The Animal Welfare Society
Our 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.
Adoption Policy
Adoptions are by Appointment
All adoptions are conducted by appointment, seven days a week. Adoption appointments can be made for all available pets – dogs, cats and small animals by calling (207) 985-3244 daily (ET) after 9 am.
All adoptions (and thus all appointments) are on a first come, first served basis and we are unable to hold pets for any reason. Because we have limited appointment slots available each day, you must speak to a staff member directly to book your appointment. Leaving a voicemail or sending an email will not result in an appointment.
When you call, please have a specific pet in mind (especially if you are looking at dogs) though you are able to meet multiple animals, as available, during your visit. Adoptions are first come, first serve, meaning the person who calls first gets their choice of available appointment times and thus his/her choice of animals to meet and adopt. We are not able to extend holds on any animals at this time, so we ask interested adopters to make their adoption decision during their appointment and be prepared to take their new pet home with them.
We continue to have a higher demand for pets — particularly puppies and kittens — than we have available animals, so we thank you for your patience and understanding.
Please note: our adoption pages are REAL TIME, so as soon as an animal is adopted, it will “disappear” from the website. Our website is updated when we are unable to take additional appointments for a particular pet. This most readily happens for highly-sought after pets like kittens and puppies.
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Adoption Process
Our population changes on a daily basis as new pets come in and resident pets are adopted. While we do post photos of animals going up for adoption a few days in advance, we clearly indicate with their photo online the date he/she will be available for adoption. Animals cannot be reserved or put on hold for any reason. Adoption appointments can only be made one day in advance. We ask that you do not call until the day of, or for highly-sought after animals, one day in advance.
Our adoption counselors spend time with the animals each day, so they are always happy to share information and stories. Don’t be shy – please ask any and all questions that come to mind, before, during and after the adoption process.
1. Think Ahead
Think about applicable local ordinances, homeowner’s and/or renter’s insurance policies, rental agreements, parental consent, approval from roommate(s), etc before making an adoption appointment. We encourage adopters to make sure they have the right set up, inside and out, for the pet they would like to bring home. Some pets need a fenced in yard, other pets do best as the only pet, etc. Each animal’s housing needs are unique, as are the rules or regulations that might govern your home and the jurisdiction in which you live.
2. Adoption Questionnaire
By answering questions about your expectations, interests, experiences, lifestyle and family dynamics, our adoption counselors can be best prepared to provide information about the pets you may be interested in and help you find the best match. You can download and complete the adoption questionnaire in advance (and email it to us) or bring it with you to your adoption appointment. You can get a questionnaire when you arrive if you aren’t able to print it out in advance.
3. Adoption Appointment
Because we have only a limited number of adoption appointments each day and we would like our pets to go home as quickly as possible, we ask that you only make an appointment if you are seriously interested in adopting. There will be sufficient time to visit with multiple animals, as available, during your appointment. We encourage the whole family to be present, if possible. If you have a resident pet, particularly a dog, a meet-and-greet may be advisable. However, you do not need to bring your resident pet to your adoption appointment. The dog-to-dog intro can be arranged after you've begun the adoption process.
4. Adoption Fees
Adoption fees are listed on each individual animal’s web profile and on a card on/near their kennel or space in the Adoption Center. Our adoption fees include the extensive care each and every animal receives at AWS, including shelter, daily enrichment and veterinary care. Fees vary from species to species and depend on the animal’s age, breed and size.
5. Taking your Pet Home
Because we cannot place holds on any pets, if you do find the perfect addition to your family during your adoption appointment, we ask that you plan to take your new pet home with you then. We sell carriers, leashes and collars in our Adoption Center, or you can bring your own.
If you make an appointment and find out the pet you’ve met with isn’t right for you, or you need more time to think about it, you are not obligated to take the pet home. However, we cannot place holds and adoptions are first-come, first-served.
Thank you!
