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.
Fall Flower Fundraiser
Order through the Estabrook’s Fall Flower Fundraiser and decorate and donate to AWS at the same time! You’ll receive an email with a voucher you can redeem at Estabrook’s between 9/2 and 9/9, while supplies last. Remember to select AWS as your nonprofit on the payment page.
The FABULOUS FIND is a nonprofit resale boutique that benefits our local community.
All profits from purchases and donations during the month of August will
go to support three local nonprofits, including AWS.Hours
Wed – Sat 9:30 am – 5:30 pm | Sun 11 am – 5pm
Closed Mondays and Tuesdays
Give Fancee and Poppy A Leg Up
Poppy, 8 months Fancee and Poppy aren’t bonded or related, but they do share two big things.
They are young dogs that need hip surgery.Help us raise $10,000 to cover the
costs of their surgeries
Fancee, 1 years, 5 months
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.
Featured Pets
These pets have been waiting the longest for their new families to adopt them. Will one of them become your new best friend?
Community Events & Appearances
Join us!
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!
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A Leg Up For Fancee and Poppy
This week’s Pet of the Week is a little different. Instead of one pet, we’re spotlighting two young dogs with a shared medical need that our clinic cannot provide. Fancee and Poppy aren’t sisters. They’re not bonded. They didn’t even arrive at AWS together. But these two young dogs have…
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Mekko Is Ready to Rule Your Kingdom
If you’ve always wanted a dragon but your homeowners insurance had concerns, I might be the perfect compromise. I’m Mekko, a 3-year-old bearded dragon with scales, spikes and a healthy appetite for live prey. So, technically, I think I qualify. The good news? I have absolutely no interest in breathing…
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Traveling Safely with Pets
Tips for Families on the Road Whether you are heading across Maine, setting off on a weekend adventure or simply bringing your pet along for a few errands, a little preparation can help make the trip safer, smoother and more enjoyable for everyone. In celebration of National Dog Day, Animal…
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Let Tug Pull You Into Adventure
The first question I ask myself every morning is “how can I make today an adventure?” I’m Tug, and I’m pretty sure every day has the potential to be amazing. A walk around the neighborhood? Count me in. A hike through the woods? Even better. Let’s hop in the car…
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Nabisco’s Love is Worth Earning
Some cats wear their hearts on their sleeves. Mine takes a little longer to find its way out, but I promise it’s worth the wait. Hi, I’m Nabisco, and I’m the kind of cat who likes to get to know people on my own timeline. New places and unfamiliar faces…
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.
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Mop now Timon
We are over the moon in love with our newest edition Timon! He has settled great into our new home with his new best friends! We couldn’t thank AWS enough for our new bestfriend!
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Tyson
Tyson is a loving and caring boy who loves his snuggles. He was so quiet on the way home. Not even 24 hours at home with our family and he is fully adjusted and comfortable. Has made it known he needs to be attached to someone’s hip for scratches and follows us in whatever we’re doing. He’s the best companion!
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Chester now Petey
I met my best buddy seven years ago. Petey (“Chester” at the time) was the last dog at AWS while a renovation was going on, but he was one I instantly wanted to adopt. A three-legged dog who never let that fact slow him down, my mom often called him PDQ: “Pretty Darn Quick for a three-legged dog”. He wasn’t just a speed demon, though. We went for many walks over the years (especially during the pandemic when nothing was open and all we had WERE walks), but he was always content to sit with me, my wife, and our…
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Anna
Anna meowed most of ride home. It was almost an hour. I adopted her July 21, 2026. I was afraid she would hide and have a long adjustment. NO, she started to explore the house right after coming out of the kitty carrier. She is very affectionate and is a love bug. She watches the birds and chipmunks from the windows. Two days here and it’s like she has lived here her whole life. Very good move on my part.
Values That Guide Our Work
Community Focused
At AWS we believe healthy people and pets are essential for healthy communities. We strengthen our community by providing pets and people with resources to thrive.
Compassion
We meet people and pets where they are without preconditions or judgement.
Collaboration
At AWS we work together to promote the human-animal bond. We prioritize teamwork and partnerships in all that we do. We are stronger together.
Inclusion and Equity
Diverse voices make us stronger. We are committed to upholding the dignity of all people.
Accountability
At AWS we take ownership for our actions and decisions. We commit to evaluating results and continuous improvement.