Pet Care Help in Maine
Vet care, help with vet bills, spay/neuter, pet food, crisis care, shelters and end-of-life support across Maine. 109 programs in 43 Maine towns, each checked on the organization’s own website in October 2026. Includes programs shared by 211 Maine. Programs change often, so call or check their page before you go.
- Portland Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Care (PVESC) - Emergency, Portland · (207) 878-3121 24/7
- Maine Veterinary Medical Center (MVMC) - Emergency & Critical Care, Scarborough · (207) 885-1290 24/7
- Animal Emergency Clinic of Mid-Maine (AECM), Lewiston · (207) 777-1110
- Midcoast Animal Emergency Clinic, Warren · (207) 273-1100
- Eastern Maine Emergency Veterinary Clinic (EMEVC), Holden · (207) 989-6267
- Aroostook Animal Emergency Services, Mars Hill · 207-531-4905
- Atlas Veterinary Urgent Care, Augusta · 207-621-2287
For 211 specialists, caseworkers and shelter staff
This page is built to stay open in a tab during a call. Each program links to its own page with hours, who qualifies, how to get help and a tap-to-call number, all checked on the program’s website.
- Find something nearby fast: use “Show programs near” to filter by region. Statewide programs always stay visible.
- Cost is the problem: start with Help paying a vet bill and Lower-cost vet care.
- Programs ran out: a family can get a free fundraiser page for their pet, with their story, photos, GoFundMe and links to share.
- Sending someone a link: helpmypet.us/sent-here is a plain-language starting page for people referred by a helpline or agency.
- Spot something out of date? Suggest or correct a listing and we’ll fix it.
Jump to: Emergency and 24-hour care (7) · Help paying a vet bill (8) · Lower-cost vet care (7) · Spay and neuter (13) · Community cats and TNR (9) · Pet food (26) · Help in a crisis (5) · Shelters and rescues (11) · End of life and pet loss (14) · Specialists and referral hospitals (3) · Find a vet and other help (6)
Emergency and 24-hour care 7
For a pet in crisis. Call ahead if you can, and tell them up front if cost is a problem.
Southern Maine
- Portland Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Care (PVESC) - Emergency 24/7
Portland · 24-hour emergency hospital in Portland for dogs and cats, open every day of the year.
Emergency 24/7/365 · (207) 878-3121 - Maine Veterinary Medical Center (MVMC) - Emergency & Critical Care 24/7
Scarborough · 24-hour emergency and critical care hospital in Scarborough, with same-day urgent care appointments too.
Open 24/7 · (207) 885-1290
Midcoast
- Midcoast Animal Emergency Clinic
Warren · Emergency and urgent care clinic in Warren for small animals and pocket pets, open overnight and all weekend.
Weeknights 5:30 pm-7:30 am; Saturday and Sunday 24 hours · (207) 273-1100
Central Maine
- Atlas Veterinary Urgent Care
Augusta · Same-day urgent care for pets in Augusta, by appointment; not a 24-hour hospital, but it can stabilize pets for transfer.
Mon-Fri 12 pm-8 pm; Sat 10 am-8 pm; Sun 10 am-6 pm; select holidays · 207-621-2287
Western Maine
- Animal Emergency Clinic of Mid-Maine (AECM)
Lewiston · After-hours emergency clinic in Lewiston for dogs, cats and some pocket pets; covers nights, weekends and major holidays.
Mon-Fri 5:00 pm-8:00 am; Sat and Sun 24 hours; major holidays · (207) 777-1110
Bangor and Northern Maine
- Eastern Maine Emergency Veterinary Clinic (EMEVC)
Holden · Walk-in emergency clinic in Holden (formerly Brewer) serving the Bangor area and northern Maine after hours and around the clock Friday to Monday.
Tue-Thu 5:30 pm-8:00 am; Fri, Sat, Sun, Mon 24 hours · (207) 989-6267 - Aroostook Animal Emergency Services
Mars Hill · Northernmost animal emergency hospital in Maine, giving after-hours care to dogs, cats and small mammals in Aroostook County; limited evening/weekend hours.
Initial hours: Thu and Fri 4 pm-midnight; Sat noon-midnight; Sun 4 pm-midnight · 207-531-4905
Help paying a vet bill 8
Funds and programs that help with the cost of care. Most have rules about income, location or the kind of care.
