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.

Events / ACO Training

Training

DACF ACO Trainings

Phase 1 ACO Training

Phase I ACO training (previously called Basic ACO Training) will begin at the end of October. This will be an online training that all trainees must complete before attending Phase II training in early 2020.

Phase I training will consist of the core competencies that all ACOs will need to be aware of in order to perform their duties efficiently. Phase II training will consist of practical instruction and exercises to test the core competencies of the trainee and give real experience for ACOs.

  • All trainees will be required to register with an email address to receive the instruction for the online training.
  • Cost: $50
  • Registration Form (DOCX)

LD 858 An Act To Strengthen the Law Regarding Dangerous Dogs and Nuisance Dogs is now in effect as of August 1, 2018.

Rabies Clinics

Blake Veterinary Hospital - Every Saturday, 10AM to 11AM +

  • Location: Blake Veterinary Hospital in Northport
  • Walk-in clinic.
  • Cost: $15 per vaccine.
  • Contact: Call 789-5002 for more information.

Close Event -

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.

5/12/2020 - Important HFM Application Availability Update

  • Expiration dates for vouchers and applications issued in February and March have been extended 90 days.
  • Vouchers were not issued in April and May. Applications may be available in June. Please check back for updates.
  • Questions? Please contact us at ACF.HelpFixMe@maine.gov for questions about vouchers.

Please check spaymaine.org for other programs that you may qualify for.

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

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 euthanasias
  • 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

List of Animal Control Officers by Town

Animal Welfare Animals

Donate to Fight Animal Abuse