Thank you for your interest in the Animal Welfare Society in West Kennebunk.  Scroll down to learn more about our programs, services, adoptable pets and upcoming events!

 

  JULY 2015 NEWSLETTER        
Adoption fees cover care received at the shelter, including spay/neuter surgery, vaccinations and parasite control. We want to send your pet home as healthy as possible! Your adoption packet includes a number of great benefits such as a month of free health insurance and a voucher for a free pet health exam. 
LEARN MORE BELOW!
BEFORE ADOPTION:

SPAY OR NEUTER SURGERIES

 

We are committed to reducing and preventing pet overpopulation here in Maine and elsewhere.  Shelter dogs, cats and adult rabbits are spayed or neutered prior to being adopted (Baby rabbits are altered at 6 months, often after adoption, and the cost of the surgery is covered by AWS). 

Many of the surgeries take place at the Shelter Spay/Neuter Clinic at AWS, and we also work with a number of veterinarians in the area. 

 

Pets that have been spayed or neutered do not go in and out of heat, are less territorial and are at a reduced risk for reproductive cancers. Simply put, they are happier and healthier.

 

VACCINES & BOOSTERS

 

Dogs and cats are given age-appropriate vaccines, including rabies.

Cats also receive a combo vaccine to guard against viral rhinotracheitis

and calicivirus, diseases that can affect the upper respiratory systems in felines. The same vaccines also protect against panleukopenia, better known as feline distemper.

 

Dogs receive several vaccines while at the shelter -- the first, DHLPP, is a combo vaccine to protect against distemper, leptospirosis, hepatitis, paravirus and parainfluenza.  The second vaccine dogs receive is for kennel cough. 

NECESSARY TESTS

Blood work is done on cats to test for Feline Leukemia (and, if needed, Feline Immunodeficiency Virus). Cats that test positive are kept separate from the general population to keep other cats healthy. 

While there is no cure to either disease, FIV+ and FLV+ cats can live long, happy lives!

All dogs are tested for heartworms and those that test positive are treated with medication right away. It is also noted in their adoption file that they should be kept on heartworm preventative for life.


PREVENTATIVE TREATMENTS 


 

Deworming an animal is very important, especially puppies and kittens, which are susceptible to internal parasites.  Treatments occur while young pets are still in foster care, at 6 weeks and 10 weeks of age.


 Adult animals may also receive deworming treatments if necessary.

 

All pets receive flea and tick preventative on a monthly basis as long as they are at the shelter. Some pets that arrive as strays may need more extensive treatments such as oral medication or medicated wipes or baths when evidence of fleas, or skin irritation, is shown on their intake exam.


 

Some pets present with ear mites, so it is one of the things the staff looks for when they do the intake exam. Pets with ear mites are treated right away with medication.
 

 

 

MICROCHIPPING


 

As the local shelter for the animal control officers of 21 towns  in Southern Maine, we regularly see our share of lost pets.  We are overjoyed when we are able to reunite a pet with its family.  One very effective tool is a microchip, which, when scanned, reveals the contact information for the pet's owner.  


 

Each shelter pet is microchipped prior to adoption.  With a few clicks of the mouse, the new owners can register the chip to their family, ensuring that they can be contacted should their new pet ever get lost!
AT ADOPTION:


Our adoption packets include a wealth of information on caring for your pet, such as handy flyers on nail trimming and grooming. Inside, adopters will also find:

  • One month free pet health insurance
  • Voucher for a free pet health exam at a local participating vet
  • Collar (cats only)
  • Tags
  • Coupon for discount obedience class (dogs only)

 


 
AFTER ADOPTION: 


THE "FLEA" MARKET


Adopters and the public have the option to purchase supplies at our retail store, located just off our adoption lobby.  Litter boxes, collars, leashes and lots and lots of toys are always available. This shop ensures that new adopters have all the supplies they need when they bring their new pet home. 


 

The Flea Market is open to the public year-round, during our regular adoption hours.


 

Purchases support shelter operations, allowing us to continue to provide excellent care to the animals we serve.

BEHAVIORAL HELPLINE


 

 Finally, all adopters have access to our behavioral help line. Folks can call and leave a message about any issue they may be having with their new pet and our staff will  get back to you right away. Issues may include:
  • introductions with new pets
  • scratching furniture
  • chewing
  • eliminating in the house or outside the litter box
  • pulling on the leash  

We fully support all our adopters and want to help in any way we can!

UPDATES

 

It warms our hearts to hear from adopters and know how our alums  are doing in their new homes. We offer several means for adopters to keep in to uch:
  • Postal Mail: We put pictures on a couple of bulletin boards around the lobby.
          PO Box 43
          West Kennebunk, ME 04094


Thank you to everyone who has adopted a pet from the Animal Welfare Society!
KICK OFF THE SUMMER WITH A NEW FRIEND!


All dog adopters receive an awesome pop-up water bowl, perfect for Fido's trips to the beach!  Water bowls are brought to you in partnership with Planet Dog. All cat adopters receive a fun baggie of toys, perfect for Frisky's first days at home!
MEET OUR PETS
PRECIOUS
2 years old, Female, Pug/Chichuahua
REX
1 year old, Male, American Shelter Dog
PENELOPE
10 years old, Female, Reserved Senior
BLACKIE
12 years old, Female, Darling Old Soul


Bonded Female Guinea Pigs
PEPSI
Male, Holland Lop Rabbit

UPCOMING EVENTS & FUNDRAISERS
For a complete listing of events in the area, please visit our website.







JULY 11th ~ 11am - 1pm
 Visit with the mobile adoption team and adoptable dogs at the Scarborough store. 
JULY 18th ~ 8am - 2pm
Stop by the AWS table to buy some goodies for your pup and meet adoptable dogs.
JULY 25th ~ RIDE at 9
This day long event raises money for our animals in memory of Michael Jones, a true animal lover.


SUMMER OBEDIENCE
Classes fill up quickly so register today!

BASIC OBEDIENCE

JULY 21 - AUGUST 25 Tuesdays 7:00 - 8:00 PM

 

K9 NOSE WORK

AUGUST 3 - AUGUST 31 Mondays 6:00 - 7:00 PM
 

PRIVATE TRAINING ~ THERAPY DOG TESTING ~ OFFICE HOURS

By Appointment


 

For more information, call 207-985-3244 X111 or visit our website.
RATE US!
 
AWS has been nominated to be included on GreatNonProfits' Top-Rated List. GreatNonProfits is a rating site, similar to Amazon Reviews or TripAdvisor, where folks post reviews and comments about their experiences.  We were honored to be listed on their Top-Rated List for 2014. Can you help us maintain our status this year by writing a short review? It's easy and takes only a few minutes.  
Please get started by clicking here.
SUPPORT US!
Your gift helps provide the daily care needed to make hundreds of homeless pets ready for adoption.
Happy pets make happy homes.  Thank you!


KEEP IN TOUCH!

Mailing Address: PO Box 43, West Kennebunk 04094
Physical Address: 46 Holland Road, Kennebunk



Monday & Tuesday:  11 - 4:30
   Thursday & Friday:  11 - 6:30
   Saturday & Sunday:  11 - 4:30
   Closed Wednesdays