Statewide and nearby
- Mainely Pets Foundation
Statewide (Maine residents) · Volunteer-run Maine charity, founded by Falmouth Veterinary Hospital, that helps Maine pet owners in financial need or crisis with sick or injured pet care, covering up to 50% of a bill (max $500), with need screened through a CareCredit or similar credit application.
(207) 781-4028 - Midcoast Humane Pet Help (food, vet bills, spay/neuter)
People in Midcoast Humane's contracted towns; low or fixed income for spay/neuter and vet help; limited funding. · Midcoast pet owners in covered towns can get free pet food, plus help with spay/neuter and urgent vet bills.
Not stated on page; wellness clinics monthly March-December · (207) 449-1366 - Finally Home Senior Dog Rescue - The Sierra Fund
North Yarmouth · Helps Maine owners of senior dogs (about 7 and older) pay for vet visits, follow-ups and medications; income limit applies.
207-829-3943 - Old Dogs New Digs - Community Assistance Program
Maine and Colorado residents · All-volunteer group in Maine that helps pay a vet directly for procedures, hospital stays or medicine for dogs and cats 7 and older. - RedRover Relief - Urgent Care Grants
National (serves Maine) · National grants for pets in life-threatening situations when the household can't afford urgent care; one grant per household.
Application open Monday 9 am PT to Friday 4 pm PT each week - Frankie's Friends - National Frankie's Friends Fund
National (serves Maine) · National grants of up to $2,000 per pet for lifesaving emergency or specialty vet care for family pets.
Midcoast
- Action for Animals Maine - Financial Assistance for Veterinary Care
Boothbay Harbor · Helps Lincoln County residents pay for urgent vet care for cats and dogs, up to $500 once per animal's lifetime.
207-350-2865
Bangor and Northern Maine
- Eastern Maine Emergency Veterinary Clinic - The Giving Tree Fund
Holden · Helps families with emergency bills at EMEVC in Holden, usually about $250 per case, for pets with a good chance of recovery.
(207) 989-6267
Lower-cost vet care 7
Nonprofit and low-cost clinics for checkups, vaccines and minor problems.
Statewide and nearby
- Maine Animal Health Alliance
Augusta / central Maine · Independent nonprofit clinic offering affordable spay/neuter and Monday wellness exams ($50) for check-ups and non-urgent illness in cats and dogs, with no eligibility requirements; vouchers and discounts are available at times.
(207) 480-1001
Southern Maine
- ARLGP Community Clinic at Baxter
Greater Portland (Westbrook) · Affordable nonprofit clinic open to all members of the public for preventive care ($75 wellness exam, low-cost vaccines) and minor injuries and illnesses for dogs and cats; it is not an emergency clinic and doesn't do dental work.
(207) 887-1280 - Animal Welfare Society - Community Veterinary Clinic (Companion Program)
Kennebunk · Nonprofit shelter clinic in Kennebunk offering general pet care, with 25% off many services for owners on SSI, SSDI, SNAP, TANF, WIC, MaineCare, VA disability or Section 8.
Mon-Fri 9 am-5 pm, appointments only (books months ahead for wellness) · (207) 292-2424
Midcoast
- Midcoast Humane - Low-Cost Wellness Clinics
Brunswick · Pop-up wellness and vaccine clinics for dogs and cats held around Midcoast Humane's 39 communities, with a vet exam included when you buy a service.
Several times a year; check the events calendar
Western Maine
- Greater Androscoggin Humane Society - Pet Wellness Clinics
Lewiston · Community clinics offering basic vaccines, including rabies, for dogs and cats; GAHS may also help with other care you can't afford.
Clinic dates posted on the GAHS news and events page · 207-783-2311
Bangor and Northern Maine
- Houlton Humane Society - Monthly Rabies & Vaccine Clinic
Houlton · Drive-through vaccine clinic in Houlton on the third Saturday of each month offering rabies and dog distemper/parvo shots.
Third Saturday of every month · (207) 532-2862 - Central Aroostook Humane Society / Maine Animal Welfare Program - Oakfield Drive-Thru Rabies Clinic
Oakfield · One-day $20 drive-through rabies clinic for dogs and cats in Oakfield, with a free microchip included.
November 8, 3-5 PM (one-time event)
Spay and neuter 13
Low-cost surgery and voucher programs.
