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11 Best Dog Rescues In Maine (Updated 2023 Guide)

Best Dog Rescues In Maine

Maine is largely known for lobsters. But there’s more to it than fisheries.

Several great dog rescues are established statewide.

It speaks volumes about the kind of people Down Easters are.

That’s including yourself, of course.

So if you’re interested in adopting an animal that doesn’t appear on the menu… 

Read on to discover: 

  • 11 best dog rescues in Maine.
  • What services they have to offer.
  • How to get in touch with each one.
  • What clients are saying about them.
  • And more…

11 best dog rescues in Maine


Finding the right dog rescue in one state can be tricky. Especially when there’s a number of them to choose from.

Hopping from one establishment to another would be a nightmare. Believe me, I know. 

So I narrowed down the best 11 to save you some trouble. And you can focus on other new pup preparations instead.

Disclaimer: The rescues on this list currently have the highest ratings and best reviews. But note that these may be subject to change over time. 

#1: Underhound Railroad

Rating: 4.9

Reviews: 53

Website: Underhound Railroad

Address: Underhound Railroad, Inc., P.O. Box 515, Camden, ME, 04843

Areas served: Connecticut and nearby areas

Email: support@underhoundrailroad.org 

Note: Underhound Railroad doesn’t have a physical location. Reach out to them via email or social media.

Social media presence:

Services

Adoption

Underhound Railroad strives to find the best homes for dogs. So their adoption process has lots of particulars. But it’s all worth the while.

One Google reviewer hails it as the “Absolute best organization I have ever come across (although any rescue is amazing for saving animals god bless you all).”

Get Involved

Foster

If you’ve got the time and resources, you could help out by fostering dogs for Underhound Railroad.

Donate

There’s also a less hands-on approach to helping out. You could make a donation instead.

#2: Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland

Rating: 4.8

Reviews: 597

Website: Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland

Address: 217 Landing Rd, Westbrook, ME 04092, United States (Google Maps)

Telephone: +1 207-854-9771

Email: foster@arlgp.org 

Opening hours:

  • Wednesday: Closed
  • Rest of the week: 11 AM – 3 PM
  • Surrender: By appointment only

Social media presence:

Services

Adoption

Animal Refuge League is open for adoptions on all days of the week except Wednesdays. They operate from 11 AM to 3 PM. 

Before making a visit, you can check out their available dogs here. And learn more about their adoption process here.

Get Involved

Donate

There are different ways you can donate to this organization. Learn more about it and make a gift.

Volunteer

Their volunteer page features sections for shelter helpers, foster program, and community service.

A requirement is that volunteers should be 13 years old and above. While volunteers aged 13 years old to 16 years old should be accompanied by a guardian.

#3: Harvest Hills Animal Shelter

Rating: 4.8

Reviews: 215

Website: Harvest Hills Animal Shelter

Address: 1389 Bridgton Rd, Fryeburg, ME 04037, United States (Google Maps)

Telephone: +1 207-935-4358

Fax: 1-207-935-7058

Email: info@harvesthills.org 

Opening hours:

  • Friday: 10 AM – 6 PM
  • Saturday to Wednesday: 10 AM – 3 PM
  • Thursday: Closed

Note: They’re strictly open by appointment only. And you’ll need to have an approved application.

Social media presence:

Services

Adoption

“Opt to Adopt”

Their simple slogan packs a punch. That said, their fee is $300 for adult dogs and $450 for puppies under 6 months of age.

All dogs they put up for adoption are: 

  • Dewormed.
  • Microchipped.
  • Spayed/neutered.
  • Treated for flea/tick/ heartworm.
  • Up to date with age-appropriate shots.
  • 4DX tested for those over 6 months old.

If interested, you can download and fill out their application form here.

