Honorary & Memorial Giving

Remember a loved one, pay tribute to a special pet or honor a friend’s milestone with a gift to Animal Welfare Society.

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Pay tribute with a gift to the animals

There are many reasons to make a tribute gift such as:

  • Honor a joyous occasion, such as a birthday or major milestone
  • Celebrate a new pet
  • Express gratitude for an act of kindness
  • Memorialize a beloved pet who has crossed the rainbow bridge
  • Remember a loved one who has passed away
  • Provide a meaningful gift to that friend or loved one who “has everything.”

Make your tribute gift

Honorary and memorial gifts, like all donations that come to AWS, support the health and welfare of the thousands of pets that seek our care each year.

When we receive an honorary or memorial donation, we send an acknowledgment note to the honoree, next of kin or interested party within a week of receiving the gift. Therefore, when making your gift, please provide a mailing address or email address for the party you would like us to notify. You are also welcome to include a dedication message that we will pass along.

  • Animal Welfare Society
    PO Box 43
    West Kennebunk, ME 04094
three kittens in yellow collars perch on cat tree

Gifts in Lieu of Flowers

We are honored by the number of animal lovers whose families include us as the charitable recipient of memorial gifts given in lieu of flowers. If desired, funeral directors can request memorial envelopes to have on hand.

We ask that obituaries include our complete name and mailing address:

  • Animal Welfare Society
    PO Box 43
    West Kennebunk, ME 04094

If requesting donations be sent to AWS in memory of your loved one, please provide us with the contact information for the next of kin so we can properly notify them of the kind gestures of remembrances from friends and family.

Personalized Memorials

On our beautiful campus and in our bustling building, AWS offers special opportunities to honor or memorialize loved ones, whether it be a family member, a dear friend or a beloved pet.

Granite Pavers

Granite pavers are a wonderful way to honor or remember a special someone. They also dozens of adopters, volunteers, visitors and friends to the Adoption Center’s main entrance.

Leave a special message. The 12” x 12” pavers are personalized with up to six lines of customized text.

Want to make an even bigger impact? 

Are you looking for a different way to honor or remember a loved one? Do you have something in mind that would be particularly profound and personal to you and your honoree? Let’s talk! We have a number of opportunities to make a significant and meaningful honorary or memorial gift, while simultaneously supporting AWS’ animals, programs and services.

For example, past tribute gifts have included:

  • purchasing a much needed piece of veterinary equipment
  • contributing toward a major campus improvement
  • sponsoring a student to attend summer camp
  • providing new canine training equipment

These types of gifts support our mission and make the biggest impact possible, when we need it most. Because our needs fluctuate, please reach out first to learn about how we can work together to personalize your tribute. All significant tributes are recognized accordingly.

Questions about tribute giving?

For more information, please contact our Development Office via email or telephone at (207) 985-3244 ext. 200.

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𝑪𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒃𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝑽𝒐𝒍𝒖𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒆𝒓 𝑨𝒑𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒊𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝑾𝒆𝒆𝒌 𝑾𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝑼𝒔! 

𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐕𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐫𝐬
Working with both children and pets takes a special and compassionate person, and that’s exactly how we would describe our Youth Programs volunteers! Alongside our Youth Programs Coordinator, volunteers help children visiting with AWS both inside and outside the classroom with fun games, tasks, education and, of course, animals. With programs like Rescue Readers, Furry Tales, and After School Club, there’s a lot to do around here regarding humane education! We’re grateful for the hard work and dedication of our Youth Programs volunteers who assist in teaching compassion, kindness, and care for all creatures!