About Us

The Animal Welfare Society, located in West Kennebunk, Maine, is a private, non-profit humane society formed in the early 1960's. The founders included the late Mrs. Elmina B. Sewall and the late Mr. Donald Shepard who served as the Society's first President of the Board of Directors. In 1967, the Society became incorporated and has now expanded to a shelter of more than 13,000 square feet. Our service area for adoptions and other services extends throughout Southern Maine. We provide municipal shelter services to 21 communities representing a population of nearly 150,000.

Mission Statement

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.

We accomplish these goals through the generosity of concerned citizens who contribute to our non-profit society through donations, pledges and bequests. These funds go directly to the care of the animals and the many other programs we offer to the people and animals of our communities.