Tribute Giving

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

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 or loved one that has passed away
  • Provide a meaningful gift to that friend or loved one who “has everything.”

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. When making your gift, please supply a mailing address or email address for the party you would like notified. You are also welcome to include a dedication message that we will pass along.

Mailing address for tribute gifts:
Animal Welfare Society
PO Box 43
West Kennebunk, ME 04094

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.

Permanent + Personalized Ways to Honor and Remember 

On our beautiful campus and in our bustling building, AWS offers special opportunities to honor or memorialize loved ones. Granite paver in the entryway are lasting tributes that are seen and enjoyed by the many visitors and dog walkers who frequent our campus each day.


Want to make an even bigger impact? We have a number of opportunities to make a significant tribute gift and support AWS’ animals, programs and services in a way that is most meaningful to you and your honoree. From purchasing a much needed piece of veterinary diagnostics to contributing toward a campus improvement (such as a feral cat barn or a dog kennel rehab), to sponsoring a student to attend summer camp or providing new canine training equipment, your personalized tribute can support our mission and make the biggest impact possible. All significant tributes will be recognized accordingly. Our needs fluctuate, so please reach out to our development office to learn about how we can work together to personalize your tribute.