The Greater Androscoggin Humane Society was founded in 1885 as a nonprofit volunteer organization.
Originally, the Humane Society’s mission was to protect workhorses and children from abuse. In 1912, the organization looked to extend their impact to also house stray animals. Unfortunately, with very little funding, animals could only be sheltered at volunteers’ homes and nearby boarding facilities.
Thanks to a generous donation by an extremely caring individual in the 1970s, the charity was able to purchase land and build their first shelter in Auburn, Maine.
Much has changed since then, but Greater Androscoggin Humane Society's commitment to the humane treatment and care of animals hasn't. It's always remained at the forefront of the organization's mind.
A new, larger facility was built in Lewiston in 2006, which has allowed hundreds more abandoned, abused, and lost animals to be taken in, nursed back to health, and placed in loving homes.
The charity continues to carry out their amazing work, rehoming over 3,500 animals annually. Through education and outreach programs within the community, they aim to reduce the number of animals facing neglect, abuse, and homelessness each year. They also offer low-cost veterinary care to pet owners who may otherwise be forced to surrender their loved ones due to financial strain.
Our writing team is hard at work researching this shelter's adoption process and fees, so this page will be updated soon!
In the meantime, here's some nice-to-know info that applies to nearly every animal shelter, humane society, and rescue.
Because shelter dogs are full of love!
Is it because they know you saved them and love you harder for it?
I can't say for certain, but yes.
Jokes aside, there are three things all shelter dogs need to thrive in their new home:
Older shelter dogs, generally 1+ years old, may have experienced a lot of trauma, which often results in one of 8 common behavioral issues:
These issues are correctable! Your dog isn't broken, they're just damaged. You can fix them with enough love, patience, and a good training plan.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, finding good dog trainers can be hard. Like everything else, dog training is moving only. but there are great online dog trainers that are proven to work and can help get your new pup on the right path.
You can learn a lot about an animal welfare organization just by looking at their name.
Adoption processes vary drastically from organization to organization, but here are some general tips that apply in most instances. Note that we'll use the term "shelters" here for simplicity but it includes all types of rescue organizations.
If you have any questions about adopting an animal (what you'll need, what to expect, etc.) feel free to contact the PetLists team!
If you'd like to adopt an animal and support the great work that Greater Androscoggin Humane Society does, look at their website to see currently adoptable animals at the shelter.
You can't visit the shelter without a pre-arranged appointment. You also need to complete a Pet Adoption Survey to begin the application process. The survey allows you to choose any of the available small, furry friends who may already have stolen your heart.
Greater Androscoggin Humane Society's staff is committed to finding the right fit for both pets and owners alike. A key part of that is the in-person adoption counseling process. Once your survey has been submitted, a helpful staff member will contact you to go through the adoption details and schedule your visit.
Adoption fees at the Greater Androscoggin Humane Society are as follows:
Your adoption fee covers routine sterilization, any prior necessary medical treatment, flea and tick prevention, up-to-date vaccinations, microchipping, a complimentary post-adoption veterinary visit, and one month of free pet insurance.
If you're looking to adopt a new dog, our Dog Adoption Guide is a must-read. It has everything you need to know about bringing a shelter dog home:
And we're adding new guides all the time.
