Causes: Animal Protection & Welfare, Animals

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.

Results: For eight years in a row, AWS has been rated a 4 star charity (the highest rating) by Charity Navigator.

Target demographics: pets and their families

Direct beneficiaries per year: more than 13,150 pets and their people

Geographic areas served: Maine

Programs: AWS operates a progressive animal shelter and adoption center on a 40 acre campus in Kennebunk and satellite adoption centers throughout northern New England. AWS’ life-saving community programs include Pets and Survivors to Safety, Paws in Stripes and Paws Across America. AWS’ services to the greater community include Stay@Home, Youth Programs, Behavior and Training classes, spay/neuter assistance through the Cleo Fund and veterinary and wellness care at the AWS Community Veterinary Clinic. AWS serves as the animal control impound facility for 21 municipalities in York County, providing safety and shelter to lost and abandoned pets. Annually, more than 4,000 animals receive care – and find new homes – at AWS. The AWS Community Veterinary Clinic provided wellness services, including surgeries, examinations and vaccinations to nearly 8,500 pets of community members, in addition to AWS resident pets. Stay@Home provides resources to families and pets, including pet food, low-cost or complimentary veterinary care, temporary boarding and supplies, in an effort to keep pets and families together during times of financial hardship or housing insecurity. Additional community programs, such as Humane Education and Canine Training bring education, training and lessons to countless community members of all ages each year.