Kennebunk Animal Shelter & Control: Adoption Hours 2026
Kennebunk Animal Shelter is most commonly searched by people looking for Animal Welfare Society, also known as AWS, at 46 Holland Road in Kennebunk, Maine. This guide explains adoption hours, dog and cat fees, the no-advance-application adoption process, foster pet appointments, lost and found pets, animal control routing, owner admissions, dog licensing, map directions, and the official links you should use before visiting.
This page is built for real visitor intent: “Kennebunk animal shelter hours,” “AWS Kennebunk adoption,” “Kennebunk animal control,” “lost dog Kennebunk,” “surrender pet near Kennebunk,” “dog license Kennebunk,” and “animal shelter near me Kennebunk.” Each section gives a practical answer, not just a keyword mention.
Kennebunk Animal Shelter Quick Details
Use this section when your search intent is simple: address, phone number, hours, animal control, adoption center, or “animal shelter near me Kennebunk.”
Official location
Animal Welfare Society, 46 Holland Road, Kennebunk, ME 04043.
The campus includes the Adoption Center, Community Veterinary Clinic, training classroom, trails and visitor parking.
Main phone
207-985-3244.
Use this number for adoption, lost/found pets, admissions questions and general AWS routing.
Adoption hours
Tuesday–Sunday: 10 AM–12:30 PM and 1:30 PM–4 PM.
Last adoption meet or scheduled appointment is 3:30 PM.
Animal control
For Kennebunk animal-control issues, use the Town of Kennebunk Animal Control page or non-emergency police routing.
For immediate public danger from a wild animal, call 911.
What Animal Welfare Society Kennebunk Actually Helps With
AWS is not only a place to adopt a dog. It is a private nonprofit animal welfare organization in Kennebunk that supports adoptions, lost/found pets, affordable veterinary care, training, community resources, animal admissions, foster care, volunteering and municipal impound support.
Dogs, cats, rabbits and small pets
AWS regularly cares for dogs, cats, rabbits, birds and small animals. Most pets can be met during open adoption hours without a scheduled appointment.
Safe place for stray pets
AWS keeps a lost/found log, scans pets for microchips and works with local animal control officers to reunite pets with families.
Vet care and stay-at-home resources
AWS also offers a Community Veterinary Clinic, dog training, rehoming guidance, Mother Spay Program and resources designed to help pets stay with their families.
Kennebunk Animal Shelter Adoption Hours 2026
Hours are simple, but the quiet-time closure and last adoption meet matter. Do not arrive at 3:55 PM expecting a full adoption conversation.
Current visitor timing
AWS lists Adoption Center hours Tuesday through Sunday from 10 AM to 12:30 PM and 1:30 PM to 4 PM. The 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM break is quiet time for the animals. The last adoption meet or scheduled appointment is 3:30 PM.
| Day / Service | Listed Guidance | Practical Visitor Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Adoption Center closed | Use Monday to check adoptable pet pages, prepare questions and call if needed for non-adoption routing. |
| Tuesday–Sunday morning | 10 AM–12:30 PM | Good for adoption visits before the daily quiet hour. |
| Quiet hour | 12:30 PM–1:30 PM | No adoption meets during this break; pets decompress and receive enrichment. |
| Tuesday–Sunday afternoon | 1:30 PM–4 PM | Arrive early enough to meet pets, ask questions and complete paperwork. |
| Last adoption meet | 3:30 PM | Do not wait until closing if you want a full adoption conversation. |
| Animal admissions | By appointment only | Use the admissions application and call before bringing an owned pet. |
| Veterinary Clinic | Monday–Friday, by appointment | Clinic services are separate from adoption visits; call or use official clinic guidance. |
How Adoption Works at AWS Kennebunk
AWS uses a conversational adoption process. For most pets, you can drop in during open hours without scheduling an appointment or filling out paperwork in advance. Pets in foster care are different: call first if the profile says the pet is in foster care.
