Resources

Why Should You Spay or Neuter Your Pet?

Spaying and neutering your pets is one of the most responsible actions you can take as a pet owner. Not only does it contribute to the health and well-being of your furry friend, but it also helps address the larger issue of pet overpopulation.

Here are some important reasons why spaying and neutering matters:

Prevents Unwanted Litters
Every year, millions of pets end up in shelters, and many are euthanized due to a lack of homes. By spaying or neutering your pet, you help reduce the number of unwanted animals and give other pets a chance to find a loving home.
Health Benefits
Spaying and neutering can prevent serious health issues, including certain types of cancers and infections. For females, spaying eliminates the risk of uterine infections and reduces the chance of breast cancer. For males, neutering can help prevent testicular cancer and prostate problems.
Behavioral Improvements
Neutered pets are often calmer and less aggressive. They are less likely to roam, which reduces the risk of accidents or injuries. Spaying can also help reduce behaviors such as marking territory and excessive howling or yowling.
Cost-Effective
The cost of caring for a litter of puppies or kittens, including veterinary care, food, and finding homes, can be significant. Spaying or neutering is a one-time procedure that can save you money in the long run.
Improved Lifespan
Pets that are spayed or neutered tend to live longer, healthier lives. Without the stress of heat cycles or the risk of breeding-related complications, your pet can enjoy a better quality of life.

By choosing to spay or neuter your pet, you’re making a positive difference for your pet, your community, and animals in need. Take the responsible step today for a healthier, happier tomorrow!

Search our Spay & Neuter resources

Reporting animal cruelty is one of the most important steps you can take to protect vulnerable animals and help ensure they receive the care and protection they deserve. Animals cannot speak for themselves, and they rely on compassionate people like you to advocate on their behalf.

How do I report an animal cruelty or neglect complaint?

Call your local law enforcement or animal control officer first. They may be able to respond much quicker than a humane agent can.

Maine Animal Welfare Program
Business Hours: 7:30 am – 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday

Toll Free: 1-877-269-9200
Phone: (207) 287-3846
Email: animal.welfare@maine.gov

Who do I call if the complaint is an emergency after business hours?

Call your local law enforcement or animal control officer first. If you need an agent after hours, contact the Bangor Barracks of the State Police at (207) 973-3700 and they will contact an Animal Welfare Program representative.

Where can I find my local Animal Control Officer?

You can find your local ACO on the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry’s website:
Find Your Local Animal Control Officer

Why Reporting Matters

1. Protects Animals from Harm
Reporting cruelty can help stop ongoing abuse and prevent further suffering. Animals subjected to neglect or violence are often trapped in dangerous situations with no way to escape. Your report could be the lifeline that saves them.

2. Promotes Accountability
Holding perpetrators accountable is essential for deterring future cruelty. By reporting suspected abuse, you help ensure that those responsible face legal consequences and that proper action is taken to protect animals in the future.

3. Helps Raise Awareness
Every report contributes to a broader understanding of the prevalence of animal cruelty. The more reports authorities receive, the greater the chance that cruelty will be recognized as a serious issue that requires action.

4. Supports Community Well-being
Animal cruelty is often linked to other forms of violence in communities. Addressing cruelty can lead to a safer, more compassionate environment for everyone—humans and animals alike. Reporting abuse may also help identify patterns of criminal behavior, preventing further harm.

5. Saves Lives
In many cases, animals in abusive situations are not able to seek help on their own. Your report can save lives by enabling authorities to intervene, offer medical care, and ultimately find a safer home for the animal.

If you SEE something, SAY something. You never know when you might save a life.

Whether you’re dealing with unexpected medical expenses, looking for low-cost spay/neuter services, or in need of assistance with routine care, we provide valuable resources to help you manage your pet’s needs without breaking the bank.

We understand that pets are family, and ensuring their well-being should never be a financial burden.

