Our Mission
The purposes of the Houlton Humane Society are to prevent cruelty and to encourage and educate humane treatment towards animals. The shelter strives to aid and comfort strayed, neglected, and abandoned companion animals. The shelter provides, without profit, care, treatment, food, and shelter to all the animals in the facility. Our commitment to these animals is to provide, protect and promise to keep them safe until their permanent home is found.
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, Weston, and several unorganized towns, such as Cary.
Our Values:
Care and safety for all animals.
Humane treatment of all animals.
Respect and understanding of animals and their owners.
STAFF, VOLUNTEERS, & BOARD MEMBERS
SHELTER MANAGER: Cj VIRGIE
Born and raised in Cary, ME and graduated from Hodgdon high school. Have been an advocate for animal care since a teenager. Was the animal control officer for 10 coastal towns while living in Thomaston, ME. Moved back to the area in 2009 to take care of my mother. Started spay /neuter clinics with the help of Sue Hall for the public in 2014. Hired as shelter manager for the Houlton Humane Society in 2016. I have continued running spay/neuter clinics and rabies vaccine clinics with the help of local and visiting vets.
aSSISTANT MANAGER: cHELSEA hOYT
Grew up in military family, lived everywhere around the world. Joined military right out of high school (Air Force) got out after 4 years of active duty. Moved back to Bangor, ME where I spent the next 12 years before moving to Hodgdon. Been here for 5 years now. Started working here at the shelter January of 2025.
staff: Mae Spears
STAFF: LORI SAUNDERS
STAFF: KYLE WHITE
STAFF: KAELYN COOK
STAFF: HANNAH D.
VOLUNTEER: CHERLY GRANT
VOLUNTEER: CAROLYN MERRIAM
VOLUNTEER: ROBERT “BOB” MCGUIRE
VOLUNTEER: SHIRLEY OLIVER
REMOTE VOLUNTEER: MIKA SATO
VOLUNTEER: NANCY WELTON
VOLUNTEER: JACKIE LOWE
VOLUNTEER: SADIE LITTLE
VOLUNTEER: JANET LITTLE
VOLUNTEER: LYNDSAY LITTLE
VOLUNTEER: MACKENZIE LITTLE
Board Members
PRESIDENT: LINDA SEWELL
Married with three daughters and a grandson.
Mom to two dogs, two cats, and four birds. Retired postmaster of Island Falls. Foster parent for many cats, kittens, and dogs for Houlton Humane. Board member of Houlton Humane and Katahdin Public Library.
I have been on the Houlton Humane Society board for approximately 10 to 12 years and have volunteered there for approximately 15 years.
VICE PRESIDENT: DON DEE
Cable television technician, 40 years
Past owner, Mattawamkeag Cablevision, 27 years
Past President, current member of Northern Maine Board Of Approved Baseball Umpires, 33 years
Current board member of Houlton Area Little League
Vice President, board member Houlton Humane Society, 5 years
Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Greater Lawrence, MA, big brother, 36 years
Proud father of two grown children, one dog and one cat
SECRETARY: KENDRA KNEELAND
Born and raised in Houlton, ME with love of animals!
Attended University of Maine and Southeastern College, Lakeland FL
34 years working for the local John Deere Dealership
Past member of StarBright Children’s Theatre board.
Member of Post #47 American Legion Auxiliary since 1990
Joined the HHS board of directors in 2016 after being a volunteer
Currently Secretary
Married with Grown Son and Daughter, 2 Cats and 2 Dogs
NANCY CARHART
I grew up in Massachusetts and graduated from college in NH. I pursued a career in software engineering and technical writing before changing gears to become an EMT, ED med tech, and medical assistant. After retiring, I started volunteering at the shelter in the summer of 2021, helping with clinics, fundraisers, and cleaning. I joined the board in August 2021. I have been a fan of the shelter for several years and have adopted and fostered several cats. Helping with fundraising events is my favorite activity.
STEPHANIE SHRADER
Stephanie grew up in Maryland and has lived in various parts of the country while pursuing her education and career. She attended Wilson College for her undergraduate degree, the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine for her veterinary degree, and Auburn University for pathology residency and PhD. Stephanie is a board certified veterinary pathologist that has a passion for animal rescue, animal welfare, and adoption. Stephanie resides in Smyrna with her husband, cat and dog. She joined the HHS board of directors in 2025