If you are looking to get your CAT fixed, our Community Veterinary Clinic now accepts online bookings for FELINE SPAY/NEUTER appointments.

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 & Appearances

Join us!

  • Microchip & Rabies Vaccine Clinic

    Free microchip and rabies clinic for dogs and cats over 12 weeks of age.

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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!

  • Why Microchip Your Pet?

    Why Microchip Your Pet?

    A microchip is tiny device inserted under a pet’s skin. When scanned, it displays contact information, to aid in lost pet reunification.

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  • National Veterinary Technician Week

    National Veterinary Technician Week

    This week, we asked each AWS licensed veterinary technician to share something the public might not know about their career.

    Read More

  • Taking care of feral cats

    Taking care of feral cats

    National Feral Cat Day, part of Global Cat Day, takes place on October 16 each year. It is a day to advocate for and honor the role community cats, also […]

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  • Meet Her Royal Highness: Queen Theadora

    Meet Her Royal Highness: Queen Theadora

    Greetings, humans. I am AWS’ Pet of the Week and I’m here to tell you I’m the most beautiful cat in the land! You may call me Queen Theadora. Keep reading […]

    Read More

Values That Guide Our Work

Follow Us!

@aws.maine

These amazing youngsters recently held a very successful apple cider stand to raise funds for AWS. We are honored by their generosity and inspired by their enterprising spirit! What a wonderful way to celebrate fall! 🧡
The third week of October (this week!) is National Veterinarian Technician Week. Started by the American Veterinary Medical Association in 1993, the week commemorates the vital and professional role veterinary technicians play in diagnosing, treating and caring for animals. 

We’ve asked our Licensed Veterinary Technicians (LVT) to share with us what is the best part of the job and what is something that public might not know about their work. Today we meet Dottie!

Dottie has 25 years of experience in veterinary medicine and joined AWS part-time earlier this year.
“My favorite two things about being a licensed veterinary technician are trying to make each pet’s vet visit as stress free as possible and in the operating room, monitoring anesthesia. One thing the public might not know about this career is that we do a lot of math! From dispensing medication to monitoring anesthesia, like I mentioned before, math is a regular part of our job!”
The third week of October (this week!) is National Veterinarian Technician Week. Started by the American Veterinary Medical Association in 1993, the week commemorates the vital and professional role veterinary technicians play in diagnosing, treating and caring for animals. 

We’ve asked our Licensed Veterinary Technicians (LVT) to share with us what is the best part of the job and what is something that public might not know about their work. Follow along all week! Say hello to Amber!

Amber joined AWS’ Community Clinic as a veterinary assistant in 2019 and because a licensed veterinary technician in 2021.
“My favorite thing about being a vet tech is seeing all the animals that come in needing veterinary care and being an integral part of them leaving feeling better than they came in.

I don’t think the public knows how hands on the vet techs are with their animal’s care. From filling medication’s to cleaning their kennels, providing gentle restraint during exams and treatments, showing each animal the same love they would receive at home and much more!”
The third week of October (this week!) is National Veterinarian Technician Week. Started by the American Veterinary Medical Association in 1993, the week commemorates the vital and professional role veterinary technicians play in diagnosing, treating and caring for animals. 

We’ve asked our Licensed Veterinary Technicians (LVT) to share with us what is the best part of the job and what is something that public might not know about their work. Follow along all week! Meet Carolyn!

Carolyn became a licensed vet tech seven years ago and joined the AWS Community Clinic in 2018, when it opened. 
“I love being a part of the process with the vets and my coworkers of helping animals. I especially appreciate being able to work with shelter animals as well community pets and knowing our organization can help caregivers keep their pets in their homes. What the public might not know is that there is always something new to learn! While many foundational aspects of vet care stay the same, there are always new ideas and ways of doing things that challenge us to keep the best welfare of the animals in mind.”