You can also better prepare by reading this article: 17 Critical Tips To Take Care Of A Rescue Dog (Guide)

#4: Homeless Animal Rescue Team of Maine

Rating: 4.8

Reviews: 73

Website: Homeless Animal Rescue Team of Maine

Address: 302 Range Rd, Cumberland, ME 04021, United States (Google Maps)

Telephone: +1 207-829-4116

Fax: (207) 829-6176

Email: info@hartofme.org 

Opening hours:

  • Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: By appointment
  • Wednesday: 5 PM – 7 PM
  • Saturday: 12 PM – 4 PM 
  • Sunday: Closed

Social media presence:

#5: Pope Memorial Humane Society

Pope Memorial Humane Society

Rating: 4.7

Reviews: 169

Website: Pope Memorial Humane Society

Address: 25 Buttermilk Ln, Thomaston, ME 04861, United States (Google Maps)

Telephone: +1 207-594-2200

Opening hours:

  • Monday to Saturday: 11 AM – 4 PM
  • Sunday: Closed

Note: By appointment only

Social media presence:

Services

Adoption

Their adoption process includes a Slumber Party program. It allows applicants to spend time with potential pets over 6 months old in their own homes before making a commitment. 

But before getting to that step, you need to start by filling out the adoption application.

Report a Missing Pet

You can report a missing pet to them here. You’ll have to fill in their information and description, as well as upload photos.

You might also be interested in: 13 Mistakes When Adopting A Rescue Dog (Guide)

#6: Franklin County Animal Shelter

Rating: 4.7

Reviews: 122

Website: Franklin County Animal Shelter

Address: 550 Industry Rd, Farmington, ME 04938, United States (Google Maps)

Areas served: Somerset County and nearby areas

Telephone: +1 207-778-2638

Email: info@fcanimalshelter.org 

Opening hours:

  • Monday to Saturday: 12 PM – 4 PM
  • Sunday: Closed

Social media presence:

#7: SPCA of Hancock County

Rating: 4.7

Reviews: 109

Website: SPCA of Hancock County

Address: 141 Bar Harbor Rd, Trenton, ME 04605, United States (Google Maps)

Telephone: +1 207-667-8088

Email: info@SPCAHancockCounty.org 

Opening hours:

  • Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday: 11 AM – 5 PM
  • Thursday: 12 PM – 4 PM
  • Sunday & Monday: Closed

Social media presence:

#8: Animal Welfare Society

Rating: 4.6

Reviews: 303

Website: Animal Welfare Society

Address: 46 Holland Rd, Kennebunk, ME 04043, United States (Google Maps)

Telephone: +1 207-985-3244

Email: info@animalwelfaresociety.org 

Opening hours:

  • Daily: 10 AM – 4 PM

Social media presence:

#9: Responsible Pet Care of Oxford Hills

Rating: 4.6

Reviews: 84

Website: Responsible Pet Care of Oxford Hills

Address: 9 Lower Swallow Rd, South Paris, ME 04281, United States (Google Maps)

Telephone: +1 207-743-8679

Opening hours:

  • Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 12 PM – 4 PM
  • Weekdays: By appointment only

Social media presence:

Services

Adoption

The dogs in this shelter come from varied backgrounds. There are strays, surrendered dogs, out-of-state rescue dogs, and purebred dogs to choose from.

Additionally, the raving reviews on Google Maps give shoutouts to their staff. 

You can fill out the online application here. Or you can download the printable application here.

#10: Alpha Dog Rescue 

Rating: 4.6

Reviews: 66

Website: Alpha Dog Rescue 

Address: 1498 Carl Broggi Hwy, Lebanon, ME 04027, United States (Google Maps)

Areas served: New England

Telephone: +1 207-339-3143

Email: alphadogrescue@gmail.com 

Opening hours:

  • Daily: 24 hours

#11: Humane Society Waterville Area

Rating: 4.5

Reviews: 288

Website: Humane Society Waterville Area

Address: 100 Webb Rd, Waterville, ME 04901, United States (Google Maps)

Telephone: +1 207-873-2430

Email: info@hswa.org 

Opening hours:

  • Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday: 11 AM – 4 PM
  • Wednesday: Closed

Social media presence:

Services

Adoption

HSWA has a “first-come, first considered basis” policy in place. They want their dogs to settle into a forever home as soon as possible.

The available dogs can be viewed here. And you can fill out the online application here.

Reading recommendation: Adopting A Rescue Dog: The First 7 Days [Checklist]