Pets & 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.

Pets and Families Thriving Together

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

Home for the Holidays

Eddie (seen here), Bentley, Daisy, Kimber and the guinea pigs have been with us the longest and we’ve reduced their adoption fees. Let’s get these pets—and all animals in our care—home for the holidays.

Winter Wags Adoption Special

Warm your heart with a new best friend! Visit AWS for our Winter Wags Adoption Special! Running from January 30 through February 8.

Winter Wags Adoption Special

Warm your heart with a new best friend! Visit AWS for our Winter Wags Adoption Special! Running from January 30 through February 8.

Home for the Holidays







Eddie (seen here), Bentley, Daisy, Kimber and the guinea pigs have been with us the longest. Let’s get them home for the holidays!

Home for the Holidays

Warm nights by the fireplace, snow-filled adventures, cozy lap naps, now is the time to adopt your new best friend. Let’s get our residents pets – like River seen here – home for the holidays!

Home for the Holidays

Warm nights by the fireplace, snow-filled adventures, cozy lap naps, now is the time to adopt your new best friend. Let’s get our residents pets home for the holidays!

infograph showing AWS community impact in 2025

Our mission

Animal Welfare Society exists to serve as the safety net for pets through adoptions, affordable services and resources, so pets and their families can stay together and thrive.

Community Events & Appearances

Join us!

  • Smoke n’ Bingo: April 22

    Join Smoke BBQ for an hour and a half of free bingo, prizes and fun! Each bingo card is a suggested donation of $5 and all proceeds benefit AWS’ mission.

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  • Rabies Vaccine Clinic: May 16 @9 am – Noon

    AWS’ Community Veterinary Clinic is hosting a FREE* rabies vaccine clinic for dogs and cats over 12 weeks of age. Vaccines are available on a first come, first served basis, as supplies last. There is NO pre-registration.

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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!

  • Tula Takes Center Stage

    Tula Takes Center Stage

    Hi everyone, I’m Tula. I might not rush into the spotlight right away, but once I find my footing, I have a way of making myself known. I like to

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  • Spring Into a New Home With Rolly

    Spring Into a New Home With Rolly

    Hi everyone, my name is Rolly and it’s so nice to meet you! Spring is all about fresh starts, brighter days and new adventures, something I am very excited for.

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  • Spring Into a New Home Adoption Special

    Spring Into a New Home Adoption Special

    Spring into a new home with a new best friend! Visit AWS for our Spring Into a New Home Adoption Special 🐶 running from April 12th through April 18th, culminating

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  • Knock It Out of the Park with Fenway

    Knock It Out of the Park with Fenway

    Hey everyone, my name is Fenway and it’s so great to meet you all! I am a fun-loving goofball with a heart of gold, and I’m ready to step up

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  • Playing Fetch With Your Dog

    Playing Fetch With Your Dog

    Fetch is one of the most popular ways to play with your dog. It’s great exercise for your pup, and a tired dog makes for a better behaved and happier

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Happy Homes

Whether you adopted from us, visited our Clinic, took a Canine Training class or utilized the Stay@Home program, we want to hear from you. Share your Happy Homes story with us today.

  • Gus

    Gus

    We got Gus a little over a year ago now, and he was what I can say was “love at first sight.” We came to visit the kittens as we

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  • Business now Bentley

    Business now Bentley

    In October 2025 I got Bentley as a 10-week-old kitten because he came to greet me. He moved into a home with three doberman pinchers who were not filled with

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  • Phoebe now Boo Boo

    Phoebe now Boo Boo

    Boo Boo is doing great. She’s adapting well to her new home. She is not afraid to give head bumps and an occasional love bite. She’s a bit sweet and

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  • Cheyenne

    Cheyenne

    Cheyenne was an unexpected delight to our family. After losing our first family dog last June (2025), we didn’t know if getting another husky for our other dog would be

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Values That Guide Our Work