Pets & Families Thriving Together
Founded in 1967, Animal Welfare Society (AWS) is a private 501(c)(3) non-profit animal welfare organization located in Kennebunk, Maine.
Our mission
Animal Welfare Society exists to serve as the safety net for pets through adoptions, affordable services and resources, so pets and their families can stay together and thrive.
Featured Pets
These pets have been waiting the longest for their new families to adopt them. Will one of them become your new best friend?
Community Events & Appearances
Join us!
From the Blog
Whether it’s a dog who likes to blog, a cat who enjoys a chat, a bird who shares the word, or the occasional funny bunny, you’ll love hearing from our resident animals directly. Our blog also contains news & updates, training tips & tricks and more. Keep up with AWS!
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Protected: Why Is There Cabbage in This Cat’s Bandage?
There is no excerpt because this is a protected post.
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Your New Favorite Relative – Floki
Snacks, Snuggles and Funcle Energy Dear family currently missing a funcle, Every family needs one: the fun uncle who shows up ready to play, encourages a little harmless chaos, has plenty of opinions and somehow ends up asleep on the couch afterward. That would be me. The Funcle RÉSUMÉ I’m…
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Poppy’s First FHO Surgery
Help Poppy heal now and get ready for surgery number two. Donate to support her recovery. Follow Fancee and Poppy’s Progress >> Poppy is still just a puppy, but at only 8 months old, she is already facing a problem more often associated with older dogs: painful hips. Unlike Fancee,…
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Inside Fancee’s FHO Surgery
Help Fancee recover. Support Give Them a Leg Up. Donate today! Follow Fancee and Poppy’s Progress >> Before Fancee ever made her way from Tennessee to AWS, she survived being hit by a car, leaving both of her hips injured. Now, at just 1 year and 5 months old, she…
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Self-Improvement, But Make It Cute
Meet Moose. Focused. Mostly Dear future training buddy, Lately, life has been all about practice, progress and the occasional very important field trip to Lowe’s. The AWS training team has been helping me work on leash walking, focus and feeling more comfortable in busy places. There is, admittedly, a lot…
Happy Homes
Whether you adopted from us, visited our Clinic, took a Canine Training class or utilized the Stay@Home program, we want to hear from you. Share your Happy Homes story with us today.
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Instacart now Binx
I fell in love with this little shy kitten over a photo. When I got to meet her, I fell even more in love. It was saddening to hear that she was antisocial and that her ear was clipped, as she had the potential to be a barn cat, not a house pet. When I brought her home 2 days ago, she hid and did not want to be touched. Now, 2 days later, she follows me around the house and is attached to my hip. I am so happy to be given the trust and love from her ❤️…
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Willowpelt and Tigerstar now Luis and Phinn
Luis and Phinn previously Willowpelt and Tigerstar were adopted from AWS in July of 2023. We went in planning to adopt just one kitten but fell in love with both. They love the cuddle with each other, but also with our dogs! It took a little bit to figure out who is who, but now their own personalities shine and it couldn’t be easier. They’re the perfect addition to our family!
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Tank now Luca
A little update on our sweet Luca (formerly Tank) Adopting him was truly one of the best decisions we’ve ever made. He’s the biggest love bug and has completely stolen our hearts. He loves his snuggles, his toys, car rides, trails, and of course, admiring himself in the mirror Luca loves his mommy and daddy equally, has settled in so well, he also loves his doggie uncle, and absolutely loves having a big backyard to run around in. His favorite thing might just be wrestling with his dad, though! He has the biggest heart and has brought so much love…
Values That Guide Our Work
Community Focused
At AWS we believe healthy people and pets are essential for healthy communities. We strengthen our community by providing pets and people with resources to thrive.
Compassion
We meet people and pets where they are without preconditions or judgement.
Collaboration
At AWS we work together to promote the human-animal bond. We prioritize teamwork and partnerships in all that we do. We are stronger together.
Inclusion and Equity
Diverse voices make us stronger. We are committed to upholding the dignity of all people.
Accountability
At AWS we take ownership for our actions and decisions. We commit to evaluating results and continuous improvement.