DACF Home → Bureaus & Programs → Bureau of Agriculture → Division of Animal and Plant Health → 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.
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News & Events
2020 Surveys for ACOs and Animal Shelters
- 2020 ACO Survey Fillable (PDF) - Due January 31, 2021
- 2020 Animal Welfare Shelter Survey Fillable (PDF) - Due February 14, 2021
ACO Training
Rabies Clinics
No rabies clinics currently scheduled.Rabies clinics and trainings listed above are third party events we are aware of and are not sponsored by the DACF.
Help Fix Me!

Maine's Low Cost Spay/Neuter Program
The Help Fix ME program (HFM) accepts a limited number of applications each month. To apply, please call the Help Fix ME program and speak with staff, who accept available applications in the order in which they are received. Applications must be completed and returned within a limited timeframe, or applicants will have to apply again.
Let us help you fix your cat or dog. There aren't homes enough for all of them. If you can't afford to fix your cat or dog, call 1-800-367-1317 or (207) 287-7621.
You may be eligible for the State's low cost spay/neuter 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 (SSD)
You can have your cat fixed for $10, and your dog fixed for $20.
Please check with your local animal shelter or at spaymaine.org for other programs that may help you if Help Fix ME can not.
Support the Animal Welfare Program
Support Animal Welfare 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!
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.
- (207) 287-3846
- 1-877-269-9200 (Toll Free)
- animal.welfare@maine.gov
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
Meet Sweet Pea
Sweet pea was seized by Animal Welfare in August of 2014. The owner had failed to provide any care for the 14 dogs that were removed from the property. Sweet Pea has since found a new home and a new fun activity as a lead dog on a sled team.
Before
After - Lead Dog on a Sled Team