My adoption process a couple months ago went very well. I arrived without any pets, and left with two kitties! I walked in without an appointment, a couple hours after opening. There were some people there, either in the main waiting room or walking through the separate pet areas... wasn't too busy. Was greeted by staff behind the counter and I told them I wanted to look at some cats. They have you fill out some paperwork, mainly about what you're looking for and what your home environment is like (senior cat, kittens, other pets at home, kids at home, etc) to help them in finding an appropriate cat for you. You wait for a bit so they can find a staff member to walk through the cattels with you. You get to meet them, and pick some up in some instances. I deliberated because I intended to get a senior cat, but many of them had behavioral or extra medical problems. I ended up getting a disgustingly cute and impossibly smol brother and sister, and they've been wonderful. It may not be the cheapest, depending on which pet you want to take home, but obviously that cost goes into the program and really, can you put a price on a new family member? read more

We stopped by today to bring Christmas presents to the cats and kittens. Merry Christmas!

ARLGP is truly doing God's work. Everyone is friendly and I genuinely felt like the animals were well taken care of. The staff was knowledgeable and definitely a collective of animal lovers. Visitors are free to walk around and can even hang out in the cat colony. I volunteered at the very efficient shot clinic and it was a great experience. read more

Animal Refuge League - Animal Shelters Near Me - Westbrook, Maine

I feel very warmly towards the Animal Refuge League and everything they do for all the animals and people who come to them/through them. I've had the great fortune of volunteering with them, and every time I do I see nothing but love and appreciation for the animals from the staff. They are patient, they are understanding, they are accommodating. Yes, sometimes they are VERY no-nonsense, but that's because they always have the animals health and well-being at the core of what they're doing (so don't be offended if you're clearly being a nuisance and someone asks you to move or not touch an animal, mmmkay?). I am so delighted for their new space, too - they needed it. They're serving so many fur babies and pet parents now that they had long outgrown their previous locale (and the abundance of parking they now have is also super exciting). This new spot seems so big (though, c'mon now, why are the bunnies still in such a small, narrow area?! more than 3 people and it feels claustrophobic in there) and warm and welcoming! I'm proud to be a donator, I'm proud to be a friend, I'm proud of everything they're accomplishing, and am excited for their years to come. read more

I love the ARLGP. I have volunteered here for 3 winter carnivals, have visited here on a regular basis to say hello to all the furry friends. I've even adopted a dog from here. The new building is amazing! With the youth outreach center being a highlight (in addition to the amazing amount of parking spaces). There is something about the areas where they keep the animals, that seems less like an adoption center with cages and a sterile feeling and more like a pet vacation center, where they are constantly getting attention from their human counterparts. The outdoor dog run area if full of toys and space to frolic. It's a great Saturday afternoon activity to stop in with the family and pet a few cats in the cat snuggling rooms (most of the time they are cat staring rooms because the cats are tucked away on high perches and in little dens to get away from the tiny hands that want to pet them.) I also remember to donate food here occasionally. They can always use items to send people away when they adopt their furry friend. It's a great gift idea for the pet lover in your family and they will send them a thank you card for their donation. read more

What a wonderful organization. I just went to the Animal Refuge League two weeks ago to get my dog, and it was an amazing experience. The trained staff is knowledgeable and willing to kindly answer any questions from an anxious new pet owner. They have training materials, wonderful kits to go when you take a dog home, and amazing adoption prices. It was lovely to go in and meet multiple dogs in a private room, and interact with them in a clean and well kept space. After meeting the dog I wanted, I was able to pay a small holding fee so that my husband could come meet him the next day. This worked out perfectly, and we took Batou home after the proper paperwork had been processed. This all took less than an hour. I was extremely impressed with their customer service, and would highly recommend the ARLGP for anyone who is looking for a new pet. This is an amazing facility with fantastic people, that anyone who wants a new pet should check out! read more

It took visits of over six months, but then it happened. We were adopted by a beautiful 10 month old black lab/basset hound mix (can you believe that!) named Ruby (Rue for short). Before I get too far off track though, the Animal Shelter needs a review. The facility is fairly new, well staffed and clean. As you go in, be sure to sign in at the front desk so they know who has come to visit. Last Saturday was some sort of day to showcase bunnies in search of a home. There are cats and dogs a plenty who are in hopes of connecting with someone. There is a central court play yard in the building to visit with an adoption consideration. Donate, volunteer, visit and support this first class program. You will automatically feel good about yourself. As for me .... It is time to play throw / fetch the slobbery rubber squeaky bone toy thing with my new best friend ... Ruby, Ruby Rue! read more

I could not be happier with my experience with ARL. Yesterday, Matt turned to me and said, "is the animal shelter open today?" My heart nearly exploded in my chest and my thumbs of fury moved with the fire of a thousand suns looking for directions. We made ourselves slightly more presentable, and entered the address into our GPS. We were greeted by a volunteer who gave us the lay of the land and we let ourselves into the dog room where we found Ginger, a pitbull mix that had been here for about a month. She was timid at first, but once she opened up we knew she was the dog for us. Bonnie was phenomenal. Absolutely amazing! She knows so much about our dog, her habits, temperament, preferences, and medical needs (grain free food for this girl!). I've never had such a warm and comprehensive conversation about a dog. We have been looking for the perfect pet and we found one at the credit if this amazing employee. After being able to play with ginger, spend some time together, and discuss how we would have to adjust our lives to her needs (very active girl!) we said yes to the pet and signed our contract. (A $350 adoption fee is required, but we were happy to pay it). Ginger came with full vaccinations, worm, flea, and tick treatment, a collar, leash, crate, food, treats, toys, and a vet-voucher so her first wellness visit next week at the vet is free! She came with information on how to license her with the town, and all the paper work we would need (spay and rabies certificate) to get the job done. I'm happy to say within just a day we have a completely different dog. She is so healthy and well cared for, her teeth are beautiful, her coat is great, she is lean and very playful. Thank you so much, ARL! We could not be happier with our experience, the health and well being of our pet, or your continued support in answering any question we may have about her moving forward. I recommend this shelter to anyone and we will definitely be returning with some donated goods for all the other fur babies awaiting their new homes! read more

