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.
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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Protected: Poppy’s First FHO Surgery
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Protected: Inside Fancee’s FHO Surgery
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Self-Improvement, But Make It Cute
Meet Moose. Focused. Mostly Dear future training buddy, Lately, life has been all about practice, progress and the occasional very important field trip to Lowe’s. The AWS training team has been helping me work on leash walking, focus and feeling more comfortable in busy places. There is, admittedly, a lot…
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We’ve Got Buns, Hun
Meet Hoptimus Prime and Bunnifer Aniston – Bonded Bunnies Dear Snack Department, We’re serving looks, demanding pets and keeping each other humble. We’re Hoptimus Prime and Bunnifer Aniston – and yes, we’re a package deal. We’re a bonded pair of 5-month-old American domestic rabbits, which means we’re best friends, roommates…
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Introvert, Bird Watcher, Quiet Icon – Meet Buttons
I’m Buttons, an avid bird watcher, classic introvert and big fan of personal space. I enjoy quiet surroundings, gentle pets and getting to know people at my own pace. Being picked up isn’t really my thing, but give me a little time and I may decide you’re worthy of the…
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.