Statewide and nearby
- Help Fix ME (Maine Companion Animal Sterilization Fund) Paused
Statewide · State-funded low-cost spay/neuter vouchers for Maine residents who get or qualify for SNAP (food stamps), TANF, SSI or SSDI, covering cats and dogs (large mixed-breed and pit bull mix dogs only); new applications are not being accepted right now.
(800) 367-1317 - United Spay Alliance - Maine Spay/Neuter Referral Map (led by Animal Welfare Society)
Statewide · Free statewide map to find low-cost spay/neuter clinics, voucher and financial-help programs, TNR groups, transport and Feline Fix by Five vets anywhere in Maine; AWS staff help if you can't find a provider.
(207) 292-2424 (Animal Welfare Society)
Southern Maine
- ARLGP Spay/Neuter Program
Greater Portland (Westbrook) · Low-cost spay/neuter for cats and dogs for income-qualifying pet owners (on public assistance such as MaineCare, SSDI or unemployment, or under household income limits), with a 'Spay It Forward' option for those who don't qualify.
(207) 854-9771 - Animal Welfare Society - Mother Spay Program
West Kennebunk · If your dog or cat has an unexpected litter, AWS spays the mother free at its Kennebunk clinic once the litter is 8-10 weeks old, when you admit the puppies or kittens to AWS for adoption; mom goes home the same day.
Midcoast
- Community Spay-Neuter Clinic (Topsham)
Topsham / Midcoast and Waterville · Affordable spay/neuter and vaccines for cats for all pet owners regardless of income, at the Topsham clinic and a Waterville mobile clinic; dog appointments are currently paused.
(207) 721-8395 - Waldo County Humane Society - Spay & Neuter Voucher
Belfast · All-volunteer group giving Waldo County residents spay/neuter certificates ($75-$150 off, by species and surgery) usable at Waldo County vet clinics, with no proof of financial need.
Phones monitored Monday-Friday, excluding holidays. · (207) 323-6308 - PAWS Animal Adoption Center - PAWS Cares Spay & Neuter Program
Camden · Camden shelter's community clinic offers spay/neuter with reduced prices for low-income owners (for example, cat spay $225, cat neuter $175; dogs under 5 years and under 40 lbs only), plus $10-$15 rabies shots and $25 microchips; others can use it at adjusted prices.
Clinic by appointment Tuesday-Thursday; shelter visiting hours Tuesday-Sunday 12-4 pm. - Pope Memorial Humane Society - Spay/Neuter Assistance Voucher and Moms and Toms Program
Thomaston · Low-income Knox County-area residents can get up to $100 toward a dog, cat or rabbit spay/neuter at participating vets; the Moms and Toms program spays an "oops" litter's mother free when the litter is surrendered for adoption.
Mon-Tue and Thu-Sat, 11 am-4 pm. · (207) 594-2200
Central Maine
- Friends of Animals - Spay/Neuter Certificates at Maine Animal Health Alliance
Augusta · National nonprofit's spay/neuter certificate program, which in 2025 added Maine Animal Health Alliance in Augusta and gave free certificates first-come to residents in need within 25 miles (dogs under 50 lbs); call to ask if certificates are still available.
Phone Monday-Friday, 9 am-5 pm Eastern. - Somerset Pet Welfare Alliance - Spay/Neuter Financial Assistance Waitlist
Skowhegan · Covers part of the cost of spaying or neutering cats and dogs for Somerset County-area owners who can't afford the full price (not limited to low-income), coordinates the appointment and runs clinics; there is a waiting list and funding fills quickly.
Western Maine
- Harvest Hills Animal Shelter - Spay/Neuter Voucher Program
Fryeburg · Fryeburg-area shelter that, with Rozzie May Animal Alliance, gives spay/neuter vouchers for dogs and cats to families in need when grant or fundraising money is available.
Shelter open by appointment only. · (207) 935-4358
Bangor and Northern Maine
- Halfway Home Pet Rescue - Spay/Neuter Assistance and Feral Cat Program Paused
Caribou · Caribou cat rescue piloting a spay/neuter assistance program (vouchers cover surgery and vaccines for qualifying families) and trapping feral colonies for TNR; the program is not yet fully open to the public.
Open by appointment only. · (207) 999-1075 - Houlton Humane Society - Spay/Neuter Clinics
Houlton · Cat spay/neuter clinics (dog clinics announced as scheduled) at the Houlton shelter's clinic building; grant help may lower the cost for people on SSI, SSD, TANF or food stamps.
