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 animal welfare organization located in Kennebunk, Maine. The organization provides shelter, veterinary care, training and resources to more than 10,000 pets and community members annually.

AWS operates a progressive animal shelter and adoption center on a 40 acre campus in Kennebunk. The organization serves 18 municipalities in York County as the animal control impound facility for lost and abandoned pets. Furthermore, AWS works with rescue groups in other parts of the country to bring companion animals to Maine for adoption. By bringing together families through adoption and reuniting families whose pet has been lost, AWS is the community safety net for local pet families.

AWS’ suite of life-saving community programs help keep pets and their people together, especially in times of hardship. Resources include temporary boarding, pet food, supplies, veterinary care and assistance with behavior concerns. The on-site, full-service Community Veterinary Clinic supports the veterinary needs of resident pets and pets of local community members. Additionally, AWS works in collaboration with funding partners and veterinary professionals to deliver accessible spay/neuter and wellness services statewide, especially in remote, underserved areas of Maine.

A compassionate and professional staff, a team of 200+ dedicated volunteers and 300+ foster families support AWS’ programs and serivces.  AWS is able to fulfill its mission through the generosity of those who contribute through financial gifts, in-kind support and bequests.

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

Our Values

Community Focused

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. 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.

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@aws.maine

Are you feeling blue? Our bonded trio of parakeets Jewel, Rocket, and Blue give a whole new meaning behind this popular phrase in their brand, new blog! These blue beauties hope it will turn things around for you and perhaps, get them adopted in the process! Plus, they even do a little dive into history and research. Now those are three smart birds! 💙🤍🩵

Check out their new blog post online today and make sure to head to our small animals page so you can meet Jewel, Rocket, and Blue!
𝗙𝘂𝗻 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗙𝗹𝘂𝗳𝗳, 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗺𝗼𝗺!

💻 He's a great work from home buddy. He enjoys snacks when I do, we share big yawns and stretches to keep our bodies moving.

📺 To change up his scenery, he enjoys spending time in his living room quarters where he chews on his hay and enjoys a bunny program or a binge worthy Netflix show with us on the TV. 

🛎 When Fluffy hears my voice and needs my attention he loudly throws his bell ball around and when i go to say hello he always runs up and greets me. 

🥗 Fluffy really likes different foods but some are better than other. He’s love his greens and on occasion blueberries and apples are his favorite. 

🚽 Fluffy is 100% potty trained (litterbox) so it makes clean up easy. 

🎉 Rabbits are mostly nocturnal so if you hear something in the night, he’s just partying! 

🐇 Fluffy eats right out of my hand! And never runs away when i pet him. He loves his cheeks scratched. 

📱Call AWS at (207) 985-3244 to arrange a time to meet and adopt this great bunny!
The weather might be cold and dreary but that doesn't stop happy-go-lucky Rip. He's always ready for an outdoor adventure, rain or shine! How is your pet spending this rainy day?