Program areas at AWS
The Animal Welfare Society, incorporated in 1967, is a private, 501(c)(3) non-profit humane society. The society was formed in the early 1960s by a group of caring individuals including the late Mrs. Elmina B. Sewall and the late Mr. Donald Shepard.Today, AWS provides shelter, veterinary care, education and resources to more than 10,000 pets and community members annually.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 Women 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. In all, AWS supports the care and wellbeing of more than 13,150 pets and the people who love them on an annual basis.