Services
Surrendering A Pet
Surrendering pets to The Ark Pope Memorial Animal Shelter is arranged by appointment only. Surrendering a pet can be a very difficult decision. If you are considering surrendering an animal, please call the Shelter to discuss your specific circumstances so that we may better assist you.
If The Ark Pope Memorial Animal Shelter is unable to accept your pet for any reason, we will make every effort to find you a suitable alternative.
For Pet Owners
Stopping Pet Overpopulation
In addition to our policy of spaying or neutering all pets for adoption, our Stitch-In-Time program offers financial assistance to low-income families who could not otherwise afford the full cost of spaying or neutering their pet. This program is supported by the proceeds from The Ark Pope Memorial Thrift Shop and caring individuals contributing specifically to the Stitch-In-Time program.
To qualify, you must:
- Be a resident of Washington or Hancock County
- Provide a photo ID plus proof of low income or state assistance and complete an application. These may be submitted either in person at the shelter or via mail, or email.
- Accepted forms of assistance are: SSI, SSD, TANF, Maine Care, Food Stamps, etc.
- You may also provide your most recent tax return to see if you qualify under the current US poverty guidelines.
If you qualify, you will be provided with a list of participating veterinarians to set up your appointment.
Please be aware, if your pet has not been seen by a veterinarian and/or is not up to date on vaccinations, a wellness exam and vaccinations may be required prior to performing surgery. These fees will not be covered by the voucher.
Numerous veterinarians work with The Ark Pope Memorial Animal Shelter’s spay/neuter program. The vet donates 1/3 of the cost of the spay/neuter; the shelter pays 1/3; the remaining 1/3 is paid by the pet “guardian.”
Support Stitch-in-Time
Pet Urgent Care Through Hardy’s Friends (Formerly The Winston Fund)
Hardy’s Friends is dedicated to assisting with urgent care costs for sick or injured pets of owners who could not otherwise afford potentially life-saving emergency veterinary services. In extreme circumstances, it is also available for animals at our shelter. Contact us for more information.
Support Hardy’s FriendsHelping Community Cats
The Alley Cat Program is The Ark’s Trap Neuter Return (TNR) initiative serving Washington and Hancock Counties. Feral cats face many challenges, but most of them are not candidates for adoption. The Alley Cat Program helps by preventing new litters and giving existing cats the medical care they need to be returned safely. This also reduces the number of kittens and cats entering the shelter, freeing up space and resources for others. While it may not be as visible as adoption, this program makes a big difference. An estimated 75% of kittens born outdoors don’t survive beyond 6 months. TNR helps change that. Every spay or neuter means fewer lives lost, and fewer cats trying to survive on their own.
Pet Essentials for our Community
We have a community pet food pantry right here at The Ark. We do our best to keep it stocked with essential food and supplies for dogs and cats, but the pantry relies on donations and stock cannot be guaranteed. You can visit the pantry during open hours.
Our Hours:
Sunday: Closed
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 12-4pm
Wednesday: 12-4pm
Thursday: 12-4pm
Friday: 12-4pm
Saturday: 12-4pm
Make a Difference
Help us save the lives of pets in need with a donation to The Ark Pope Memorial Animal Shelter.