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!
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!
-
Apollo Wants a Spot by Your Side
There’s nothing I enjoy more than being close to my people and enjoying the simple things in life. Hi, I’m Apollo, and I’m a sweet, loyal guy who’s happiest when I have someone to share it all with. From fresh air, a good walk or a cozy place to relax…
-
Eddie Wants to Be Your Lap Cat
I believe every home needs a designated lap warmer. Lucky for you, I’m highly qualified. Hi, I’m Eddie, and I am the textbook definition of a lap cat. I’m affectionate, social and always eager to be close to my people. Whether I’m curling up beside you, purring in your lap…
-
Watch the World Cup with Coco
The World Cup has everyone buzzing this summer, so it felt like the perfect moment to make my move and say hello. Hi, I’m Coco, and I’m always ready to play. I’m an active, goofy girl who loves soccer, the outdoors and spending time with my people. Whether we’re kicking…
-
Keeping Your Pets Safe While Having Fun This Summer
Summer is a great time to get outside with your dog — whether you’re heading to the beach, walking local trails, visiting a dog-friendly patio or planning a weekend adventure. With a little preparation, you can help keep the season fun, safe and comfortable. And for our adventurous cat friends?…
-
Odette’s Looking for a Best Friend
Being a best friend is kind of my specialty, so National Best Friends Day feels like the perfect time to introduce myself. I’m Odette and I’m more interested in finding that special person or family to share my life with than being the life of the party. I’m a little…
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.
-
Narissa
I have always had a unique name— one that was never on keychains or in story books as a child, which I’ve slowly come to terms with during my time. So when I received the text: “Unrelated, we have a cat at work named Narissa”, my interest peaked in ways it never had before, and my initial plan to adopt a dog went out the window when I saw her picture.The first time I met her, I sobbed. She was an instant lovebug, hesitant, but happy. And when I saw that her birthday was the same day as my recently…
-
Angus now Maverick
We got Angus, now Maverick from AWS! When we got him he was a wild, anxious 10 month old. We quickly adapted to his energy levels and implemented some one-on-one training to reduce his anxiety. He now thrives, trail runs with me, has some pup best friends, and rules the house! I couldn’t imagine not finding him that day. ❤️
-
Toes
We adopted Toes two months ago. She was very shy and hesitant for a while, but we respected her boundaries and gave her space. Over the past few weeks, she has blossomed into a sweet snuggle bug. She had a heart murmur, but upon our most recent vet evaluation it was not detected. It was likely due to stress. She has found her peaceful forever home and is loving life. Thank you!
-
Gracie
I had just moved into a new home in Wells. It was getting deep into the Fall and felt like it was time to fill the home with another heartbeat/pulse. I had a senior female dog for 16+ years that I had adopted (she lived to be 18+) and loved the temperament of the older females. In November 2022, I took a peek at AWS website and saw that Gracie was available and looking for her retirement home. I said that is likely the most perfect fit. I met her and she came right up to me, so we bonded right away. …
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.