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, and Lisa Webster, came together and the process began.

The 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 CAHS receives animals from near and far, as need dictates. Hurricane Katrina was a call for help from a great distance, and the CAHS 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 CAHS welcomes owner-surrendered animals from across New Hampshire and Maine. The shelter also takes in stray animals for eight neighboring towns. In total, the CAHS has helped over 3,500 animals in five and a half years.

CAHS Executive Director Virginia Moore (above photo) was appointed in March 2008. The decision by the board of directors to name Moore was announced at the Paddy O’Paws Annual Benefit Brunch and Auction at the Red Jacket Mountain View Resort, a sold-out event.