Check official pet pages first
Start with the official AWS adoption pages. Dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, small animals and working cats may appear in separate sections. Availability changes quickly.
Read foster and appointment notes
If a pet is marked as in foster care or available by appointment, call first. Do not assume the pet is physically at the Adoption Center when you arrive.
Check in and complete the onsite questionnaire
AWS says its questionnaire is completed onsite, not in advance. This helps staff understand your lifestyle, home, preferences and pet-care plan.
Talk with an adoption counselor
Use the conversation to ask about energy, age, medical records, behavior, resident pets, children, training, litter habits, grooming, exercise and the first two weeks at home.
Meet the pet and decide realistically
Dog meets may include outdoor time, weather permitting. Cats, rabbits and small animals may be met in designated rooms. AWS notes that meet time may be limited, especially for highly sought-after pets.
Finalize and take the pet home same day
If you adopt, you sign the adoption contract, pay the fee and take your new pet home the same day. Bring a leash, carrier or safe transport plan.
Kennebunk Animal Shelter Adoption Fees
Adoption fees help support the medical and daily care AWS provides. Fees can change during specials, so confirm the current fee for the exact pet before finalizing.
Dogs
$250 is the listed adoption fee for dogs.
Dog fees include spay/neuter surgery, wellness exam, vaccines, parasite control, heartworm testing/prevention as applicable and microchip registration.
Puppies
$400 is the listed adoption fee for puppies.
Puppies are often adopted quickly, so check the dog page frequently and have backup options.
Cats
$125 is the listed adoption fee for adult cats.
Cat fees include spay/neuter surgery, wellness exam, vaccines, parasite control, microchip and testing as necessary.
Kittens
Kitten adoption fees typically range from $120–$300+, depending on age, sociability and breed.
Confirm current kitten pricing before visiting.
Dogs, Cats, Rabbits, Birds and Small Pets
AWS cares for more than dogs and cats. People searching “Kennebunk animal shelter pets” may also find rabbits, birds, rats, mice, gerbils, guinea pigs, reptiles and working cats.
Dogs and puppies
Check the real-time dog page before visiting. If a dog is listed as in foster or by appointment, call first.
Cats and kittens
Ask about litter habits, shyness, energy, medical notes, other pets, children and a quiet starter-room plan.
Rabbits and small pets
Ask about housing size, diet, enrichment, handling, veterinary care and whether the animal should live alone or in a pair.
Working cats
Working cats may be suited for barns, shops or other safe nontraditional placements. Ask AWS about current availability and setup needs.
| Animal Type | Ask Before Adoption | Prepare Before Going Home |
|---|---|---|
| Dog or puppy | Energy, training, leash behavior, resident dog introduction, medical notes, separation needs. | Leash/collar, crate or gate, safe car setup, quiet decompression plan. |
| Cat or kitten | Litter habits, shyness, play style, children, other pets, hiding behavior. | Carrier, litter box, quiet starter room, scratcher, food and water bowls. |
| Rabbit | Housing size, hay diet, litter habits, handling comfort, chew needs. | Large enclosure, hay, litter setup, chew-safe space and rabbit vet plan. |
| Bird or small animal | Cage size, diet, noise, social needs, lifespan and handling. | Species-appropriate enclosure, bedding, enrichment and safe transport. |
Lost and Found Pets Near Kennebunk
If your pet is missing, move quickly. AWS keeps a detailed lost/found log, scans stray pets for microchips and works with local animal control officers. State-law holds listed by AWS are 6 days for dogs and 48 hours for cats.
If your pet is missing
- Fill out the AWS lost pet form as soon as possible.
- Call AWS at 207-985-3244 if you do not have email or need help filing the report.
- Contact your local animal control officer through your town or non-emergency police number.
- Check AWS lost pets regularly because animals may arrive later.
- Update your microchip company with current phone numbers.
- Post clear flyers and share with Maine Lost Dog Recovery or Maine Lost Cat Recovery groups.