Clinic dates posted on the page (next cat clinic listed: November 2-4, 2026); appointments required. · (207) 532-2862
Community cats and TNR 9
Help for people caring for stray or feral cats: trapping, low-cost spay/neuter and return.
Southern Maine
- Friends of Feral Felines (FoFF) - Trap-Neuter-Return
Portland · Southern Maine volunteer group that traps, neuters and returns feral cats, feeds and monitors colonies, and works with colony feeders under TNR and feeder agreements; also finds barn homes and fosters feral kittens.
(207) 797-3014 - Animal Welfare Society - Free Feral Cat Spay/Neuter and Trap Loans
West Kennebunk · AWS spays/neuters, rabies-vaccinates and ear-tips feral and free-roaming cats trapped in Maine at no cost (FeLV/FIV test is $45 extra), and lends humane traps to caretakers with trapping guidance.
(207) 292-2424 (clinic)
Midcoast
- Midcoast Humane - Community Cats Program (TNR vouchers, trap loans, Last Litter)
Brunswick · Grant-funded spay/neuter vouchers for low-income cat owners and feral colony caretakers in Midcoast Humane's contract towns, humane trap loans for TNR, and a Last Litter program that spays and returns a mother cat free when her litter is surrendered.
(207) 449-1366 - Pope Memorial Humane Society - Humane Trap Rental and Microchips
Thomaston · Community members can borrow humane traps ($15 a week plus a $60 refundable deposit) and get pets microchipped for $25.
Mon-Tue and Thu-Sat, 11 am-4 pm. · (207) 594-2200
Central Maine
- Spirits Place - Spay/Neuter and Pet Retention Outreach
St. Albans · Cat sanctuary in St. Albans helping feral-colony caretakers with spay/neuter for TNR cats, and helping low-income families and elders with spay/neuter, vaccines and basic care to keep pets; mainly Somerset, Piscataquis and Penobscot counties.
(207) 341-4147
Western Maine
- Community Cat Advocates - TNR Help
Lewiston-Auburn area (call to confirm your town) · Maine nonprofit that helps neighbors safely trap, spay/neuter, vaccinate and return stray and feral cats (TNR); listed by Greater Androscoggin Humane Society as a group working in its area. - Tommy's Feral Feline Friends
Greene · Small donation-funded no-kill shelter for feral cats based in Greene; Maine Humane describes it as offering TNR and colony-care help in central Maine, so contact it to ask what help is available.
Down East
- PAWS BraveHearts - Trap, Neuter and Release Program
Calais · Long-standing TNR program for the many community cat colonies in Washington County, run from the Calais shelter.
(207) 454-7662
Bangor and Northern Maine
- Cat Life Maine - TNR and Colony Care Waitlist
Bangor · Volunteer TNR group in the Bangor area that assesses colonies, traps, spays/neuters, vaccinates and microchips community cats, then keeps supporting caretakers with food, supplies and vacation coverage; help depends on trap and clinic space.
Volunteer-run; meetings by appointment.
Pet food 26
Pet food pantries, plus community food pantries that carry pet food. Some only have pet food when donations come in, so call first.
Statewide and nearby
- SeniorsPlus Meals on Wheels Call to confirm pet food
Adults 60+ who are homebound or unable to cook, and people with disabilities; based on need, not income (Androscoggin, Franklin, Oxford counties). · Homebound older adults and adults with disabilities in western Maine can get home-delivered meals; ask whether pet food is included.
Not stated on page · (207) 795-4010 - Spectrum Generations Meals on Wheels (AniMeals) Call to confirm pet food
Homebound adults 60+ or people with a disability who can't prepare meals; Maine-ly Delivered Meals for some MaineCare waiver members. · Homebound older adults and adults with disabilities in central and midcoast Maine can get delivered meals; ask about AniMeals pet food.
Not stated on page - Maine Humane - Pet Food Pantry Program
Statewide (all 16 Maine counties) · Statewide network that sends donated dog and cat food to 60+ local pantries, shelters and food banks in all 16 counties; food is a temporary bridge, not a full monthly supply.
(207) 200-8059
Southern Maine 12
- ARLGP Pet Food Pantry
Greater Portland (Westbrook) · Temporary pet food help for households in need: register once online, then submit an order form each time, for pickup Tuesday, Thursday or Sunday, 3-5pm, at the Westbrook shelter.
