Volunteer
Help with outreach, transport, temporary care coordination, resource verification, or getting new partners listed.
A Resource For Patients, Families & Staff
When someone is in the hospital, their animals should be safe too.
This tool gathers care resources and information about a patient's animals while they are in the hospital. It helps alleviate stress on patients and makes sure everyone involved — people and animals — is cared for, by connecting to local resources across Maine.
How It Works
Three Steps, From The First Conversation To Ongoing Support
1
Intake Conversation
We ask whether the patient has an animal at home, who is caring for it, and whether there is a power of attorney — then capture consent to reach the people who can help.
2
Arrange Care Or Relinquish
If the animal needs help, we connect with kennels, shelters, or Animal Control Officers for transport — or use a consent form to relinquish care safely and humanely.
3
Food & Ongoing Support
We point caretakers to pet food pantries with extra supply, and connect large-animal and livestock owners with the right help.
Maine Launch, Built To Grow
Find Local Help
Maine is the first directory. The structure is ready for more states, partners, and resource types as the work expands.
Kennels & Boarding
Short-term boarding while a patient is in the hospital.
37 listed →Pet Food Pantries
Free pet food and supplies for caretakers in need.
55 listed →Animal Control & Contracted Shelters
Town Animal Control Officer contacts with contracted shelter details.
500 listed →Large Animals & Livestock
Help for horses, farm animals, and other large animals.
1 listed →Build This With Us
Volunteers, donations, and corrections are welcome.
This resource gets stronger when local people help keep it current. If you know a shelter, pantry, kennel, transport option, or animal-care partner that should be listed, send it in.
Donate
Pet food, supplies, crates, and financial support can help keep animals safe while their people are getting care.
Suggest An Edit
Send missing resources, corrections, better contact details, or ideas for what families and staff need next.
Nonprofit Status
We are considering 501(c)(3) nonprofit status. Until that is confirmed, donations should not be assumed to be tax-deductible.
Why It Matters
“No one should have to choose between getting care and knowing their best friend is okay.”
Worry about a pet keeps people from seeking treatment, staying admitted, or healing well. When we take that worry off their shoulders, patients can focus on getting better — and their animals stay safe and fed until they're home.
Start With A Simple Conversation
Open the intake workflow at the bedside, or jump straight to local resources near the patient's home.