If you found a pet
- Call AWS at 207-985-3244 and contact the local animal control officer.
- Do not put yourself at risk with an aggressive, injured or panicked animal.
- Note the exact location, time and condition of the pet.
- Ask about microchip scanning and safe transfer steps.
- Do not permanently rehome a found animal without following local lost/found procedures.
Kennebunk Animal Control: When to Call the Town
A shelter visit and an animal-control report are not the same thing. Kennebunk’s animal control page says the Animal Control Officer responds to incidents involving domestic animals. Wildlife that is an immediate danger should be handled as an emergency.
Use Kennebunk Animal Control
Call the Town of Kennebunk Animal Control route for domestic animal complaints, lost/found dog reports, stray animal concerns and local animal-service questions.
Call 911 if immediate danger
Kennebunk’s animal control page says to call 911 if a wild animal is an immediate danger to you or the public.
Use a wildlife rehabilitator
For injured or orphaned wild animals that are not an immediate danger, the town directs people to a wildlife rehabilitator.
Pet Surrender and Animal Admissions at AWS Kennebunk
AWS calls this “animal admissions,” and it is appointment-based. The goal is to help you keep your pet when possible, safely rehome when needed, and reserve shelter space for pets truly in need.
Before requesting admission
- Use AWS rehoming and Stay@Home resources if your challenge may be fixable.
- Call or complete the correct species admissions application if rehoming is still needed.
- Prepare medical records, behavior notes, diet, routine, favorite toys and any known triggers.
- Be honest about bites, fear, aggression, anxiety, litter issues, house-training and medication.
- Do not bring a pet without an appointment.
Important admission facts
- All animal admissions are by appointment only.
- There is no fee to admit your pet to AWS, though donations are accepted.
- Admission decisions are made by AWS staff based on space and resources.
- If you found a stray pet, contact your local animal control officer first instead of using the owner admissions application.
- AWS also offers Mother Spay Program help for unexpected litters.
Kennebunk Dog License, Rabies Proof and Local Rules
Dog licensing is a common “after adoption” search. Kennebunk’s dog license page says all dogs 6 months and older must be licensed, rabies proof is required, and proof of spay/neuter affects the fee.
Town license fees
Town-listed fees: $6 for spayed/neutered dogs and $11 for unaltered dogs.
Online license fees
The online state system lists different fees: $8.75 for spayed/neutered dogs and $13.75 for unaltered dogs, including transaction and shipping/handling charges.
Late fee
Kennebunk’s dog license page says the state implements a mandatory $25 late fee per dog starting February 1.
Affordable Vet Care, Training and Pet Support Resources
A high-value shelter guide should help people keep pets safe, not only adopt pets. AWS offers community veterinary care, training classes, rehoming support, Mother Spay Program information and pet resources. Kennebunk also points residents to Maine’s Help Fix Me program for reduced-cost spay/neuter support.
Community Veterinary Clinic
AWS lists its veterinary clinic separately from adoption services. Clinic visits are by appointment, so do not treat adoption hours as clinic walk-in hours.
Training support
If behavior is why you are thinking about rehoming a dog, ask about AWS training, private consultations or stay-at-home resources first.
Help Fix Me
Kennebunk’s animal control page points residents to Maine’s Help Fix Me program for reduced-rate spay/neuter help for eligible dog or cat owners.
Official Video Resource Note
AWS has an official YouTube channel under Animal Welfare Society / AWS Maine, but a single current official adoption-hours video embed was not confirmed. To avoid embedding a broken or unrelated video, this article links to official AWS pages and avoids random rescue videos.
What to Bring Before Visiting Kennebunk Animal Shelter
A prepared visitor has a better experience. This checklist covers adoption, lost-pet reclaim, admissions and dog licensing intent.
Photo ID
Bring valid ID for adoption paperwork, reclaim questions or official records.
Housing approval
AWS says reference checks are not part of its adoption process, but adopters should know whether leases, HOA rules or community rules allow pets.
