Animal Welfare Program

The purpose of the Animal Welfare Program is to ensure humane and proper treatment of animals by developing, implementing and administering a comprehensive program that upholds the animal welfare laws of Maine through communication, education and enforcement.

On this page:

News & Events

Pet Food Pantries

Aquaculture Petition

The Animal Welfare Program received a petition requesting the Department undertake rulemaking governing fish welfare in aquaculture facilities. The Response to that Petition is available (PDF).

Training Opportunity: Certified Animal Control Training for Animal Control Officers

Help Fix ME!

Maine's Low Cost Spay/Neuter Program (Help Fix Me)

The Help Fix ME program (HFM) distributes applications to qualified individuals who can’t afford to spay their dogs or cats. You may be able to participate in the HFM program if you receive or are eligible for one of the following programs:

  • Food Stamps
  • Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
  • Social Security Disability (SSDI)

4/13/2022 News

Dear Animal Welfare Stakeholders,

The tremendous response to the department's Help Fix Me (HFM) vouchers and the recent update to the reimbursement rate have led to demand for HFM vouchers to nearly outpace available funding. As a result, and as of April 13, 2022, we are temporarily pausing the HFM program until funding is available to sufficiently cover voucher demand. Please follow this link to learn more (PDF).

Thank you,

Ann Gibbs,
Director Animal and Plant Health Division

October 22, 2021: Updates for Help Fix ME Participating Vets (PDF)

If you have further questions please call 1-800-367-1317.

Support the Animal Welfare Program

Support Animal Welfare License Plate

AWP license plate

The proceeds from the Support Animal Welfare specialty plate will be equally distributed between the Animal Welfare Auxiliary Fund and the Companion Animal Sterilization Fund.

Donations

Help fight animal cruelty and pet overpopulation in the State of Maine by making a donation online!

Donate to Fight Animal Abuse

Income Tax Form Check Off

Make a voluntary contribution to Maine's Companion Animal Sterilization Fund on your income tax return. On your Maine State Tax Form, check the box called The Companion Animal Sterilization Fund.

Tell your cat and dog-loving friends about Maine's Tax Form Check Off!

The fund will be used to save lives by:

  • spaying/neutering cats and dogs
  • preventing unwanted litters
  • lowering shelter intakes
  • lowering shelter euthanasia
  • reducing the number of feral cats
  • reducing dog bites

For more information, call HELP FIX ME! now 1-800-367-1317 or (207) 287-7621.

How to Contact the Animal Welfare Office

To report an animal cruelty or neglect complaint during business hours 8 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday:

Complaints received via email must contain the reporting party’s name and phone number; the name of the animal owner, (if known), a physical address, a description of the animals and the type of complaint.

For an emergency outside of business hours:

Please call the Bangor Barracks of the State Police, 207-973-3700, and they will contact an Animal Welfare Program representative.

Animal Control Officer Contacts

Animal Welfare Animals

Donate to Fight Animal Abuse