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.

Events & Programs

Join us!

  • December 7 @ 4:30 PM
    Small Breed Learn & Play – Prancer’s Petite Pooches

    Small Breed Learn & Play – Prancer’s Petite Pooches

    Small Breed Learn & Play is a series of one-time sessions that build upon the training and obedience skills you learned in our Basic Training class. It is a great way to reinforce good behavior, learn new skills, bond with your dog and have fun.

    Learn More

  • December 7 @ 3:15 PM
    December After School Club

    December After School Club

    During Club meetings, students will dive deeper into animal care, do crafts, play games, and generally decompress from the day. Students will also be able to hang out with some of our Youth Programs pets and have a tour of our Adoption Center.

    Learn More

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

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!

  • What are Reindeer Games?

    What are Reindeer Games?

    It’s the most wonderful time of the year! We love the holiday season for it’s festivities, fun, and good feelings, but there’s another reason as well. We’re talking, of course, […]

    Read More

  • Congrats to Team #awscat!

    Congrats to Team #awscat!

    This Giving Tuesday competition centered around the question who is the Coziest Companion: Cats or Canines? After a fierce but friendly competition, the winner is… 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠 #𝗔𝗪𝗦𝗖𝗔𝗧! Our feline friends […]

    Read More

  • Karhu is Team #awsdog!

    Karhu is Team #awsdog!

    Hi there, folks! My name is Karhu (pronounced like kaar·hoo) and I am a new face around here at AWS. Can you guess what my name means?! It’s actually Finnish […]

    Read More

  • A Grateful Daisy

    A Grateful Daisy

    Hi there! My name is Daisy and I’m a 5-year-old pup who has been looking for my happy new home here at AWS. My life’s been a journey but I’m […]

    Read More

Values That Guide Our Work

Follow Us!

@aws.maine

We have so many new faces around here lately! If you've been looking for a new canine companion, now might be the perfect time. Make a dog's dream come true and bring your furry friend home for the holidays! 
ADOPT ➡ https://animalwelfaresociety.org/adoption/dogs/
Is your dog on their way to the naughty list by ignoring you or not paying attention to cues? If so, we have a class for you! 𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐲'𝐬 𝐅𝐨𝐜𝐮𝐬 𝐆𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐬 will teach you and your furry friend the art of handler engagement and the secrets to a relaxed, focused, and festive partnership. Through fun games and pattern exercises, you’ll become the shining star in your dog’s holiday season!

Enroll your pup online now because class starts tomorrow!