Payment method
Bring payment and confirm the current fee for the animal you choose.
Carrier
Bring a secure carrier for a cat, kitten, rabbit or small animal.
Dog gear
Bring a leash, collar, harness, crate or safe vehicle plan for a dog adoption or reclaim.
Records
For lost-pet claims or admissions, bring photos, rabies proof, microchip number, medical records and behavior notes.
After Adoption: First 7 Days at Home
The adoption does not end at checkout. A calm first week helps dogs, cats and small pets adjust with less stress.
First 24 hours
- Set up a quiet starter space before bringing the pet inside.
- Do not invite everyone over to meet the new pet immediately.
- Keep cats and small pets in secure carriers during transport.
- Use leashes, gates or crates for dogs until you understand their behavior.
- Expect hiding, barking, whining, pacing or reduced appetite from stress.
Days 2–7
- Create a predictable feeding, bathroom and rest routine.
- Introduce resident pets slowly, with barriers and supervision.
- Review all medical records and schedule follow-up veterinary care if recommended.
- Ask for training or behavior help early if issues appear.
- Keep microchip and license information updated.
Kennebunk Animal Shelter Map, Directions & Arrival Tips
Use this map for directions to Animal Welfare Society at 46 Holland Road. AWS notes that its driveway is one-way and asks visitors to follow directional signs when entering and exiting.
Easy highway access
AWS is near Maine Turnpike Exit 25. Follow official AWS directions if coming from Portland, Wells, Kittery, Ogunquit or the Berwicks.
Remember quiet hour
Do not plan an adoption meet between 12:30 PM and 1:30 PM.
Last meet is 3:30
Arrive well before 3:30 PM if you want to meet a pet and adopt the same day.
Common Mistakes to Avoid at Kennebunk Animal Shelter
These mistakes cause wasted trips, delayed adoptions and confusing animal-control calls.
Before visiting
- Do not visit on Monday expecting the Adoption Center to be open.
- Do not arrive during 12:30 PM–1:30 PM quiet hour expecting an adoption meet.
- Do not arrive after 3:30 PM expecting a full meet-and-adopt process.
- Do not assume a foster pet is physically at the Adoption Center.
- Do not use AWS admissions for a stray pet before contacting local animal control.
Before adopting, reclaiming or surrendering
- Do not forget a carrier, leash or safe transport setup.
- Do not adopt without checking housing rules and family readiness.
- Do not delay a lost-pet report while waiting to “see if the pet comes back.”
- Do not surrender without an admissions appointment.
- Do not call the shelter for immediate wild-animal danger; use emergency guidance.
Official Kennebunk Animal Shelter Links
Use these official pages for final decisions. This guide explains the process, but AWS and the Town of Kennebunk control current hours, fees, policies and service routing.
Kennebunk Animal Shelter FAQ
Where is Kennebunk Animal Shelter located?
Kennebunk Animal Shelter usually refers to Animal Welfare Society at 46 Holland Road, Kennebunk, ME 04043.
What is the phone number for Animal Welfare Society Kennebunk?
The main AWS phone number is 207-985-3244. AWS also lists clinic contact separately as 207-292-2424 for veterinary clinic questions.
What are Kennebunk Animal Shelter adoption hours?
AWS Adoption Center hours are Tuesday through Sunday from 10 AM to 12:30 PM and 1:30 PM to 4 PM. The last adoption meet or scheduled appointment is 3:30 PM, and the Adoption Center is closed Mondays.
Can I walk in to adopt at AWS Kennebunk?
For most pets, adopters can drop in during open hours without a scheduled appointment or advance application. If a pet is in foster care or marked by appointment, call first.
Does AWS Kennebunk have an adoption application?
AWS says its short questionnaire is completed onsite and is not something adopters fill out in advance for most pets.
How much are dog adoption fees at AWS Kennebunk?
AWS lists dog adoption fees at $250 and puppy adoption fees at $400. Confirm current pricing before finalizing an adoption.