Local Programs

Town & Country Federal Credit Union – Pet Loan
Town & Country offers pet loans to help cover routine veterinary care, emergency services, and adoption expenses.
tcfcu.com/personal/loans/pet-loan

Finally Home
A 501(c)(3) organization located in North Yarmouth, Maine, with a mission to provide a loving home to homeless senior dogs, pledging to provide these dogs with nutritious food, quality veterinary care, and anything else that these dogs could want or need to comfort them during the final days or years of their lives. Finally Home also pledges to help network for senior dogs who are homeless, as well as financially help to fund the care of senior animals so they can remain with their owners, in their home.
finallyhomemaine.org

Old Dogs New Digs
Through their community assist program, Old Dogs New Digs will contribute financial aid directly to the approved applicant’s veterinarian to help pay for procedures, hospitalization, medication, veterinary follow-ups, and emergency animal services, in order to help the owner’s pets full recovery. For older dogs and cats of Maine and Colorado residents.
olddogsnewdigs.com/community-assist-program

Mainely Pets Foundation
Mainely Pets Foundation is a charitable 501(c)3 Maine non-profit. Dr. Doug Andrews, Dr. Brian Graves, Dr. Oonagh Wack and the staff of Falmouth Veterinary Hospital founded the non-profit in August 2017. It helps pets, pet owners, and pet caregivers in times of distress or need right here in Maine.
falmouthvet.com/mainely-pets-foundation

National Programs

Aligncare
AlignCare improves access to veterinary care for underserved families.
aligncarehealth.org

American Pit Bull Foundation
Breed-specific organization. Offers a number of services for pit bull parents, including financial aid for veterinary care and behavioral training. Also partners directly with veterinary care providers to offer financial assistance to clients with pit bulls who are facing financial hardship.
apbf.dog

Brown Dog Foundation
For qualified applicants that require life-saving treatment/medication.
browndogfoundation.org

Bow Wow Buddies Foundation
Provides grants to families who are unable to afford needed veterinary care.
bowwowbuddies.com

Care Credit
A credit card company specializing in healthcare, including veterinary care.
carecredit.com

Canine Cancer Awareness
Financial support for veterinary care for dogs with cancer whose families are financially unable to provide treatment.
caninecancerawareness.org

Compassion Animal Project
Compassion Animal Project is a nationwide nonprofit organization that provides financial assistance for life-saving treatments for pets and helps keep families together.
compassionanimalproject.org

Diabetic Cats in Need
Offers a one-time assistance package that includes a glucose testing kit and a few months supply of insulin.
dcin.dreamhosters.com

Dogs on Deployment
Grants financial assistance to military pet owners during times of emergency.
dogsondeployment.org

For the Love of Alex
Funds emergency and life-savings veterinary care for pets of low-income households.
fortheloveofalex.org

Frankie’s Friends
Dedicates its non-profit mission to finding cures and saving pets with cancer and other life-threatening conditions.
frankiesfriends.org

Free Animal Doctor
Pet-dedicated crowd funding platform. Funds raised go directly to the vet. Over 90% of their campaigns get fully funded.
freeanimaldoctor.org

Friends & Vets Helping Pets
Assists families with financial limitations to pay for extraordinary veterinary expenses necessary to save a pet’s life.
friendsandvetshelpingpets.org

Help-A-Pet
Offers financial aid for injuries or illnesses in dogs.
help-a-pet.org

Joey’s Paw
Provides wheels, prosthetics, and mobility aids to dogs with special needs.
joeyspaw.org

Live Like Roo Foundation
Provides financial assistance to help cover care costs related to pet cancer treatment. They award grants on a monthly basis. Additionally, they offer care packages that include a blanket, toy, treats, bucket list and more.
livelikeroo.org

Magic Bullet Fund
Provides financial assistance for canine cancer treatment.
themagicbulletfund.org

The Mosby Foundation
Assists in the care of critically sick, injured, abused, and neglected dogs chiefly through financial support and public education.
themosbyfoundation.org

My Pet Child
An online directory of pet financial aid and assistance programs.
mypetchild.com

Onyx & Breezy Foundation
Will consider funding medical equipment, research, and medical treatment for animals where hardship is present.
onyxandbreezy.org

Paws 4 A Cure
Provides financial assistance to those who cannot afford veterinary care.
paws4acure.org

Pet Assistance, Inc.
Helps longtime pet owners who cannot afford an exceptional problem.
petassistanceinc.org/financialaid