(207) 854-9771 - Pittie Posse Rescue - Pet Pantry
Southern Maine · Free dog and cat food, treats, toys, cat litter and puppy pads for families in need in Southern Maine, to keep pets out of shelters; distributed monthly.
Monthly distributions. - First County Food Pantry (York County) Call to confirm pet food
Alfred · York County families can get free groceries on Tuesdays and Fridays in Alfred; pet food is not listed on the site, so ask first.
Tuesday and Friday 11am-3pm · (207) 459-2232 - Harrison Food Bank
Harrison · Western Maine families can get free groceries plus pet food and supplies from the Paws of Hope Pet Pantry at Tuesday drive-thru.
Tuesdays noon-6pm drive-thru (Wednesday if Harrison schools close; footer shows Tue 3-6pm) · (207) 647-3384 - Community Outreach Services Food Pantry (Kennebunk) Call to confirm pet food
Kennebunk · Arundel, Kennebunk and Kennebunkport families can register to shop a free market-style food pantry; ask about pet food.
Mon 12-2pm; Tue 3-7pm; Thu 3-5pm; Fri 9am-12pm; Wed closed (subject to change) · (207) 985-3844 - Footprints Food Pantry (Phinn's Pet Food Pantry)
Kennebunk · Anyone in the Kittery area can shop for free groceries and get pet food from Phinn's Pet Food Pantry, with home delivery available.
Mon 9-11am; Tue 10am-1pm and 5-7pm; Wed 2-6pm; Thu 10:30am-1:30pm; Fri 10am-1pm · (207) 439-4673 - Gather to Grow Food Pantry (formerly St. Mary's Food Pantry) Call to confirm pet food
Kennebunk · Lewiston-Auburn families can get free food at the Gather to Grow pantry (formerly St. Mary's) on Bates Street; ask about pet food.
Not stated on page · (207) 513-3841 - Leeds Community Church Food Pantry Call to confirm pet food
Kennebunk · Leeds families can get free food twice a month at the church; pet food may be available, so ask.
1st and 3rd Thursdays, 12-1:30pm and 5-6pm · (207) 524-5444 - Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry (Sabattus) Call to confirm pet food
Kennebunk · Sabattus-area residents can get free groceries three mornings a week; ask whether pet food is available.
Mon 9:30-10:30am; Tue 9-10am; Wed 9-10am · (207) 375-8399 - Scarborough Food Pantry Call to confirm pet food
Kennebunk · Scarborough-area families can choose free food twice a week; ask about pet food.
Tuesday and Thursday 1:30-4pm · (207) 883-2342 - York Community Service Association Food Pantry Call to confirm pet food
Kennebunk · York families can order free groceries by calling or emailing a list ahead, with delivery if needed; ask about pet food.
Wednesday and Thursday 10am-1pm · (207) 363-5504 - The Corner Cupboard
Sanford · Anyone in need can get free household basics and pet food in Sanford once a month.
3rd Saturday of each month, 10am-12pm · (207) 324-3191
Midcoast 3
- Bowdoinham Food Pantry Call to confirm pet food
Bowdoinham · Bowdoin and Bowdoinham residents can shop for free groceries on Wednesdays; pet food is not listed on the pantry's site, so call to ask.
Wednesdays 4-6pm · (207) 751-7779 - PAWS Animal Adoption Center - Pet Food & Supply Pantry
Camden · Camden shelter pantry offering cat and dog kibble, cat litter, treats, crates and carriers to pet owners who need help, plus microchips on request.
Shelter Tuesday-Sunday 12-4 pm. · (207) 236-8702 - Pope Memorial Humane Society Pet Food Assistance
Thomaston · Knox County-area families can call to set up free pet food pickup, plus get help with spay/neuter and end-of-life costs.
Not stated on page · (207) 594-2200
Central Maine 2
- Amy Buxton Pet Pantry (South Parish Church)
Augusta · Augusta-area families, seniors and others going through hard times can pick up free pet food once a month.
2nd Saturday of each month, 9-10am · (207) 622-0552 - Humane Society of Waterville Area
Waterville · Waterville-area pet owners can ask the humane society's pet food and supply pantry for help feeding their pets.
Tue-Fri 12-4:30pm; Sat 10am-4:30pm; Sun and Mon closed · (207) 873-2430
Western Maine 2
- Care and Share Food Closet Call to confirm pet food
Farmington · Greater Farmington families can get a few days of free food once a month; pet food is not listed on the site, so ask when you visit.
