Humane societies, adoption and foster programs, pet food banks, and low-cost vet care across Maine, listed by town.
Maine has a strong network of animal shelters and humane societies where you can adopt a pet, surrender an animal you can no longer care for, or get help feeding a pet through a rough patch. Regional anchors include the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland, the Bangor Humane Society, Midcoast Humane in Brunswick, and the Kennebec Valley Humane Society in Augusta.
It helps to know what each type of organization does. Shelters and humane societies take in and rehome animals, rescues focus on specific breeds or animals in foster homes, pet food pantries like the ARLGP Pet Food Pantry keep pets fed at home, and programs such as Help Fix ME and the Community Spay-Neuter Clinic offer low-cost spay and neuter. Use the city filter below to find shelters and pet help near you.
Animal Refuge League
No-kill animal shelter caring for 4,000+ animals annually. Adoption, foster programs, low-cost spay/neuter clinic, vaccination clinics, and pet food bank for families in need. Founded in 1911 by Maine Governor Percival Baxter.
Bangor Humane Society
Eastern Maine's largest animal shelter with adoption, surrender services, low-cost spay/neuter, and a pet food pantry for families struggling to feed their pets. Open-admission shelter accepting all animals regardless of condition.
Greater Androscoggin Humane Society
Open-admission shelter serving Androscoggin County with adoption, foster, low-cost spay/neuter, and the Fetchin' Food pet food bank. No-appointment pet food assistance for families struggling to feed their animals.
Kennebec Valley Humane Society
Animal shelter serving Kennebec County with adoption, foster care, low-cost veterinary clinics, and community outreach. Compassionate shelter providing second chances for dogs, cats, and small animals.
Animal Welfare Society
Full-service animal welfare organization with adoption, low-cost veterinary clinic, pet food bank, and community programs. Their Barbara Bush Community Veterinary Clinic provides affordable vet care for income-qualifying pet owners.
Maine Department of Agriculture, Animal Welfare
State-run low-cost spay/neuter program for cats and dogs. Vouchers available for qualifying Maine pet owners to use at participating veterinarians statewide. Helps reduce pet overpopulation.
Community Spay-Neuter Clinic
High-volume, low-cost spay/neuter clinic serving Maine. Affordable sterilization surgery for cats with additional vaccines available. Located in Topsham, serving communities across the state.
Misfits Rehab
Wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center caring for injured, orphaned, and sick wild animals. Provides medical treatment and rehabilitation with the goal of releasing healthy animals back into the wild. Community-funded, no government support.
Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland
Free pet food and supplies for anyone struggling to feed their pets. Open three days per week. Also partners with Meals on Wheels to deliver pet food to homebound seniors.
Kommunity Kritters
Free pet food pantry serving Lewiston's Tree Streets neighborhood and beyond. Food and supplies for cats, dogs, and small animals. Also connects owners with low-cost spay/neuter.
Eastern Area Agency on Aging
Free pet food program for low-income seniors age 60+ who need help feeding their companion animals. Distributes through 26 locations across Penobscot, Piscataquis, Hancock, and Washington counties.
South Parish Congregational Church
Free pet food pantry for pet owners who have fallen on hard times. Open one Saturday per month. No proof of income required.
Adoption, surrender, spay and neuter, and pet food assistance.
Most Maine shelters list adoptable animals on their websites and welcome walk-in visits during open hours. You usually meet the animal, fill out an adoption application, and pay an adoption fee that covers spay or neuter and initial vaccines. Regional shelters include the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland, Bangor Humane Society, Midcoast Humane in Brunswick, and Kennebec Valley Humane Society in Augusta. Call ahead to confirm hours and whether the animal you are interested in is still available.
Contact your nearest open-admission shelter, such as Bangor Humane Society, the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland, or Greater Androscoggin Humane Society in Lewiston. Many shelters ask you to schedule a surrender appointment and may charge a small fee. If you are struggling to keep a pet because of cost, ask about a pet food pantry first, since keeping your pet at home may be possible.
Yes. Help Fix ME is a statewide program that offers low-cost spay and neuter for income-eligible pet owners, and the Community Spay-Neuter Clinic in Lewiston provides affordable surgeries. Many regional humane societies also run reduced-cost clinics. Eligibility and pricing vary, so contact the program directly to apply.
Several pet food pantries across Maine give free pet food to owners going through hard times, including the ARLGP Pet Food Pantry in Portland, the Amy Buxton Pet Pantry in Augusta, and the Furry Friends Food Bank in Bangor. Spectrum Generations AniMeals delivers pet food alongside Meals on Wheels for older Mainers. Most ask only that you call ahead or visit during open hours.