Pet Facts & Fun

A black and white Husky stands in the cold snow with its tongue out.

Keeping Your Pets Safe in Cold Temps

Whether we’re ready for it or not, winter is HERE!  In addition to the snow, it’s cold, Cold, COLD!  Exposure to extreme temperatures, dry air, sleet, snow and much more can all have negative effects for our animal companions, even…

A close up of Daisy, who's sharing her holiday safety tips.

Daisy’s Holiday Safety Tips

Hi everyone, it’s Daisy here, your holiday safety advisor! With Thanksgiving right around the corner, I thought it would be the perfect time to share some holiday safety tips with you. Together, we can make sure that you and your…

kitten sleeps stretched out in woman's arms

The Power of Pets

Today is World Mental Health Day, and we are highlighting the power of pets! There are many reasons why pets are good for our mental wellbeing. It’s no secret that owning a pet brings happiness, comfort, and companionship to our…

An AWS staff member hugs a dog that's looking directly at the camera.

What To Do If Your Pet Is Lost

If your pet has gone missing, it can be a stressful and challenging time for anyone. As a community resource, AWS provides a safe place to bring stray, lost and found pets. If your pet is missing, we are here…

Fireworks Safety for Pets

With the Fourth of July upon us and a summer of fun outdoor activities ahead, it’s time to think about fireworks. Here are some fireworks safety tips to keep your pets safe, calm and at home with you this summer!…

a pair of brown gerbils play in shavings

Breakfast with Gerbils

Meet the Breakfast Gerbils These twelve lil gerbils are available for adoption at AWS. We have 7 females and 5 males. They are paired off in bonded, same-sex duos or trios. Males with males; females with females – so there…

A microchip, that contains the contact information of a pet's owner.

Why Microchips Are Important For Your Pet

So, you’ve just brought a new family member home, or you’ve had a furry companion for a while now. No matter how long your fluffy friend has been in your life, chances are you want to keep them around! Should…

Snowball and Fluff are ready to hop into your heart and share more food like they are here.

May We Hop into Your Heart?

If you woke up this morning saying “rabbit-rabbit-rabbit” for good luck, then we have the perfect good luck charms for you to meet! Our adorable friends Fluff & Snowball, Shamrock & Clover and the charming Eggs are all looking to…

Three mice peak out of their enclosure together

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. We currently have mice waiting to find their new homes!…

Halloween Pet Safety Tips

Halloween is this Thursday, October 31. It’s going to be a beautiful day and evening for trick-or-treaters. Keep your dogs, cats and small animals safe and out of harm’s way, while also enjoying the festivities with these Halloween pet safety…

Close up of two parakeets kissing

5 Fun Facts About Parakeets

Parakeets, also known as budgies, are one of the most popular pet bird species in the world. They’re known for their bright, cheerful colors as well as their small, handleable size. These lively little creatures are more than what they…

It’s Guinea Pigs Galore!

It’s guinea pigs galore here at AWS! With 10 pigs up for adoption and more incoming soon, it’s a pig party every day. But what makes our cavie companions so special? Dogs are known for their loyalty, and cats for…

Close up of a puppy's face wearing an American flag bandana

Firework Pet Safety Tips

Independence Day can be a scary and often dangerous time for animals. Many of our pets fear the sight and sound of fireworks, as well as large gatherings and celebrations. What’s very much an exciting time for us can often…

A dog lays in a swimming pool smiling

Keep Pets Safe in High Heat

Summer is here in full swing and here in Maine, we’re experiencing a heat wave! Temperatures are estimated to climb to the mid 90s with high humidity and lots of haze. Temperatures this high can be hazardous for humans and…