8 Places in Southern Maine Where You Can Adopt or Foster a Pet

Thinking about adding a furry friend to your household? I have always been a big fan of adoption from a shelter, but fostering is another great option if you're not ready for a long-term commitment and want to help out an animal in need of a temporary home. 

Pet adoptions and fosterings have really taken off in Maine, with more and more people opting to give animals a second chance at a happy life. Whether you're into dogs, cats, rabbits, or even hamsters, shelters in Southern Maine have animals looking for both forever homes and temporary foster families.

Fostering a pet can be a great way to test the waters before adopting or just help out an animal in need until they find their permanent home. Shelters provide everything you need—food, supplies, and medical care—while you offer your space for the animal to thrive.

Adopting from or fostering through a shelter is also usually more affordable than buying from a breeder, not to mention most pets come with up-to-date vaccinations, medical records, and all the info you’ll need to welcome them into your home. 

I’m a big fan of the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland as that’s where I have adopted my pets from over the years. 

Here are 8 great options in or around Southern Maine for you to find your new best friend or start fostering:

• Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland (Westbrook)
• Pittie Posse (South Portland)
• HART (Cumberland)
• The Pixel Fund (Gorham)
• Midcoast Humane (Brunswick)
• Animal Welfare Society (Kennebunk) 
• Safe Haven Humane Society (Wells)
• 3 Dogs Rescue (Berwick)
• Harvest Hill Animal Shelter (Fryeburg)