Pet Resources and Assistance
GAHS Resources and Programs
Check out our monthly schedule of vaccine and microchip clinics.
Need help with pet food? Check out our Fetchin’ Food Pet Food Pantry.
Learn more about our low-cost spay/neuter services.
In a crisis and need a place for your pet? We may be able to help.
Need to rehome your companion? We’re here to help.
Struggling with problem behaviors?
Other Local Low-Cost Veterinary Resources
There is a PetVet Wellness Center now open at the Tractor Supply Company in Lewiston. They offer a variety of services for both cats and dogs including vaccines.
Local Petco stores now offering Vetco vaccination services. Auburn Petco
Shot Vet offers pet vaccine clinics at PetSmart stores (Augusta) and other locations throughout ME. Check the website for dates and locations.
There are also two low-cost spay/neuter clinics nearby.
The Community Spay Neuter Clinic in Topsham
The Maine Animal Health Alliance in Augusta
Housing Resources
Check out information from the Maine Human Rights Commission regarding legal protections for assistance animals in housing.
Renting with pets? Check out these helpful tips.
Veterinary Financial Aid
The Maine Animal Health Alliance in Augusta offers low-cost urgent care options. Visit their website or call to learn more.
CareCredit is a line of credit that can be used to cover veterinary costs. (You can use it for your own health expenses, too.) It is typically offered with a promotional period, allowing you to make convenient monthly payments without accruing interest. Visit Care Credit’s website to see which veterinarians accept CareCredit. We accept this card at GAHS for veterinary expenses only.
Scratchpay offers simple and affordable payment plans for large veterinary bills. Apply for Scratch Pay and check your interest rate any time without affecting your credit score. Completing the application and accepting the loan terms takes just a couple of minutes and can be done from your cell phone or computer. Scratch Pay can help get your pet the care they need. If your vet has not yet signed up for Scratch Pay, ask your vet to join Scratch for free.
Banfield Charitable Trust – The Banfield Charitable Trust has numerous programs including grants to help with veterinary care, food programs (like Meals on Wheels), helping homebound pet owners and owners in hospice care among others.
Red Rover – Red Rover offers financial and emotional support for pet owners to help care for animals in life-threatening situations.
The Bow Wow Buddies Foundation gives a second chance to sick and injured dogs in need.
Senior dogs in Maine needing veterinary assistance for veterinary care or end of life services should check out Finally Home Rescue Teddy Fund and Finally Home Rescue Sierra Fund.
Friends & Vets Helping Pets is here to help during difficult times. Grants are made to individuals and families whose ability to pay is extremely limited, but also to those of somewhat more substantial means, up to 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, who may only need minor subsidy to meet the veterinary expenses. Financial aid is intended as a supplement to family resources. All applicants must be prepared to show financial need.
Waggle.org is a pet-dedicated crowdfunding platform that partners directly with leading veterinary providers, foundations, nonprofits, corporate sponsors and pet guardians to reduce economic euthanasia in pets, thereby giving options to pet guardians and second chances to the pets they love.
There are special programs for veterinary care assistance for working dogs and service animals, such as Assistance Dogs Special Allowance Program.
Bankrate has a detailed guide for affording a service dog, which breaks down all the costs and provides methods for financing them.
Animal Control
State of Maine Animal Welfare program: 207-287-3846
1-877-269-9200 (Toll Free) and Email: animal.welfare@maine.gov
Auburn- ACO Officer Davison, Auburn Police Department- (207) 333-6650 x2058
Canton- ACO Eric Giroux (207) 743-9554
Greene- Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Office- (207) 753-2500
Hebron- ACO Robert Larrabee, Oxford County Sheriff’s Office- (207) 743-9554
Leeds- Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Office- (207) 753-2500
Lewiston- Lewiston Police Department- (207) 784-6421
Livermore- ACO Christa Powers (207) 753-2500Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Office
Minot- ACO Robert Larrabee, Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Office- (207) 753-2500
New Gloucester- ACO Charles Kinsella (207) 893-2310 Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office
Turner- Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Office- (207) 753-2500
Wales- Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Office- (207) 753-2500
Rumford- ACO Eric Giroux, Rumford Police Department- (207) 364-4551
Other Animal Control Officers by Town
Equine Services
The Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals (MSSPA) can provide temporary assistance for Maine horses and their owners, including feed, farrier or dental services or veterinary care. Visit MSSPA’s website for more information on their grant-funded feed and care bank for those in need.
Wildlife Services
The GAHS cannot accept any wild animals. If you have found injured wildlife, or have a concern about wildlife in or near your home, please contact your Animal Control Officer, or a wildlife rehabilitator. You may also reach out to Misfits Rehab, located in Auburn, Maine, for information about wildlife concerns.
Local and regional humane societies and specialty animal welfare groups
Herp Haven Reptile Rescue and Sanctuary, Brunswick, Maine
Graze in Peace Farm Animal Rescue and Sanctuary, Durham, Maine
Animal Refuge League, Westbrook, Maine
Midcoast Humane, Brunswick, Maine
Responsible Pet Care of Oxford Hills, Norway, Maine
Friends of Feral Felines, Portland, Maine
HART, Cumberland, Maine
Animal Welfare Society, Kennebunk, Maine
Humane Society Waterville Area, Waterville, Maine
Kennebec Valley Humane Society, Augusta, Maine
Bangor Humane Society, Bangor, Maine
Franklin County Animal Shelter, Farmington, Maine
Harvest Hills Animal Shelter, Fryeburg, Maine