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The Conway Area Humane
Society will fill a much needed role as a full-service
shelter committed to long-term housing when necessary
and medical care as needed for companion animals of
eastern New Hampshire as well as western Maine. We
will maintain an open-door policy, servicing a year-round
population of over 40,000 from Milan to Wolfeboro.
These figures are based on the State of New Hampshire
population figures of 1998. Of course, the seasonal
fluctuations in the local population will add greatly
to that number. Once established and the reputation
grows, so will the number of animals seeking assistance.
The first full year of operation we plan to receive
around 1000 animals. This figure is based on the percentage
of New Hampshire animals that went to HHAS or were
put on a waiting list (and, perhaps, never made it
to any facility), plus owner-surrendered animals that
were given to ESAWL as a last resort. In 1996 a discouraging
trend appeared in the number of animals surrendered
to HHAS: a 15% increase over 1995. The same was true
in 1997 and the beginning of 1998. The number of animals
that did not find a shelter will never be known.
The facility will house
dogs, cats, and small animals (rabbits, hamsters,
guinea pigs--the often forgotten). We will network
with all available resources to help any animal that
comes to us for help. Those animals that live in the
shelter will be spayed/neutered, receive all necessary
medical care, and readied for adoption. An aggressive
adoption program and support system after adoption
are key to helping as many animals as possible. In
an effort to keep the family together, a behavior
hot line, training, and classes will be available
to those who are having problems with their pets.
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A boarding facility for all companion animals will
not only offer the community quality care for their
pets, but will also supplement the overall income
of the center. The boarding kennel will accommodate
cats and dogs for long-term boarding, up to a month,
and also offer "doggie day care."
Locally, there is one small boarding kennel in Center
Conway. The growing need for quality care has resulted
in local pets being taken all the way to Ossipee and
Sandwich. Visitors to the Valley complain about having
to leave their pets at home because most area lodging
will not allow pets. The CAHS will meet both these
needs by offering "pet sitting" for an hour
or up to a month.
A full-service animal care facility has to meet the
needs of all the animals in the community it serves.
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