The Pet Fund
ONLY funds non-basic, non-urgent care. This includes medical care that is above and beyond basic care, but which does not require urgent treatment.
thepetfund.com

RedRover
Provides financial assistance, resources and emotional support to pet guardians struggling with economic hardship when pets are in life-threatening situations.
redrover.org/relief

Rose’s Fund
Financially assists pet owners who have an animal with a good prognosis for a healthy life, but are at a financial loss.
rosesfund.org

Shakespeare Animal Fund
Purpose is to save lives by paying emergency veterinary bills for elderly, disabled, returning veterans and others.
shakespeareanimalfund.org

STARelief
For pet owners in need of assistance for a pet in need of medical care or emergency boarding/foster care.
starelief.org

Veterinary Care Foundation
Helps cover vet costs. Unlike other funds, your vet must be the one to apply and they must be enrolled in the program.
veterinarycarefoundation.org

Waggle
Provides grants to ensure pets who need veterinary care have access to it.
waggle.org

Owning a parrot comes with its own set of challenges, and our mission is to provide you with the knowledge and tools to ensure your exotic companion thrives in a safe, healthy, and enriching environment.

Unfortunately, the state of Maine is lacking resources when it comes to parrots, but it is our goal to provide continued education and advocacy.

Maine Resources

Siesta Sanctuary
Siesta Sanctuary is a 501(c)(3) parrot rescue and runs exclusively on donations. In 2006 Margaret and Fritz Buschmann founded the non-profit as a home for parrots who have been displaced and need permanency. Siesta’s parrots have come to them from rescue organizations, owners moving to nursing homes or apartments, spouses objecting to the bird, birds with problem behaviors that disrupt the home and birds that other folks have rescued but couldn’t keep.
siestasanctuary.org

Other New England Rescue Organizations

Rhode Island Parrot Rescue
Rhode Island Parrot Rescue is the only 501(c)(3) non profit rescue in the state of Rhode Island to focus exclusively on rescuing, rehabilitating, and re-homing exotic birds to qualified homes for adoption. A small, independent rescue, their team of dedicated volunteers provide daily care for each bird in their flock. This includes a well-balanced pelleted diet, fresh water, fruits and vegetables, interaction and training in a clean, safe environment.
riparrots.org

Foster Parrots, Ltd. & The New England Exotic Wildlife Sanctuary
Foster Parrots, Ltd. is a non-profit organization dedicated to the rescue and protection of unwanted and abused companion parrots and other displaced captive exotic animals. Working on many levels to bring critical services to birds and animals in transition, they offer life-long sanctuary care for unadoptable parrots and other exotics at their permanent care sanctuary facility, The New England Exotic Wildlife Sanctuary, and provide adoption services for well-socialized parrots who desire human companionship.
fosterparrots.com

Why is Enrichment So Important?

Parrot enrichment is crucial for the bird’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Parrots are highly intelligent and social animals, and in captivity, they need mental stimulation and physical activity to prevent boredom, stress, and behavioral problems. Here’s why it matters:

Mental Stimulation
Parrots are known for their problem-solving skills, memory, and ability to mimic. Without regular mental challenges, they can become bored, which may lead to destructive behaviors (like feather plucking or excessive screaming). Enrichment activities, such as puzzle toys or training exercises, help keep their minds active.

Physical Exercise
Parrots need space to fly and climb, or at least opportunities for exercise if they are in a smaller enclosure. Physical enrichment, like foraging opportunities, climbing structures, and toys that encourage movement, helps keep them healthy and fit.

Social Interaction
In the wild, parrots live in flocks, where they engage with other birds constantly. When kept as pets, they often lack this level of social interaction. Regular interaction with their human companions or other birds can fulfill their social needs and reduce loneliness or stress.

Prevention of Behavior Issues
A lack of enrichment often leads to unwanted behaviors. Without outlets for their energy and curiosity, parrots may resort to screaming, biting, or even self-destructive behaviors. Enrichment helps reduce the likelihood of these issues developing.

Satisfaction of Natural Instincts
Parrots in the wild are foragers, searching for food and interacting with their environment in complex ways. Providing food puzzles, hidden treats, and other foraging activities allows captive parrots to express these natural instincts, leading to a more fulfilled and happier bird.

