Open Veterans Day: Monday, November 11
Closed Thanksgiving Day: Thursday, November 28

Visiting Pets

A dedicated group of volunteers bring comfort and joy to area residential facilities and university dormitories.

Home | Community Outreach | Visiting Pets

Joy & Comfort through Pets

The Visiting Pets team is comprised of dedicated AWS volunteers and their own dogs that come together to provide comfort and joy to those they visit.

Many of the dogs are AWS alumni and all are either registered therapy dogs or Canine Good Citizen certified dogs.

As a team, they visit local residential settings such as nursing homes, assisted living facilities, group homes, colleges and universities.

Through our visits, we have seen first-hand the positive interaction that takes place when a visiting dog approaches a resident. Put simply, it’s almost magic. Residents light up. It may be a quick pat, a hug or a few minutes of cuddling while the resident shares stories, memories of dogs who have passed through their lives. There is always an element of joy that we all share in that moment.

~Paula, Visiting Pets Volunteer

Questions?

For more information, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator via email or telephone at (207) 985-3244 ext. 121.

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@aws.maine

This week is Animal Shelter Appreciation Week. Our staff and volunteers work tirelessly each day to care for hundreds of pets. We couldn’t do what we do without their dedication. We also couldn’t do what we do without the support of our community. As we celebrate Animal Shelter Appreciation Week, we share some of our favorite “happy homes” stories. ⬇️⬇️⬇️

"Three years ago today I adopted BUDDY2, and he has brought so much love and joy! Here he is with his “celebration” cake and a happy face! Thank you to the Staff at AWS for the love and care you give to the shelter pets.
Much love!"

We encourage you to take a moment to submit a story update on your pet at the link in our bio.
This week is Animal Shelter Appreciation Week. Our staff and volunteers work tirelessly each day to care for hundreds of pets. We couldn’t do what we do without their dedication. We also couldn’t do what we do without the support of our community. As we celebrate Animal Shelter Appreciation Week, we share some of our favorite “happy homes” stories. ⬇️⬇️⬇️

"I went to AWS in search of a bird or two and fell in love with these parakeets! They are such a wonderful addition to our family. Thank you guys for helping me find them 😊"

We encourage you to take a moment to submit a story update on your pet! Submit your story here: https://animalwelfaresociety.org/adoption/adoption-stories/#stories
This week is Animal Shelter Appreciation Week. Our staff and volunteers work tirelessly each day to care for hundreds of pets. We couldn’t do what we do without their dedication. We also couldn’t do what we do without the support of our community. As we celebrate Animal Shelter Appreciation Week, we share some of our favorite “happy homes” stories. ⬇️⬇️⬇️

"Hi there! My partner and I adopted Copper on Friday, August 9 and he’s totally awesome. It was love at first sight! We and he have been enjoying each other immensely. Fortunately, I’m self employed and have been able to take the last week off allowing me to bond with and take Copper on countless adventures in the Bath Maine area. I’m so happy that our paths crossed. 
It was so nice and pleasant dealing with you all at Animal Welfare Society. You have a great, well-run facility there. The staff are so friendly and kind.
Thank you so much, keep up the great work!"

We encourage you to take a moment to submit a story update on your pet at the link in our bio.
Where is Willow’s date taking her? Check out our stories to find out!

#dogdate #dogsofthekennebunks #outandabout #adoptme
Hi everybody. My name is Jag and it is great to meet you! I’ve been here at AWS for over three weeks looking for my new home, and that could be where you come in. It was a delightful surprise to be picked as the Pet of the Week by the AWS staff! You may be wondering what I’m all about, so why don’t I tell you! Check out the link in bio to read my blog post!