DID YOU KNOW?

We're Celebrating 50 Years!

2017 marks the 50th year for the Animal Welfare Society. We've grown significantly from our humble beginnings, when Mrs. Boston adopted out a few hundred animals from her home at the end of Holland Road to today when we adopt out more than 3,500 pets annually, both from our shelter and from satellite adoption locations throughout northern New England.

How many animals do you think we've helped in the first fifty years? Visit our website to find out!

We want you to help us celebrate! Stay tuned for more information on the fun activities planned to commemorate our special year!

We're Out Visiting!

Sweet senior  Isabelle just turned 15 years old. She's been waiting at AWS for a year for her new family to come along. With her calm nature and friendly personality, we decided she would be the perfect "therapy cat." She recently spent a delightful hour at Atria Kennebunk, bringing joy and companionship to the residents, guests and staff.

Isabelle thoroughly enjoyed exploring the lobby, the halls and even a few rooms. She spent time snuggling in laps and being lavished with attention. Visit Facebook for photos of Isabelle charming her new friends!

We think she would make a wonderful companion at an assisted living facility or nursing home. If you'd like to learn more about adopting Isabelle, please visit our website. It's time this old gal finds a home!
We're Handing out Diplomas!

Our Obedience and Training Program is growing - we had more than 500 proud grads in 2016!

In addition to the standard classes, puppy kindergarten, basic obedience and agility, we also offer specialty classes throughout the year. Specialty classes include Nose Works for hound-type dogs, Confidence Class for shy pups and Outdoor Adventure for inquisitive pooches. 

Classes are a great way to hone up on skills, learn to interact with your canine companion and meet other dog owners in the community.  

Classes fill up quickly so register today!

We're Jumping for Joy!

We are proud to announce our newest humane education program, Jumping for Joy, which takes place right here at AWS.  Jumping for Joy pairs high school students on the autism spectrum with AWS alumni dogs, many of which are certified therapy dogs and all of which have extensive experience with children. 

The students and dogs, along with their educators, progress through an agility course over the 6 week program. The students work on social skills, team building, problem solving, spatial awareness and motor skills, all while having great fun with their canine companions.

Special education teachers refer students to the program and should accompany them to the sessions (which take place during the school day). If you are a teacher and would like to learn more about how your school could partner with AWS, contact our Humane Educator today!

We're Looking out for All Cats!

Feral cats are felines that received little to no socialization as kittens and would not thrive as house cats. They live in colonies outdoors.

We are grateful to our community members who look after the feral cats on their properties by providing regular access to food and water. To support them, through the AWS/Cleo Fund, we offer resources to feral cat caretakers. We have a limited number of safe, secure shelters that can be placed on properties with feral cat colonies. For more information on how to obtain one, please contact our Cleo Fund today.

Thanks to the creativity of City of Biddeford Animal Control Officer Garth Russell, we offer  detailed plans and a materials list to make your own feral cat shelter. We encourage you to access these free plans on our website and share with your community members, particularly those looking out for feral cats this winter.

We're Expanding our Driveway!

We have opened our new entrance for public use. The new driveway is located about two-thirds of the way up Holland Road on the right hand side. Look for a white fence with a big maroon entrance sign. The new driveway leads to the new parking lot, directly in front of the shelter. The new driveway is a one-way road, with the existing driveway being converted to an exit only. 

The new driveway provides a safer traffic pattern and the new parking lot provides much needed additional spaces for guests to park as we continue to grow our adoption center, our programs and our services.


We're Grateful for Your Support!

We received 1,523 individual contributions in December. With an average gift of $76, every single one has directly benefited our animals and allowed us to provide crucial programs and services to those that need us most. 

We also received hundreds of gifts of food, toys and other much needed wish list items. There are so many ways to support AWS and every little bit helps!

Thank you for your kindness and generosity this holiday season and throughout the year!
ANIMAL WELFARE SOCIETY | (207) 985-3244  | animalwelfaresociety.org

OPEN FOR ADOPTIONS AND VISITS
Daily:  11 am - 4:30 pm
Closed Wednesdays for staff training