Bonding Opportunity
Engaging in enrichment activities together can also strengthen the bond between a parrot and its owner. Whether it’s teaching tricks, playing games, or simply offering them new toys, these moments can deepen the connection.

In short, enrichment is all about keeping parrots physically and mentally engaged to ensure they live happy, healthy lives, preventing boredom and behavioral issues along the way.

Your gateway to professional development in the animal welfare field. Whether you’re an animal shelter staff member, veterinary professional, volunteer, or advocate, we provide a wide range of training programs designed to enhance your skills, knowledge, and effectiveness in caring for animals and supporting your community.

Online Training Resources

Humane Pro
Discover new ways to sharpen your skills or explore new areas of animal welfare in HumanePro’s Trainings calendar. Check out featured events, search upcoming trainings or simply scan the archives for webinars. All calendar listings are trainings specifically designed for shelter and rescue professionals and volunteers.
humanepro.org/trainings

ASPCA Pro
Discover training and events that support you in providing best-practice shelter, behavior, and veterinary care for the animals and communities you serve.
aspcapro.org/training

Justice Clearing House
With more than 150,000 justice and public safety professionals in our community, The Justice Clearinghouse is the first organization to espouse an inter-disciplinary approach to understanding and resolving the challenges affecting our justice and public safety arena. As a peer-to-peer educational environment, we offer a year-round “virtual conference” for budget-challenged and time-starved justice professionals to learn from the thought leaders, innovators, researchers, and street-wise, experienced professionals in their fields, without the cost, travel, or time out of the office.
justiceclearinghouse.com

National Animal Care & Control Association
For more than 40 years NACA has been a leader in providing training and certification programs for our profession. Currently, our training programs continue to deliver a higher standard in Animal Care and Cruelty Investigation Training. NACA’s National Animal Control Officer Training Academy covers virtually every topic critical to the successful operation of Animal Care and Control. ACO I and ACO II are both available online. Plans for ACO3 are currently in the works. Introducing the groundbreaking Animal Welfare Dispatcher Certification from NACA!
nacatraining.org

Domestic Violence Resources

DomesticShelters.org – A program of Alliance for HOPE International
DomesticShelters.org is the first and largest online and mobile searchable directory of domestic violence programs and shelters in the U.S. and Canada, and a leading source of helpful tools and information for people experiencing and working to end domestic violence. DomesticShelters.org works to make more people aware of the services available for those experiencing domestic violence and make it faster and easier for victims of domestic violence and their friends/family, as well as program and shelter providers, to quickly find services and information best suited to their location, language and needs. With their “pet shelter” filter feature, this is an amazing resource for those looking for DV support.
domesticshelters.org

Safe Havens Mapping Project
Safe havens are sheltering services available in an area that help individuals experiencing domestic violence place their companion animals out of harm’s way so that they may seek safety for themselves as well as their animals. The Safe Havens Mapping Project was established by the Animal Welfare Institute in 2011 to create a national directory to help people find these facilities.
safehavensforpets.org

Welcome to Disaster Preparedness in Animal Welfare, your essential resource for planning and responding to emergencies involving animals. Whether you’re a pet owner, shelter worker, animal rescue organization, or community advocate, our platform provides the knowledge and tools you need to ensure animals are safe, cared for, and protected during disasters and emergencies.

By taking proactive steps and developing a clear disaster plan, you can help ensure that animals are not forgotten in times of crisis.

Information courtesy of Animal Welfare Society

State Resources for Disaster Preparedness

Maine Emergency Management Agency (MEMA)
The Maine Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) is a bureau of the Department of Defense, Veterans and Emergency Management. At the State level MEMA coordinates the mitigation (risk reduction) preparedness, response and recovery from emergencies and disasters such as floods, hurricanes, earthquakes or hazardous materials spills. MEMA also provides guidance and assistance to county and local governments, businesses and nonprofit organizations in their efforts to provide protection to citizens and property, and increase resiliency in the face of disaster. The Agency uses strategies such as planning, training, exercise and public education to carry out its mission.
maine.gov/mema

