Area's Trusted Resource for Matching People & Pets
By Susan Spisak
The no-kill, board governed nonprofit Bangor Humane Society, BHS, has been around since 1869. BHS serves over two hundred communities in northern and eastern Maine. They advocate for the humane treatment and adoption of companion animals, provide quality care for pets, and promote animal welfare through education and advocacy.
Kathryn Ravenscraft, their Director of Development and Communications, shared that BHS is among those nonprofits dealing with the after-effects of the pandemic’s uptick of adoptions. “Animal welfare across the country is experiencing a surge in dog surrenders and lower numbers of dog adoptions.” The many reasons for surrenders include the dogs’ lack of training and socialization, their separation anxiety (owners may not be working from home anymore), and/or lack of owner resources.
She added that while these relinquished dogs are good, “quirky” pets, they simply require patience and dedication from potential adopters. Unfortunately, because of this, many dogs are with them longer than the average stay in prior years—including those who are mild-mannered.
Because of the remarkable increase in local surrenders, they’ve temporarily suspended transports in from southern partners in 2024. “Between 2021 and early 2024, local surrenders (not counting strays) increased by 38%. We have every intention of resuming transports this calendar year but are not yet sure which partners we'll reconnect with.”
Once they begin those transports, they’ll be ready. Several years ago, BHS renovated half of the medical and adoption facility, including one room that was scoured and revamped to become their much-needed quiet puppy quarantine room. Kathryn indicated it’s been a wonderful blessing, “Not only has it housed dogs from transports for their quarantine periods, but during times the room has been empty, it has served as a haven for sick dogs, pregnant or nursing mama dogs, or in one case, a dog that was simply too small to stay in a traditional kennel.”
In addition to educational outreach and other programs, to further give back to their communities, BHS boasts Operation: Pet Adoption and PALS: Pet Adoption for Loving Seniors. Vets and Seniors over sixty-five can adopt a dog, one year old and up at a 50% discounted rate. They understand the therapeutic benefits of having canine companions!
As far as volunteers are concerned, they’re always in need of fosters (most especially for pregnant and nursing cats and for kittens). They’d appreciate on-site volunteer walkers to give their canines time out of their kennels, not to mention extra socialization and attention. Helper volunteers are deeply appreciated—folks willing to clean kennels, do dishes, fold laundry, and organize supply spaces.
Donations of all kinds are welcome—wet dog and cat food, high value dog treats, dog and cat toys, and cleaning supplies like bleach and paper towels. “Due to the rising costs of literally everything, we are especially thankful for monetary donations that allow us to continue the standard of care we are committed to for the pets of this region,” added Kathryn.
BHS is located at 693 Mt. Hope Avenue in Bangor. For all info including volunteering, adoptions, hours, and all community programs, bangorhumane.org/.
WONDER
9 years old, Terrier Mix
Wonder is blind and enthusiastically friendly. He is with us for the second time. He was adopted in late 2023 and returned a year later. He has some special medical needs due to his vision, but he is a WONDER-full dog hoping he soon finds his forever people.
SAILOR
4 years old, Australian Shepherd
Sailor is a miniature Australian Shepherd with a cleft palate that makes him the cutest thing on four legs. He has had a rough start and will need ample time to adjust to new surroundings. He is fearful of children, so a home with only adults would be best. He will need a vet relationship to help manage his anxiety, but once he's comfortable, he's a first-class snuggler.
ASHER
6 years old, Mixed Breed
Asher arrived as a stray. As we have no history on his previous environment, we recommend using good judgment in introductions to other dogs, cats, or children. He can often be seen on walks with a toy in his mouth, which seems to help him feel secure. Cue the aaawww-factor. This is a very sweet boy who just needs a little time to feel comfortable.