How much are cat adoption fees at AWS Kennebunk?
AWS lists adult cat adoption fees at $125. Kitten adoption fees typically range from $120 to $300 or more depending on age, sociability and breed.
Can AWS hold a pet for me?
AWS says adoptions are first come, first served and pets are not placed on hold if you are unsure whether you want to adopt.
What should I do if my pet is lost in Kennebunk?
Fill out the AWS lost pet form, call AWS if needed, contact your local animal control officer, update microchip information, post clear flyers and check AWS lost pets regularly.
What should I do if I found a stray pet in Kennebunk?
Call AWS at 207-985-3244 and contact the local animal control officer. Do not permanently rehome a found pet without following local lost/found procedures.
Does AWS charge a fee to claim a lost pet?
AWS says it does not charge a fee to claim your pet, although donations are accepted. Some towns may charge impound fees that may be collected at claim or paid to the town.
Does AWS take owner surrenders?
AWS handles animal admissions by appointment only. It encourages rehoming and stay-at-home resources first, and admissions decisions depend on available space and resources.
Who handles Kennebunk animal control?
Kennebunk’s Animal Control Officer responds to incidents involving domestic animals. For immediate danger from a wild animal, Kennebunk directs people to call 911.
How much is a dog license in Kennebunk?
Kennebunk lists town dog license fees as $6 for spayed/neutered dogs and $11 for unaltered dogs. Online registration fees differ, and a mandatory $25 state late fee starts February 1.
Final Take: Use Kennebunk Animal Shelter the Right Way
For most searches, Kennebunk Animal Shelter means Animal Welfare Society at 46 Holland Road. It is the place to start for adoptable dogs, cats, rabbits, small animals, working cats, lost and found pet support, pet admissions, affordable veterinary care, training and community animal resources.
The best visitor plan is simple: check the official adoptable pet pages first, avoid Monday and the 12:30–1:30 quiet hour, arrive before the 3:30 PM last-meet time, call first for foster pets, use animal control for domestic animal incidents, and never bring an owned pet for admission without an appointment.
Animal-Shelter.org is an independent informational guide and is not affiliated with Animal Welfare Society, the Town of Kennebunk, Kennebunk Police Department, Maine Animal Welfare Program, YouTube, any veterinary clinic, rescue, animal control agency or official shelter portal. Always verify current details with official sources before visiting, adopting, surrendering, licensing or reporting an animal concern.
Animal Shelter Action Planner: Lost Pet, Found Pet, Adoption, Reclaim & Surrender Helper
Use this free tool to create a practical next-step plan before visiting or contacting an animal shelter, humane society, rescue, or animal control agency. It does not search a live shelter database, but it helps you prepare the right documents, questions, safety steps, and official-source searches.
Build a USA-wide shelter action plan
Select your situation and location. The tool will create a general action plan, search links, call questions, and a copyable checklist.
Lost pet recovery checklist
Check the steps you have completed. This helps you stay organized during the first urgent hours and days.
Found pet safety decision helper
Use this when you find a stray or loose pet and need a safe next step.
Adoption readiness checker
This helps adopters prepare before visiting a shelter or rescue. It is not a guarantee of approval.
Pet reclaim document checklist
If your pet may be at a shelter, prepare proof before visiting. Exact requirements and fees vary by agency.
Owner surrender preparation helper
Surrender rules vary. Many shelters require appointments, proof of residence, behavior/medical information, and may offer alternatives.
Animal control contact decision helper
Choose the situation and get a general USA-wide contact path. Local rules may differ.
Adoption and first-month budget planner
This is a planning guide, not a shelter fee database. Always confirm adoption fees and included services with the shelter.
Your generated shelter plan
Your action plan, search links, call script, checklist, or budget guide will appear here.
Start with the Planner tab
Select your state, city/county/ZIP, pet type, and goal. The tool will create a practical USA-wide shelter action plan.
Privacy note: this tool runs in your browser. It does not send your entries to animal-shelter.org.