Pets and families thriving together

Founded in 1967, Animal Welfare Society (AWS) is a private 501(c)(3) non-profit animal welfare organization located in Kennebunk, Maine.

Our mission

Animal Welfare Society exists to serve as the safety net for lost and homeless pets and to provide access to affordable services and resources necessary for long term well-being, so pets and their families stay together and thrive.

Our 2022 Impact

In a year like no other, we supported our pet community’s needs as families faced inflation, economic uncertainty and housing instability while also adjusting our operations to fit the “post-COVID” era. 

2,009

Pets Adopted

20,245

Procedures and Exams

47,495

Volunteers Hours

39,896

Pounds of Food
& Litter Provided

2023 Year in Review

Events & Programs

Join us!

  • April 21 @ 9:00 AM
    Microchip + Rabies Vaccine Clinic

    Microchip + Rabies Vaccine Clinic

    AWS Community Veterinary Clinic is hosting a FREE microchip and rabies vaccine clinic for dogs and cats over 12 weeks of age at Waggerstown Pet Nutrition & Supplies Store in […]

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From the Blog

Whether it’s a dog who likes to blog, a cat who enjoys a chat, a bird who shares the word, or the occasional funny bunny, you’ll love hearing from our resident animals directly. Our blog also contains news & updates, training tips & tricks and more. Keep up with AWS!

  • Double the Love

    Double the Love

    On our last Featured Pet blog we talked about why spring is the perfect time to adopt a dog. What about cats? As it turns out, we currently have three […]

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  • Why NOW is the Perfect Time to Adopt a Dog

    Why NOW is the Perfect Time to Adopt a Dog

    Perhaps you’ve considered adding a new canine companion to your family, but haven’t quite decided if it’s a good time yet. Maybe you’ve been wanting a dog but the winter […]

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  • Canine Fitness and Nutrition

    Canine Fitness and Nutrition

    Dogs feel their best when they have a healthy lifestyle that balances diet and exercise. Same as us humans! It can be hard to make sure that your furry friend […]

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  • Pet of the Week: April Puppies!

    Pet of the Week: April Puppies!

    For this lovely April day, we offer a special Pet of the Week blog, featuring some of our youngest and most adorable adoptable animals: puppies! We currently have five puppies […]

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Values That Guide Our Work

Follow Us!

@aws.maine

Perhaps you’ve considered adding a new canine companion to your family, but haven’t quite decided if it’s a good time yet. Maybe you’ve been wanting a dog but the winter blues have had you feeling down and out. We totally understand; adopting a pet is a big decision! We feel right now in this season, however, is the perfect time to adopt a dog!

Check out our newest blog post online to learn why we think NOW is the perfect time to adopt your furry friend! And while you're there, make sure to browse our adoptable dogs and see all their adorable faces! 🐶
The weather might be misbehaving, but a few April showers won't stop our second annual Bunny Hop! Grab the kids and join us TODAY at 2:00 pm for fun crafts, stories, and time spent with real springtime animals, all happening inside AWS’ Behavior and Training room. It's going to be a hopping good time!
Happy Eclipse Day! ☀️

While this natural phenomenon is certainly something us humans don’t want to miss, many pet parents are wondering about the safety risks to animals during this time. We’re here to help you work through some solar eclipse pet safety concerns!

Check out our newest blog post for safety tips and suggestions. We hope you and your pet have an amazing once-in-a-lifetime event!