If you’re looking for a selection of the best dog rescues in Maine, we’ve put together the following list especially for you.
1. Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland (Westbrook)
Based in Westbrook, ME, Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland is a non-profit animal rescue organization dedicated to finding loving homes for neglected, abused, or abandoned animals. The organization provides temporary care and housing for rescued animals until they can be permanently re-homed.
As well as rescuing animals in need, Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland helps to raise awareness about pet overpopulation and educating the public on the benefits of spay/neuter surgeries. If you’re interested in adopting, you can view the available dogs here. You can also donate to Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland here.
2. Underhound Railroad (Durham)
Underhound Railroad is an animal rescue organization that was formed in 2009. Initially, the group rescued dogs from high-kill shelters in Connecticut, but they have since expanded to shelters in Maine, Rhode Island, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Utah. Rescued dogs are given medical care and a foster home until they can be permanently re-homed.
Underhound Railroad is devoted to providing resources and information to families and pet owners to help promote the importance of spay/neuter services. The team at Underhound Railroad rescues hundreds of animals every year – you can view their currently available dogs here. If you would like to help the organization, donate here.
3. Midcoast Humane (Brunswick)
Midcoast Humane is a highly successful rescue organization in Brunswick, ME. They are responsible for the rescue of almost 3,500 pets each year. Rescued animals are given medical care, vaccinations, any necessary medication, spay/neuter surgery, food, and shelter.
If you’re interested in adopting, you can view the available dogs here. If any of these special pups catch your eye, make an appointment for a meet-and-greet. If things go well, you can meet with an adoption counselor, fill out some paperwork, and take your new pet home! You can donate to Midcoast Humane here.
4. Maine Sheltie Rescue (Portland)
Maine Sheltie Rescue is a non-profit organization based in Portland, ME, specifically dedicated to rescuing and re-homing Shelties. They also operate throughout New Hampshire and Vermont and do everything they can to protect Shelties in need and prevent overpopulation and breeding of more Shelties.
If you think a Sheltie might be the dog for you, you can view their adoptable dogs here. Dogs under two years come with a $400 adoption fee, while those over eight years are $250. Dogs have received veterinary care and vaccinations prior to adoption. Donate to Maine Sheltie Rescue here.
5. Animal Welfare Society (Kennebunk)
Animal Welfare Society was founded in 1967 and is a private non-profit organization dedicated to the rescue of dogs, cats, and other animals. The organization has a 40-acre shelter and adoption center in Kennebunk, ME, as well as additional centers across New England.
Animal Welfare Society is responsible for rescuing over 4,000 animals each year and finding new and loving homes for them. Not only that – they also provide healthcare, surgeries, and spay/neuter surgery to over 8,000 pets. If you’re interested in adopting, view their available dogs here. You can donate to Animal Welfare Society here.
6. Responsible Pet Care of Oxford Hills (South Paris)
Responsible Pet Care of Oxford Hills is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing care and support for homeless cats and dogs until their forever homes can be found. All animals receive medical care, spay/neuter surgery, vaccinations, flea and work treatment, parasite tests, and anything else necessary.
Responsible Pet Care of Oxford Hills is based in South Paris, ME. The organization offers low-cost spay/neuter surgery, community outreach and education programs, and more. If you’re interested in adopting, view their available dogs here. You can also learn more about how you can help Responsible Pet Care of Oxford Hills here.
7. Tall Tails Beagle Rescue (Freeport)
If you’re looking for a beautiful Beagle to call your new best friend, pay a visit to Tall Tails Beagle Rescue. This non-profit organization is based in Freeport, ME, and is specifically dedicated to rescuing and re-homing Beagles in need.
Their team of dedicated volunteers rescue Beagles from overcrowded shelters in other states and also accept surrenders from local owners who are no longer able to care for their dogs. If you’re interested in adopting, view their available dogs here. Donate to Tall Tails Beagle Rescue here.
8. 3 Dogs Rescue (Berwick)
3 Dogs Rescue is based in Berwick, Maine, and is entirely run by volunteers. This dedicated team rescues dogs of all breeds and ages, provides them with the medical care they need, and cares for the dogs until they can be permanently re-homed.
Adoption fees for dogs are $495, or $300 for senior dogs (over eight years). This money goes towards the veterinary, food, and housing costs associated with rescuing dogs. Available dogs can be viewed here, or you can donate to 3 Dogs Rescue by clicking on the link at the bottom of this page.
9. Harvest Hills Animal Shelter (Fryeburg)
Based in Fryeburg, ME, Harvest Hills Animal Shelter is a non-profit rescue organization that works with numerous towns across Western Maine to rescue abandoned, stray, abused, or neglected dogs and cats. Animals are rescued from overcrowded city shelters and cared for until they can be permanently adopted.
Since the organization was first founded in 1992, they have rescued and successfully re-homed around 17,000 lucky cats and dogs. Harvest Hills Animal Shelter is growing every year and continues to make a huge difference in the communities they are working within. View their available dogs here, or donate to the organization here.
10. Maine Greyhound Placement Service (Augusta)
If you think that a Greyhound might make the perfect companion, there’s no better place to find a loving dog in need of a family than at the Maine Greyhound Placement Service. This non-profit organization works tirelessly to re-home the many ex-racing Greyhounds in Augusta, ME, and beyond.
Ex-racing Greyhounds are usually between 2 and 5 years of age and are smart and adaptable – they usually settle into new homes very easily. If you’re interested in adopting, available dogs can be viewed here. You can also donate to Maine Greyhound Placement Service on this page.
11. Rescue Charlie’s Friends (Woolwich)
Rescue Charlie’s Friends is run by all volunteers and is a non-profit organization. All dogs and puppies adopted through Rescue Charlie’s Friends are in full compliance with all Maine health requirements, including quarantine periods, exceed the minimum age for importation, have current health certificates, have received all age appropriate vaccinations and have been spayed or neutered.
Many dogs lost their homes due to fire, floods or hurricanes. Others have been abandoned or neglected and most of their dogs come from high-kill shelters. Whatever the cause, Charlie’s mission is to rescue them and match them with a loving forever family. These are Charlie’s friends.
If you’re interested in adopting, view their available dogs here. You can also learn more about how you can help Rescue Charlie’s Friends here.
“Emily is an avid writer and dog lover who usually prefers the company of pets over people. Based in Los Angeles, when not stuck in traffic she spends her days reading in the sunshine, relaxing at the beach, or planning her next adventure.”
