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.

Community Events & Appearances

Join us!

  • Adoption Event at Tractor Supply Co, Gorham

    Animal Welfare Society is coming to Tractor Supply in Gorham for a special adoption event! Stop by to meet adoptable dogs and learn more about the many ways you can […]

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  • 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!

  • Champ and Jingles: Two Peas in a Pod

    Champ and Jingles: Two Peas in a Pod

    What’s better than having one new best friend? Having two! My name is Champ, and I’m hoping to go home with my best friend, Jingles. We’re a bonded pair who

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  • Why Adopt a Senior Cat?

    Why Adopt a Senior Cat?

    Hi all, my name is Little Kitty. You may hear the words “senior cat” and think of a cat who will sleep all day in a rocking chair somewhere. That’s

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  • Follow the Trail to Nitro

    Follow the Trail to Nitro

    Hi there, I’m Nitro, and I’ve got my nose set on finding a home of my own. If you’re looking for a dog who’s equal parts adventure buddy, goofy best

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  • Caesar: A Big Dog With a Bigger Heart

    Caesar: A Big Dog With a Bigger Heart

    Hey everyone, my name is Caesar. It’s so great meeting you all. If you’re looking for a big dog with an even bigger personality, I think we should meet. I’m

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  • Together Through It All: May & Paris

    Together Through It All: May & Paris

    Hi everyone, my name is Paris and it’s wonderful to meet you. I am here with my dear friend May, and we are hoping to tell you about what we’re

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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.

  • Mortica now Merrill

    Mortica now Merrill

    We are obssesed with this spicy girl! She is so loving mixed with a big personality. First few hours with her and she was cuddling with me while I napped.

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  • Cooper

    Cooper

    Cooper is the best dog we could have imagined! He is ready for any adventure (he’s hiked a mountain in Vermont!). But is also content laying next to us on

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  • Dozer

    Dozer

    We adopted Dozer in February of 2026. We were told he would be shy and timid until he got used to us. But, the second he got home he immediately

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  • Pebbles

    Pebbles

    We adopted Pebbles a couple of weeks ago. She was classified as a barn cat. The first week and a half were rocky with her as she transitioned. She would

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Values That Guide Our Work