Mon-Fri 12-2pm; Sat 8:30-11am; Tue 8:30-11am extra produce/bread pickup · (207) 778-0508 - Greater Androscoggin Humane Society
Lewiston · Lewiston-Auburn area pet owners can pick up free pet food and litter for up to 3 pets on Tuesday mornings.
Pet pantry: Tuesdays 9-11am (shelter hours Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 11am-5pm; Sat 11am-4pm) · (207) 783-2311
Down East 2
- Sullivan Animal Food Eatery (S.A.F.E.)
Sullivan · Sullivan-area residents can pick up free dry and wet dog and cat food at the thrift store.
At the Sullivan Thrift Store, Tuesdays and Saturdays 10am-2pm · (207) 422-6405 - SPCA of Hancock County Pet Pantry
Trenton · Hancock County pet owners can apply online each month to pick up free pet food.
Not stated on page · (207) 667-8088
Bangor and Northern Maine 2
- Furry Friends Food Bank (Eastern Area Agency on Aging)
Brewer · Low-income older adults in eastern Maine can apply to get a free monthly bag of pet food and litter.
Office Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm; call to schedule an appointment · (207) 941-2865 - Houlton Humane Society Call to confirm pet food
Houlton · Houlton-area animal shelter; its site does not list a pet food pantry, so call to ask if pet food help is available.
Shelter not open to visitors; manager on site Tue-Fri 8am-4pm · (207) 532-2862
Help in a crisis 5
Temporary care for pets during a hospital stay, housing loss or leaving an abusive home.
Statewide and nearby
- RedRover Relief - Domestic Violence Safe Escape Grants
Statewide (national program) · National grant usable in Maine that pays for up to 45 days of pet boarding (up to $40 per pet per day, usually 3 or fewer pets) plus needed vaccines while a survivor stays in a domestic violence shelter.
Responds within one business day to advocate applications.
Southern Maine
- Animal Welfare Society Stay@Home
Kennebunk · York County pet owners in a hard spot can get pet food through partner pantries, temporary emergency pet boarding, and lower-cost vet care.
Not stated on page
Midcoast
- New Hope Midcoast - Pet Program for Domestic Abuse Survivors
Midcoast Maine (call to confirm your town is served) · Midcoast domestic violence agency that helps survivors add pets to protection-from-abuse orders and arranges boarding at local animal shelters while the survivor moves to safety.
Helpline 24/7. · 1-800-522-3304 - PAWS Animal Adoption Center - A Safe Place for ME (crisis boarding and foster)
Camden · Camden shelter provides short-term boarding and long-term foster for pets of people working with partner agencies (Knox County Homeless Coalition, New Hope Midcoast, Pen Bay and Waldo County hospitals, Penquis, Meals on Wheels), plus help finding alternatives to surrender.
Shelter Tuesday-Sunday 12-4 pm. · (207) 236-8702
Down East
- Next Step Domestic Violence Project - Help Finding Pet Care
Ellsworth · Domestic violence agency for Hancock and Washington counties whose advocates can help survivors find pet care along with shelter, safety planning and other support.
Helpline 24/7.
Shelters and rescues 11
Local shelters and rescues, and the help each one offers pet owners.
Southern Maine
- HART of Maine (Homeless Animal Rescue Team) - Cat Surrender Waitlist
Cumberland · No-kill cat shelter in Cumberland that takes surrendered cats case by case from a waitlist (about 4-6 weeks now) and points owners to rehoming services; a surrender fee applies. It does not list food or medical help for owners.
Phone replies within about 72 hours; online within 48 hours. · (207) 829-4116 - Finally Home Senior Dog Rescue - Intake for Senior Dogs Paused
North Yarmouth · Senior dog sanctuary that takes in dogs about 7+ from Maine owners who can no longer care for them (for example due to illness or age) and keeps them for life; intake is closed while they are full.
Central Maine
- Kennebec Valley Humane Society
Augusta · Augusta-area animal shelter that takes owner surrenders and adopts out pets; its menu lists a "Kibbles to Cupboards" pet food program but the page has no details, so call to ask about food help.
