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.

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How we support our community

Founded in 1967, Animal Welfare Society (AWS) is a private 501(c)(3) non-profit organization located on a beautiful 40-acre property in Kennebunk, Maine. For more than 50 years, the organization has been a local and regional leader in progressive animal welfare and a champion of the human-animal bond. Each year, 20,000 pets and community members benefit from AWS’ programs and services.

AWS’ state-of-the-art, Fear-Free Adoption Center offers safe and secure accommodations for a variety of companion animals including dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, and small mammals. It also functions as the municipal impound facility for local animal control. Furthermore, the organization works with shelters and rescue groups in other parts of the state and country to transport pets to AWS for adoption. While bringing together families through adoption and reuniting lost pets with their loved ones, AWS’ community-focused approach promotes and protects the pets and people of Southern Maine.

Beyond adoptions, AWS offers a comprehensive suite of Stay@Home resources designed to keep pets and their people together, especially during times of hardship. These resources include temporary pet boarding, pet food and supplies and behavioral training assistance.

Furthermore, AWS’ on-site Community Veterinary Clinic provides affordable and accessible care to both resident (shelter) animals and pets belonging to local community members. The Clinic’s Companion Program offers discounts on many veterinary services to community members who qualify financially. AWS also supports spay/neuter efforts through Maine by organizing and staffing mobile surgery and wellness clinics statewide, particularly in areas lacking sufficient veterinary resources.

The organization’s work is driven by a compassionate and professional staff, supported by 300+ dedicated foster families and volunteers.

We envision a community where pets and their families thrive together.

representing AWS' mission, a happy and thriving black and white puppy is held by a person in a black sweater

Our Values

Community Focused

As an organization and as individuals, we are dedicated to supporting people and pets in our community through creating progressive, innovative programs and services so that pets can get what they need to thrive. We believe healthy pets make healthy people and healthy people make a healthy community.

Compassion

We demonstrate kindness, understanding, and concern for the animals and people in our community whatever their circumstances. We appreciate others’ perspectives, listen, acknowledge needs, and practice patience. Above all, we offer assistance and support in the absence of judgement

Collaboration

We acknowledge it takes all of us working together to successfully promote and protect the human-animal bond. We prioritize teamwork and partnerships in all that we do and commit to building positive relationships with individuals, groups, and organizations in order to further our mission and goals.

Inclusion and Equity

Diverse voices make us stronger. We strive to create an environment where everyone feels welcome, respected, and heard. We seek to build a fair, equitable, honest, and healthy place for our staff to work and for our community to seek support.