AWS is more than just an animal shelter. It is a comprehensive community resource for pets and their families.
AWS’ Background
Founded in 1967, Animal Welfare Society (AWS) is a private 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. It is 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 programs and services. The organization’s work is driven by a compassionate and professional staff, supported by 300+ dedicated foster families and volunteers.
Animal Sheltering & Adoption Program
AWS’ state-of-the-art, Fear-Free Adoption Center offers safe and secure accommodations for a variety of companion animals. Animals include dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, and small mammals. It also functions as the municipal impound facility for local animal control. Also, the organization works with shelters and rescue groups elsewhere to transport pets for adoption. AWS’ community-focused approach promotes and protects the pets and people of Southern Maine. This is done by bringing together families through adoption and reuniting lost pets with their loved ones.
Resources available for Pet Families
Beyond adoptions, the organization offers a comprehensive suite of resources through the Stay@Home program. The program is designed to keep pets and their people together, especially during times of hardship. These resources include temporary emergency sheltering, pet food and supplies and behavioral training assistance. AWS also offers group and individual canine training classes to members of the public.
Veterinary Care at AWS’ Community Veterinary Clinic
Furthermore, the on-site Community Veterinary Clinic provides affordable and accessible care. Our Clinic sees and cares for 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.
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.
AWS’ Ratings
AWS is a four star charity, the highest ranking awarded by Charity Navigator. Receiving this ranking indicates AWS demonstrates strong financial health and commitment to accountability and transparency while executing its mission with responsible governance and commitment to best practices. AWS has achieved a Platinum Seal of Transparency, as designated by Candid (formerly Guidestar), a nonprofit information service. To reach the Platinum level – the highest offered by Candid – AWS has demonstrated its commitment to transparency, to achieving its mission and to giving donors and funders meaningful data to evaluate nonprofit performance.