Mon-Tue 12-4, Thu-Fri 11-4, Sat 10-4, Sun 11-4; closed Wednesday. Call ahead for walk-in appointments. · (207) 626-3491 - Charley's Strays Waitlist
Benton · Small no-kill dog shelter in Benton that houses homeless dogs until adopted; usually full with a waiting list for space, so owners needing to rehome a dog should call well ahead. No owner food or vet help is listed.
Not a walk-in shelter; call or email first. · (207) 426-9482 - Humane Society Waterville Area - Last Litter, Alternatives to Surrender and Microchips
Waterville · Waterville shelter whose Pet Owner Resources section offers a Last Litter program, help with alternatives to surrendering your pet, microchipping by appointment, and owner surrender when needed (its pet food pantry is listed separately).
Tue-Fri 12-4:30 pm; Sat 10 am-4:30 pm. · (207) 873-2430
Western Maine
- Franklin County Animal Shelter - Pet Food Pantry and Community Services
Farmington · Farmington shelter offering a pet food pantry by appointment for owners who might otherwise surrender, plus a cat spay/neuter voucher, microchipping and nail trims; surrenders only in emergencies for contract towns.
Monday-Saturday, 12-4 pm. · (207) 778-2638 - Harvest Hills Animal Shelter - Low-Cost Drive-Thru Rabies Clinic
Fryeburg · Yearly spring low-cost drive-thru rabies clinic for dogs and cats at the Fryeburg Fairgrounds (the 2026 clinic was May 2).
Once a year in spring; next date not yet posted. · (207) 935-4358 - Responsible Pet Care of Oxford Hills
South Paris · No-kill shelter for the Oxford Hills that takes in stray and surrendered cats and dogs, offers rehoming guidance, and points owners to low-cost spay/neuter options; it does not run its own low-cost clinic.
Closed Mon-Tue; Wed-Thu by appointment; Fri-Sun 12-4 pm; dogs by appointment.
Down East
- PAWS BraveHearts - Spay, Neuter and Wellness Clinics
Calais · No-kill shelter in Calais for Washington County that holds clinics offering spay, neuter and wellness services at reduced or no cost, takes in animals whose owners can no longer care for them, and holds lost pets until owners are found.
(207) 454-7662 - SPCA of Hancock County - Last Litter Program, Low-Cost Microchips and Pet Mobility Aids
Trenton · Trenton shelter takes in a mother and her litter, spays the mother and returns her to you while it adopts out the babies; also offers low-cost microchips, by-donation nail trims and loans of donated dog wheelchairs, ramps and harnesses.
(207) 667-8088
Bangor and Northern Maine
- Central Aroostook Humane Society
Presque Isle · Animal shelter in Presque Isle that takes in stray and surrendered dogs and cats for central Aroostook towns; its website lists adoption and intake only, so call to ask what owner help is available.
(207) 764-3441
End of life and pet loss 14
In-home euthanasia, hospice, aftercare and grief support.
Statewide and nearby
- Finally Home Senior Dog Rescue - Teddy's Friends Fund
North Yarmouth · Helps Maine owners with low incomes pay end-of-life costs for senior dogs.
207-829-3943 - Maine Veterinary Medical Center - Pet Loss Support (Veterinary Social Worker)
Scarborough · Grief support from MVMC's veterinary social worker, including a virtual monthly pet loss support group.
Virtual group meets monthly · (207) 766-8880 - Tufts Pet Loss Support Helpline
North Grafton, MA · Free phone line staffed by caring listeners for anyone grieving a pet, with 24-hour voicemail.
Mon-Thu 6-9 pm ET; 24-hour voicemail · 508-839-7966 - Lap of Love - Pet Loss Support
National (serves Maine), virtual · Certified pet loss coaches lead free and paid virtual groups and one-on-one sessions for grieving owners.
Support center available 24/7 · (855) 933-5683
Southern Maine
- Vet At Your Door - In-Home Euthanasia
Portland to Waterville, Biddeford to Sanford, Lewiston-Auburn, Bath-Brunswick, Farmington/Rangeley area · Mobile vets offering in-home euthanasia, quality-of-life visits and aftercare across much of southern and central Maine plus parts of Franklin County.
Mon-Fri 8 am-5 pm; extended euthanasia hours some evenings and weekends · (207) 536-8387 - Angel Fund of Maine
Biddeford · Nonprofit that helps pet owners facing financial hardship pay for end-of-life care and aftercare. - Haven Veterinary Hospice and Senior Care
Biddeford · Certified hospice vet offering in-home hospice, quality-of-life consults and euthanasia for pets in southern Maine.
