January is Train Your Dog month, and we’re here for you and your dog!

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.

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!

    • Canine Training Resources

      Canine Training Resources

      As January is Train Your Dog month, we wanted to reintroduce you to our training program and share with you the canine training resources we offer to help dogs and […]

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    • Double the Fun With Leo & Nala

      Double the Fun With Leo & Nala

      Hello everyone! My name is Nala and I’m here with my friend Leo. We are friends and would like to find a home together! We were so happy when the […]

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    • Why Loose Leash Walking is Beneficial and How to Achieve It

      Why Loose Leash Walking is Beneficial and How to Achieve It

      Teaching your dog to walk with you comfortably is an all-important step if you want to take your dog with you anywhere. Whether it’s a walk on a hiking trail […]

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    • When Penny Met Winston

      When Penny Met Winston

      Don’t miss the mega hit of the season – When Penny Met Winston. This delightful love story will warm your hearts, just in time for Valentine’s Day! Bunnies Penny and […]

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    Values That Guide Our Work

    Follow Us!

    @aws.maine

    A very sweet Happy Homes! 🐾

"Charlie is doing great in his new home! After having to say goodbye to our last dog in September '23, we met Charlie in February and fell instantly in love. He’s a big, smart, playful, high-energy pupper! It took a few months for him to really get comfortable with us, but now he’s happy and settled in. He loves playing fetch in the yard, keeping watch for squirrels and pedestrians, and snoozing with his people. We’re so happy that this sweet, beautiful boy is part of our lives!"

Visit our profile to read more Happy Homes stories and submit your own!
    This active guy just LOVES his new toy! Bronx is an energetic dog who loves his walks and being outside. He’s also been known for great snuggle sessions on the couch! Visit our profile to meet Bronx 🐾
    Teaching your dog to walk with you comfortably is an all-important step if you want to take your dog with you anywhere. Whether it’s a walk on a hiking trail or around a busy city, knowing you can easily walk your dog without worrying they will pull is important! That’s why we teach loose leash walking. A loose leash walk is defined a walk where there is no tension on the leash.

Enjoy this photo from today’s basic class and visit our profile to learn more about loose leash walking!