Cumberland County Animal Response Team (CCART)
The Cumberland County Animal Response Team (CCART) is a dedicated group of volunteers committed to ensuring the welfare of animals during emergencies and disasters. Our team works under the direction of the Cumberland County Emergency Management Agency and collaborates with local, state, and federal partners to provide timely and effective responses to animal-related incidents.
cumberlandcountyme.gov/ccart

Oxford County Animal Response Team (OXCART)
OXCART responds to the needs of animals before, during and after disasters in Oxford County, Maine.
oxfordcountyema.org

York County Animal Response Team (YCART)
YCART responds to the needs of animals before, during and after disasters in York County, Maine.
facebook.com/YorkCART

Species-Specific Disaster Preparedness

Learn more from our friends at The Humane Society of the United States on species-specific disaster preparedness:

Equine Disaster Preparedness
Horses require extra consideration in disaster planning.
Learn More

Livestock Disaster Preparedness
Be prepared in the event of an emergency.
Learn More

Community Cat Disaster Preparedness
You can help community (feral & stray) cats before and after a hurricane, earthquake, flood or other disasters.
Learn More

Wildlife Disaster Preparedness
You can give wild animals a helping hand during extreme weather.
Learn More

Additional Resources

Saving The Whole Family
The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has developed this booklet in order to help you avoid having to leave your animals stranded in the event of a disaster or evacuation.
Download PDF

Your essential resource for discovering and accessing funding to support animal welfare, conservation, and community initiatives. Whether you’re a nonprofit organization, a community group, or an individual working to make a difference, we connect you with grant opportunities that can help bring your mission to life.

Grant Opportunities

Elmina B. Sewall Foundation
The Sewall Foundation provides grants to our nonprofit partners through our Healthy People Healthy Places, Animal Welfare, Legacy, and Rapid Response program areas. Additionally, Sewall is committed to deploying our assets in support of our mission and values through impact investments.
sewallfoundation.org

Maine Community Foundation
Founded in 1983, the Maine Community Foundation brings people and resources together to build a better Maine through strategic giving, community leadership, personalized service, local expertise and strong investments. We offer a range of giving options tailored to fit each donor’s financial means and charitable objectives. Our staff provides personalized service, community leadership, and a deep understanding of local issues.
mainecf.org

ASPCA Grant
The ASPCA is one of the nation’s largest animal welfare grant makers, providing support to organizations and programs that further our mission to provide effective means for the prevention of cruelty to animals throughout the United States. We believe that giving grants to other animal welfare organizations is vital to our work and advancing the collective goals of the animal welfare community. Since 2001, we have given more than $200 million in grants to over 3,500 animal shelters, municipal and governmental agencies, rescue groups, universities and other mission-aligned organizations and programs nationwide.
aspcapro.org/grants

Stephen & Tabitha King Foundation
The Stephen & Tabitha King Foundation was created because its founders wanted to give back to their communities. The foundation will strive to fulfill its mission with respect, integrity, and consideration. Persons working for the foundation may not sit on the board of organizations applying for funding, nor may they receive gifts or services from organizations applying for funding. Grant decisions are made by the foundation in its sole discretion and are not subject to review or appeal. The foundation has absolutely no obligation whatsoever to any particular applicant.
stkfoundation.org

United Spay Alliance
United Spay Alliance is proud to offer Community Cats Grants to support spay/neuter programs for community cats. Formerly managed by Community Cats Podcast, the Community Cats Grants program was designed to help small organizations build their fundraising capacity to help even more cats. Grants are targeted toward grassroots TNR groups, rescue organizations, and low-cost spay/neuter providers.
unitedspayalliance.org/community-cats-grants

Grant Watch
Grants to schools, nonprofits and habitat preservation organizations for animal welfare, preservation of endangered species, equine therapy, emotional support animals and classroom pet grants for teachers.
maine.grantwatch.com/pets-animal-wildlife-grants

Grant Writing Resources

Grant Writing 101: What is it & how do you get started?
Check out this amazing article for a crash course in grant writing that covers everything you need to know to start approaching grant writing like a boss!
learngrantwriting.org/grant-writing-basics

Information courtesy of LearnGrantWriting.org

Resources

Connecting You To The Services And Support Animals Need.