Frequently Asked Questions
Is the shelter open to the public?
While the shelter continues to operate, we are currently not open to visitors. Our staff and volunteers are in daily from 8:00 am to 12:00 noon to clean, feed, and tend to the animals. Staff returns late afternoon to do evening checks of animals. The shelter manager is on-site Tuesday thru Friday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. We continue to accept donations and supplies.
Is your shelter a “No Kill” shelter?
By definition, a no-kill shelter is an animal shelter that does not kill healthy or treatable animals even when the shelter is full, reserving euthanasia for terminally ill animals or those considered dangerous to public safety. In 2017, our shelter manager and Board of Directors enacted a euthanasia policy to ensure our shelter operates as a no-kill shelter.
How do I find out which shelter my town contracts with?
You can call your town office to find out which shelter your town contracts with. Currently our shelter services the following towns: Amity, Dyer Brook, Glenwood, Hammond, Haynesville, Hersey, Houlton, Linneus, Littleton, Macwahoc, Monticello, Moro, New Limerick, Orient, Patten, Reed Plt, and Weston.
How do I find out who my town’s ACO (Animal Control Officer) is?
The easiest and most accurate way is to call your town office or use the link for all of Maine. Here is a link to all ACOs in Maine
How do I see about adopting an animal from your shelter?
You can view some of the pets we have ready for adoption right here on our website. You will need to fill out and submit an online application. Staff will review and contact prospective adopters to continue the screening process. At that time, we will schedule you for a visit to the shelter to look at our pets. Even if you don’t find a pet you like, your approved application will be kept on file. We are always getting new pets in, so keep checking our website for updates.
What do I do if my pet is missing?
If you lose your cat or dog, contact your local ACO, town police, and your local animal shelter(s) to see if they have your pet. You can contact our shelter to have your pet posted on Facebook’s Lost and Found page. NOTE: If your cat is an indoor cat and gets out on you, chances are good he is scared and hiding near your house. If your cat hasn’t returned by nightfall, take a flashlight and look under the porch, steps, or any place a cat would feel safe. You are looking for the reflection of their eyes.
What do I do if I see or find a stray or lost pet in my area?
Call your ACO or local police department to come and pick up the pet. All ACOs of towns we contract with have access to our shelter so they can secure a lost or stray pet any time of day or night.
What are the laws regarding animal welfare?
Below is the link to the Maine statutes covering laws that protect domestic animals and livestock.
What can I do if I see or know someone is abusing their pet?
If you have information about animal abuse, you should contact your ACO or local police department and file a complaint. You can visit the website above to read up on animal welfare laws.
Do you accept owner surrender pets?
Our main function is to provide a warm and safe place for lost or stray pets brought in by ACOs and LEOs. We then locate and reunite lost pets with their owners and find new homes for stray animals. Since we have limited space and are a “no-kill” shelter, we do not normally take in owned pets. We do get requests from people looking for a specific type of pet, so we maintain a list and help connect people who are looking to rehome a pet with a possible match.