire - North

In March of 1999, Roz Manwaring, founder of the Conway Area Humane Society, asked the public what it thought of an all-inclusive, state-of-the art animal resource center. The response was immediate and very positive; funds started to come in. The founding Board of Directors, Joanne Faille, Kathy Ahearn, Anita Burroughs, Judi Paul, M. Owen Lasker and Lisa Webster, came together and the process began.

Conway Area Humane Society opened its doors to homeless cats and small mammals in June 2003. The response was immediate - 400 in the first six months; the “cat house” was full. Phase II, the dog facility, was accepting stray dogs from local animal control officers as well as owner-relinquished animals in June 2004

The Conway Area Humane Society and the Animal Rescue League of NH (the League) announced their formal affiliation effective November 11, 2009. The combined talents of each organization will strengthen the programs and services offered to more than 70 communities in the Granite State.

The Animal Rescue League of New Hampshire - North (Formerly) CAHS receives animals from near and far, as need dictates. Hurricane Katrina was a call for help from a great distance, and the Conway Area Humane Society was ready, willing and able to respond, and did so, helping hundreds of disaster victims. The majority of calls for help are closer to home as the ARL North welcomes owner-surrendered animals from across New Hampshire and Maine. The shelter also takes in stray animals for eight neighboring towns. In total, the ARL North and The Conway Area Humane Society has helped over 3,500 animals in six and a half years.

ARL North Executive Director Virginia Moore (above photo) was appointed in March 2008.