About Us
The History of the Bangor Humane Society
Bangor Humane Society was founded in 1869, making us the oldest Humane Society in the State of Maine. We are a donor supported, private, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization supported almost entirely by donations from compassionate & concerned citizens in our community. We operate Maine's largest animal care and adoption facility, both in terms of the total number of animals handled and geographical area we serve. The Bangor Humane Society cares for approximately 5,000 owner released and stray animals each year. We serve over 200 communities in Maine, including eastern, coastal, down-east, and parts of northern Maine. After a major capital campaign that raised more than 2.5 million dollars, we moved into our present facility in 1997.
Mission and Philosophy
The Bangor Humane Society champions the humane treatment and adoption of companion animals, provides quality care for homeless pets, and promotes animal welfare through education and advocacy.
At the Bangor Humane Society, we believe:
- Adoption is a privilege, not a right.
- Adoption is a life-long commitment.
- In doing everything practically possible to ensure that all healthy animals will be adopted.
- Indiscriminate breeding of campanion animals is unacceptable.
- In reducing pet overpopulation by having all pets spayed or neutered.
- Healthy, adoptable animals should not be euthanized.
- All animals are unique individuals and deserve to be treated with respect, dignity, humane treatment and care.
- Education of caregivers and training of pets results in fulfilling relationships.
- Advocacy for animals is best done through education and public awareness.
- Cooperative and mutually beneficial working relationships with communities, public and private vendors, and other service providers is essential.
- In establishing trust by acting with respect and integrity.