Woofstock Speical: 50% Off Adoption Fees for Dogs + Cats Aged 6+ months Through Friday, 7/24

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.

Adopt Today

Pets and Families Thriving Together

Animal Welfare Society (AWS) is a private 501(c)(3) non-profit located in Kennebunk, Maine.

Adopt Today

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.

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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.

Adopt Today

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.

Adopt Today

Home for the Holidays

Adopt Today







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!

Adopt Today

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!

Adopt Today

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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.

Learn More About Us

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?

View All Pets

Nabisco

Cat

Age:1 years, 2 months

Sex:Female

Breed:Domestic Shorthair

Xaria *Avail by Appt*

Dog

Age:3 years, 5 months

Sex:Female

Breed:Mixed Breed (Large)

Nosferatu *Bonded w/ Ratzilla and Ratilda*

Other

Age:2 months

Sex:Female

Species:Rat, Unspecified

Community Events & Appearances

Join us!

  • July 25

    11:00 am

    Woofstock: Dog-Friendly, Family Friendly Food & Beer Festival

    Woofstock is the FREE family-friendly, dog-friendly, beer and food festival held rain or shine on the last Saturday in July each year on the grounds of Animal Welfare Society, 46 Holland […]

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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!

  • Thurgood Wants to Join You at Woofstock

    Thurgood Wants to Join You at Woofstock

    I haven’t been at AWS for very long, but I’ve already heard all about the biggest event of the summer: Woofstock! Hi, I’m Thurgood, and I hope you’ll bring me home this week in time to attend this year’s event. From what everyone tells me, it’s a day full of…

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  • Jane is Looking for a Canine Companion

    Jane is Looking for a Canine Companion

    Some dogs are ready to take on the world all by themselves. Me? I do my best work with a canine companion by my side. Hi, I’m Jane, and I may be a little shy when we first meet, I just need a little help finding my brave. With a…

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  • Life is Better with Chonk

    Life is Better with Chonk

    I’m not saying your life is incomplete without me, but let’s not ignore the obvious. Hi, I’m Chonk! I’m a friendly, social cat who loves being around people and making every day a little cozier. Whether I’m asking for pets, purring away beside you, or curling up for a well-earned…

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  • Apollo Wants a Spot by Your Side

    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…

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  • Eddie Wants to Be Your Lap Cat

    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…

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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.

Submit Your Happy Homes Story
  • Chester now Petey

    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

    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.

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  • Holly

    Holly

    We adopted Holly when she was 12-1/2. She had been in the shelter for only a week. She had been one of eight dogs, was deaf from lifelong untreated ear infections, was severely matted, and needed 13 teeth extracted. My husband and I are in our 70s and desperately wanted a dog but feared adopting one with high energy needs. Holly was perfect for us and we determined to give her her best life for however long she lived. She turned 15 on July 5th and we couldn’t have asked for a better dog to share life with. She is…

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  • Charlie now Leo

    Charlie now Leo

    Throughout my life, I have known so many cats. But I have never met a cat like Leo. He is the goofiest most entertaining cat- he has everyone in the house giggling throughout the day. Leo has decided my oldest daughter is his person. He’s loving towards all of us, but he will follow my oldest daughter around the house and she enjoys every moment of it. Leo lays with his legs sprawled out awkwardly on the floor. He sits like a human sometimes. He will hang off a furniture and make it look comfortable- when we all know it’s…

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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.

Take a bet on Black Jack, the adorable black cat being held by an AWS staff member.

Accountability

At AWS we take ownership for our actions and decisions. We commit to evaluating results and continuous improvement.

Main Contact Information

Hours

  • Adoption Center
    Open Tuesday - Sunday
    10 am - 12:30 pm & 1:30 pm - 4 pm
    Animal admissions (intakes) are by appointment only.
  • Veterinary Clinic
    Open Monday - Friday
    9 am - 5 pm: by appointment only.
  • Administrative Offices
    Open Monday - Friday
    8:30 am - 4:30 pm

Quick Links

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