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…
Table of contents
- 11 best dog rescues in Maine
- #1: Underhound Railroad
- #2: Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland
- #3: Harvest Hills Animal Shelter
- #4: Homeless Animal Rescue Team of Maine
- #5: Pope Memorial Humane Society
- #6: Franklin County Animal Shelter
- #7: SPCA of Hancock County
- #8: Animal Welfare Society
- #9: Responsible Pet Care of Oxford Hills
- #10: Alpha Dog Rescue
- #11: Humane Society Waterville Area
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
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]