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.

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!

    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.

    • Figaro

      Figaro

      Figaro is now just a cuddle bug. He loves to follow us around the house. He is the best little boy I could have ever asked for.

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    • Moose & Squirrel

      Moose & Squirrel

      I got Moose & Squirrel in August of 2025. Moose is a snuggle bug, who loves head scratches and attention. Squirrel loves to be held and pet. They both are

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    • Remington now Gilbert

      Remington now Gilbert

      It only took 27 hours before Gilbert knew he found his forever home. He sleeps smack in the middle of us and it’s so fun to see his little personality

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    • Juliette

      Juliette

      Juliette has made such a great addition to our home. She’s fun and cuddly and a great nap buddy! She brought a personality to our household that we very much

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    Values That Guide Our Work