You can just walk right in and view the dogs, which we did. There were only about 10 to see, however. I guess I'm just used to CA where we see 50 at once. But yay to animal shelters who support adoptions and save these lovely dogs! read more

If you have a child or live in an apartment without a fenced in backyard don't bother going. The standards are absolutely insane, it's no surprise they can't find homes for these animals. I told them I have a son with autism (they know nothing else, his age or where he is on the spectrum.. etc) and they told me there were no dogs there that would be a good fit for my family. Absolutely insane to me that they can determine that. I totally understand they have to be picky about who they pick to adopt these dogs. And I'm glad for that.. but they're missing out on loving, willing, and able families adopting a dog because they "don't have a fenced in backyard". Apparently I'm not the only special needs parent who's had this same issue there. EDUCATE your employees. read more

My boyfriend and I had talked about getting a dog for awhile and weren't sure if we wanted to adopt or not. After researching different adoption facilities, I stumbled upon the animal refuge league of greater Portland. We both decided adoption would be the way to go just after looking at their website and seeing all of the information they provided as far as treatment and care is concerned for all of their animals. Upon arrival today, all expectations were exceeded. This is not an adoption center. This is a nurturing home for animals of all shapes and sizes. As much as they are hoping you connect with an animal, they are also looking out for the furry friend to see if they, too, connect with you. They take the time to make sure you're both a good fit for each other and if not, they give other options based on what they see and what you may be looking for. I could go on and on, but i will end my essay by saying this: if you aim to adopt a cat, bunny, dog, etc. look no further. Your soon-to-be new family member is getting the care, love, affection, and skills him/her so rightfully deserves to get ready for their new home. read more

i very nearly adopted a cat from here, and as such i visited a few times within a couple weeks. the Animal Refuge League clearly takes *wonderful* care of the animals who come to them. some animals weren't available until specific dates because they had dental procedures scheduled, i saw one cat who is given 2 litter boxes because she likes to do her business that way, they even quarantine kitties with colds to keep it from passing around all the animals. in the end, tho, i did not make a special connection with a new friend here. i think it's because they are all in their little cages and it's really very hard to get a feel for their personalities that way. you can request to have a little visit with any furry loves you might want to take home, but the visit room is kinda cramped and not comfy. it just wasn't my speed. i went with HART instead, because all their kitties are in group rooms. i know it's personal preference, so check out both if you can! Animal Refuge League and HART are both doing really good work, they just have slightly different styles. read more

My daughter and I volunteer here and we see first hand how incredible the staff is. They are incredible loving people who care so much for the animals. The animals are very loved and well taken care of. Come visit the furry friends and consider adopting or fostering an animal. read more

We are so happy with our dog! She made an impression on me right away and I was impressed with how clean smelling and well organized this shelter was. I hate to think of all the animals that are still there though, still waiting for someone to take them home so they can get out of their little prisons. Unfortunately, there are a lot of pit bulls so it's challenging to find homes that can accommodate these special animals. read more

My sister and I both have adopted our rabbit from here and our cat is also from here. I love this place, and I come often to get my rabbit a free mani-pedi. :) It is a great place and is my first choice if I had to bring an animal here (I actually brought a stray cat here once.) read more

Twice I have gone to this shelter and wanted to adopt a dog I called before I went both times the dogs were 8 years old and mix breeds I was told over the phone the dogs would be 150 due to their age then drove an hour to get there to be told the dogs were 350 due to being transfer dogs. now I have also visited other shelter and most are an extra 50 dollars for transfer dogs. I just don't see how they can charge so much for a senior dog to be adopted. read more

This is a nice facility and they prioritize the animals first. I only have looked for dogs there, so that is all I can speak to, but the animals are all very well cared for both medically and emotionally. My only complaint is with the customer service - be warned that they will not hold a dog for you. You cannot put your name on any kind of list. It's strictly first come, first serve, and there is very high turnover - great for the dogs, not so great for the dog seekers! I have been looking for a specific kind of dog to adopt (we have three small children and a large dog already, so I have to be choosy!) and I work full time so it is not easy for me to drop everything and head over there right when they open at 11am. My experience: I came in Sunday and saw a dog who looked amazing and like a potentially great fit. I asked about getting him right there on the spot, but he was not yet available. I was told to call Tuesday morning before opening time. I came back Monday with my current pet so they could meet, but the dog I wanted was being neutered so we could not see him. I had to work Tuesday, but I called as instructed and was told they would not hold him for me, nor could anyone else come and pick him up for me. Was there _anything_ they could do? Could I fax my application in, give them my credit card number and pay for boarding the dog until I could make it back there tomorrow? They said no, the best they could say was that they are closed Wednesdays, so IF the dog didn't get adopted on Tuesday, I could make it back there for Thursday at 11am. But the dog was adopted by someone else within an hour. Again, great for the dog, not so great for the potential adopter. So that can be a little frustrating, to say the least. read more