Appointments seven days a week, including evenings · 207-361-7145 - Tranquil Waters Aquamation
Biddeford · Water-based (flameless) pet cremation in Biddeford with private or communal options and pickup from home or your vet.
Visits by appointment only · (207) 815-2512 - Animal Welfare Society - End of Life Care
Kennebunk · Shelter clinic in Kennebunk offering cost-effective pet cremation and, case by case, in-clinic euthanasia.
(207) 292-2424 - Benson Brook Pet Cremation
Parsonsfield · Family-owned pet crematory in Parsonsfield for dogs, cats and many small animals, with pickup and delivery on request.
(207) 608-2280 - Lap of Love - Portland, ME
Portland · In-home euthanasia, hospice and telehospice for dogs, cats and some exotic pets in Portland and nearby towns.
Care coordinators answer 24/7; vet visits scheduled through the week · (207) 553-3776
Midcoast
- Pope Memorial Humane Society - Saint's Fund (Euthanasia Assistance)
Thomaston · Voucher that covers humane euthanasia and non-private cremation for Knox-area pet owners facing financial hardship.
(207) 594-2200
Central Maine
- Fluke's Aftercare
Litchfield · Family-run pet cremation service in Litchfield offering private cremation with pickup from your home or vet's office.
Same-day service with advance notice
Western Maine
- Final Gift Pet Memorial Center - Turner, ME
Turner · Pet cremation and aftercare center in Turner that works with many Maine vets and shelters.
800-477-5044
Specialists and referral hospitals 3
For surgery, cancer care, neurology and other specialist care, usually by referral from your vet.
Statewide and nearby
- Tufts Cummings School - Foster Hospital for Small Animals
North Grafton, MA · Teaching hospital in Grafton, Massachusetts (Maine has no vet school) with specialty care for dogs, cats and exotic pets and a 24-hour emergency service.
Emergency 24 hours, 365 days; specialty by appointment · 508-839-5395
Southern Maine
- Portland Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Care (PVESC) - Specialty Services
Portland · Specialists in cardiology, internal medicine, neurology, oncology, surgery, dermatology, ophthalmology and more for pets with complex conditions.
Surgical and specialty appointments 8 am-5 pm Monday-Friday · (207) 878-3121 - Maine Veterinary Medical Center (MVMC) - Specialty Services
Scarborough · Specialty hospital offering internal medicine, neurology, oncology (including clinical trials), surgery, cardiology, radiology, ophthalmology and rehab.
(207) 885-1290
Find a vet and other help 6
Directories and state programs.
Statewide and nearby
- Maine Veterinary Medical Association - Find a Vet
Augusta · Statewide directory of veterinary practices that are members of the Maine Veterinary Medical Association.
1-800-448-2772 - Maine Veterinary Medical Association - After-Hours/24-Hour Emergency Clinics List
Augusta · MVMA's list of after-hours and 24-hour emergency clinics in Maine and nearby New Hampshire.
1-800-448-2772 - Maine Animal Welfare Program (DACF) - Rabies Clinic Listings
Augusta · State Animal Welfare Program page listing upcoming low-cost rabies clinics around Maine, plus animal control officer contacts.
(207) 287-3200 - Maine Humane - Resource Directory and Community Cat Help
Statewide · Statewide animal-welfare network with a county-by-county directory of pet food pantries, low-cost spay/neuter, TNR groups and pet financial aid, plus a Community Cat Tracker for colony caretakers.
(207) 200-8059 - Maine Animal Welfare Program (Dept. of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry)
Augusta · State program that takes animal cruelty and neglect complaints, licenses shelters, runs the Help Fix ME spay/neuter program and posts a list of low-cost rabies clinics around Maine.
Complaints Monday-Friday, 8 am-4 pm; after hours call State Police Bangor barracks (207) 973-3700. - Find Your Local Animal Control Officer (Maine DACF directory)
Statewide · State list of every Maine town's animal control officer, their phone numbers and the animal shelter each town contracts with, for strays, lost pets and animal emergencies.
(207) 287-3846
Programs marked Waitlist or Paused said so on their own websites when we checked. For options that work anywhere in the U.S., see Find Veterinary Care and Paying for Care.
Know of a program in Maine we should add, or see something out of date? Suggest or correct a listing.