Sanford, ME – In honor of National Pet Month in May, Partners Bank is donating $30,000 to local animal rescues in each community they serve:

• Sanford, South Sanford, Springvale, ME
• Wells, York, ME
• Buxton, Limerick, and Waterboro, ME
• Kingston, Portsmouth, and Rye, NH.

The Bank is devoted to improving all the lives in our community, including the animals that are such a big part of our homes and lives.

According to the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry, each year, over 10,000 animals are either surrendered, transferred from another rescue, or admitted as strays at local animal rescues in the state. The New Hampshire Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NHSPCA) alone takes in over 2,000 animals each year. Of course, each rescue aims to rehabilitate and rehome these animals instead of euthanizing them.

For the rescues to care for these animals – young, old, healthy, ill, and a variety of species – they require the compassion and help from members of our community. As The Bank That Listens, Partners Bank and its animal-loving employees are passionately contributing to the recovery of these rescued animals so they may find their forever homes.

In the Wells and York region, the list of animal rescues and the donation amounts are:

• Wells branch is donating $1,500 each to Safe Haven Humane Society and Animal Welfare Society.
• York branch is donating $3,000 to Center for Wildlife.

Safe Haven Humane Society is a sanctuary for felines in Wells. Eighty volunteers operate the rescue (1420 Post Road) and their thrift shop (1784 Post Road), which funds the veterinary costs. While most animal shelters keep their animals separated in stainless steel cages, Safe Haven Humane Society believes in a more unified approach. Their cats live peacefully together in free-roaming rooms, complete with cozy baskets and beds for each cat and rocking chairs and couches for visitors. Partners Bank also previously donated $1,000 to Safe Haven Humane Society in November 2024 as part of the Employee Donation of the Month program. Their phone number is 207-646-1611.

Animal Welfare Society (AWS) is a safety net for lost or homeless pets. Although they are in Kennebunk, AWS works with other rescue groups in other parts of the country to bring companion animals to Maine for adoption. Their help extends beyond dogs and cats. They also find homes for rabbits, birds, reptiles, and other small animals. Because their mission is to help keep pets and their family together, they offer temporary boarding, pet food, supplies, veterinary care, and assistance with behavior concerns in times of hardship. The AWS adoption center is located at 46 Holland Road, and their phone number is 207-985-3244.

Chantal Upton, Market Manager of the Wells branch shares her feelings about the donations to Safe Heaven Humane Society and AWS, “As a lifelong pet owner, I was thrilled to be able to donate to our local animal shelters and meet the amazing people that volunteer there. Partners Bank has made a commitment to help those living in our communities, including our furry friends, and I am proud to be part of it. If you are looking to adopt a new friend, volunteer your time, or donate supplies contact your local animal shelter.”

Center for Wildlife can be found at the base of Mount Agamenticus in Cape Neddick. Their primary patients are injured native wildlife who are usually victims of human behavior, such as vehicle collisions, pollution, fishing lines, and oil spills. Their goal is to medically treat and provide rehabilitation and release the animals back to the wild. During their treatment, they also collect data to better support broad systemic change. Other initiatives of Center for Wildlife are conservation medicine, advocacy, environmental education, and community empowerment. The Center is located at 375 Mountain Road, and their phone number is 207-361-1400.

“I’m so thankful to be part of a bank that goes beyond banking and supports our four-legged friends! As a pet owner myself I truly appreciate showing some extra love and support to our local animals,” Eric Walker, Market Manager of the York branch shares his excitement.

To add more excitement to National Pet Month, all 11 Partners Bank locations want to put a smile on some pets’ faces by giving away pet-themed gifts (while supplies last). Anyone can stop inside a branch and grab a gift for their best friend at home.

Lastly, Partners Bank is holding a pet photo contest at partners.bank/pet-month. From May 1st through May 18th, folks in our community can submit photos of their pets in these four categories:

• Action shot (pets caught mid-run, mid-jump, or playing)
• Sleepiest (for pets sleeping or lazing the day away)
• Biggest smile (for the happiest-looking pet)
• Best dressed (for pets with stylish outfits)

On May 23rd, Partners Bank will select finalists from among all photos received for each of the categories listed. From May 23rd through June 1st, people can vote for their favorite photo in each category. Winners will be announced on June 10th, and the winning photo in each category will win a $100 gift card.

Partners Bank is excited to celebrate National Pet Month in May by helping animal rescues care for our four-legged friends and by creating awareness for how much they rely on our unwavering love and support.