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

Founded in 1967, Animal Welfare Society (AWS) is a private 501(c)(3) non-profit animal welfare organization located in Kennebunk, Maine.

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 resident 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 resident 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 – 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 – like River seen here – home for the holidays!

Our mission

Animal Welfare Society exists to serve as the safety net for lost and homeless pets and to provide access to affordable services and resources necessary for long term well-being, so pets and their families 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?

Our 2022 Impact

In a year like no other, we supported our pet community’s needs as families faced inflation, economic uncertainty and housing instability while also adjusting our operations to fit the “post-COVID” era. 

2,009

Pets Adopted

20,245

Procedures and Exams

47,495

Volunteers Hours

39,896

Pounds of Food
& Litter Provided

2023 Year in Review

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!

    • Meet Your New Best Pal

      Meet Your New Best Pal

      Hi everyone, my name is Pal and it’s so nice to meet you! I am a fun and playful eight-year-old dog here at AWS waiting to meet my new family. […]

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    • Why Mice Make Great Pets

      Why Mice Make Great Pets

      Mice may not commonly be thought of as pets, but they make great ones! They offer an easy pet care experience and could be the perfect addition to your family. […]

      Read More

    • Meet This Sweet Cookie

      Meet This Sweet Cookie

      Hi everyone! I’m Cookie and it’s great to meet you. I am a very sweet gal that’s waiting to find her Home for the Holidays! It has been a wonderful […]

      Read More

    • Giving Thanks for Giving Trees

      Giving Thanks for Giving Trees

      The spirit of the season brings holiday generosity, giving trees and extra support from our community. We are so thankful for the folks who make each and every day a […]

      Read More

    Values That Guide Our Work

    Follow Us!

    @aws.maine

    Another wonderful Happy Homes! 🐱

Kikyo now Oliver:
"I adopted Oliver 6/23. He is the sweetest boy ever! He loves to play fetch with me, play with his brother Snoop doggy dog, beg me for kitty treats and cuddle with me on my chest. He always has to be the center of attention, if I am watching tv instead of paying attention to him he will disconnect the internet. (Yes, he has taught himself how to do that) 🤣
Thank you AWS for making it possible for Snoop and I to enrich our lives with our bestest, beloved Ollie 💕"

Visit our profile to read more Happy Homes and to share your story!
    Mice may not commonly be thought of as pets, but they make great ones! They offer an easy pet care experience and could be the perfect addition to your family. We currently have mice waiting to find their new homes! 

Visit our profile to learn about why mice make great pets! 🐭 #adoptme
    A special thank you to Mrs. Rivard's 2nd grade class for supporting AWS with their wonderful donation! From towels and blankets to toys and treats, each student's contribution helps AWS continue to support the animals of our community.