Every volunteer task is vital in giving these animals a brighter future, from walking dogs to assisting at events. Tasks include:

– Cleaning cat areas and dog kennels.
– Helping at the front desk.
– Supporting PMHS events.
– Walking and exercising dogs.
– And more!!

Most volunteers commit to one shift per week, typically lasting 1 ½ to 2 hours, and we’re grateful for their time and dedication.

Ready to Get Started?

Here’s how you can join:

1. Complete the Volunteer Application.
2. Attend Volunteer Orientation. We hold monthly orientation sessions in the PMHS Community Room. You’ll learn about our mission, programs, and the animals we serve. Plus, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes tour of the shelter!
3. Meet with our Volunteer Coordinator. You’ll discuss your availability and which opportunities fit your interests.

Next Volunteer Orientation:

Date: Saturday, November 14th, 2026
Time: 11 am – 12:30 pm
Location: PMHS Community Room

Whether you’re cleaning, walking, greeting, or organizing, every minute you spend volunteering makes a difference in the lives of homeless pets in our care at PMHS!

Have Questions or Ready to Sign Up?

Contact Jacqueline Harjula, Volunteer Coordinator: 207-594-2200 ext. 104 or Volunteer@PopeHumane.org.

Thank you for considering volunteering at PMHS. You can make a difference in the lives of homeless pets in need.

Top needs include 13-, 33-, and 39-gallon trash bags, canned dog food, poultry-flavored pâté-style canned cat food, paper towels, bleach, toilet paper, feather wand toys, dish soap, and laundry detergent. Food and toys help care for and entertain the animals, while cleaning and laundry supplies help tackle the daily messes that come with a shelter full of dogs, cats, and small animals.

If you have room in your budget, pick up an extra item or two on your next shopping trip and drop off your donations at Shepard Chrysler Dodge Jeep/Shepard Storage, 178 New County Road in Thomaston, anytime throughout October. A few cans of food or a whole bag of supplies will help fill the truck! We know donating isn’t possible for everyone, and that’s okay. Sharing the event with someone who might want to participate helps, too!

Thank you to Shepard Storage and Shepard Auto for hosting this annual donation drive and giving the community a great way to support the animals at PMHS!

In partnership with Pope Memorial Humane Society, this Halloween event promises to be a ton of fun, filled with all the trick-or-treat fun you love! It’s a chance to get your candy and fun fix while supporting Pope Memorial Humane Society!

The event is free, but Pope Memorial Humane Society will collect donations on-site. Top needed items include pate-style, poultry-flavored canned cat food; canned and dry kitten food; paper towels; cleaning supplies; 30/33 gallon trash bags; and mini/small dog treats!

This event would not be possible without the generous contributions of local organizations who join us dressed in costumes, handing out candy and treats from their Halloween-decorated vehicle trunks. If you or your business would like to host a “trunk” and hand out treats to 500 local kids, don’t hesitate to contact Barbara at barbara@shepardcars.com.

*There will be several stations with decorated vehicles and people in costumes passing out candy and treats to children.

*Guests must stay in their vehicles as this is a drive-thru event.

Every volunteer task is vital in giving these animals a brighter future, from walking dogs to assisting at events. Tasks include:

– Cleaning cat areas and dog kennels.
– Helping at the front desk.
– Supporting PMHS events.
– Walking and exercising dogs.
– And more!!

Most volunteers commit to one shift per week, typically lasting 1 ½ to 2 hours, and we’re grateful for their time and dedication.

Ready to Get Started?

Here’s how you can join:

1. Complete the Volunteer Application.
2. Attend Volunteer Orientation. Our monthly orientation sessions are held in the PMHS Community Room. You’ll learn about our mission, programs, and the animals we serve. Plus, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes tour of the shelter!
3. Meet with our Volunteer Coordinator. You’ll discuss your availability and which opportunities fit your interests.

Next Volunteer Orientation:

Date: Saturday, October 17th, 2026
Time: 11 am – 12:30 pm
Location: PMHS Community Room

Whether you’re cleaning, walking, greeting, or organizing, every minute you spend volunteering makes a difference in the lives of homeless pets in our care at PMHS!

Have Questions or Ready to Sign Up?

Contact Jacqueline Harjula, Volunteer Coordinator: 207-594-2200 ext. 104 or Volunteer@PopeHumane.org.

Thank you for considering volunteering at PMHS. You can make a difference in the lives of homeless pets in need.

Join us on Saturday, October 3, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for the Pup-Up at PMHS sale, a one-day-only event where you can shop for a cause. Over the past year, our attic and storage sheds have become filled with donations and excess supplies. Now, we’re making them available to the public in support of the PMHS mission.

You’ll find a wide variety of pet-related items, which may include (but are not limited to):

– Leashes, collars, and harnesses
– Bowls and feeding supplies
– Pet clothing and outerwear
– Small animal supplies
– Furniture and carriers
– Toys, treats, and more

Most items are available by donation unless otherwise marked. All proceeds go directly toward the care of the animals at Pope Memorial Humane Society. Whether you’re stocking up on supplies or just browsing, every purchase helps a homeless pet.

Cash is preferred. Please make checks payable to PMHS.

Shop, save, and support homeless pets in need. We hope to see you there!

*Rain Date: October 10, 2026

The 46th Annual Festival of Lights Craft Show returns Saturday, November 28, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Rockland Elks Lodge.

This longtime community tradition brings together more than 40 local artists, crafters, and makers under one roof. Shop a wide variety of handmade goods, find gifts for just about everyone on your list, and support local talent while helping the animals at Pope Memorial Humane Society.

A $2 donation at the door is suggested, with proceeds supporting the food, shelter, medical care, and daily needs of the animals at PMHS.

More event details and crafter highlights are coming soon!

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR CRAFTERS

Kasey Bielecki is the ONLY person handling communication for this craft show. The ONLY email address crafters should communicate with is Kasey@PopeHumane.org.

Scammers frequently target craft show pages and posts. Do not send an application, payment, or personal information to anyone contacting you through comments, private messages, or a different email address. If it does not come directly from Kasey@PopeHumane.org, it is not connected with this event.

Bring along an item to donate to PMHS, and you’ll be entered into a drawing for a chance to win two tickets to the 6th Annual Bark + Brew in the Barn! It’s a fun way to stock our shelves, support the animals in our care, and maybe even score your way into one of our favorite events of the year.

Additionally, Trackside is partnering with Tito’s Handmade Vodka, with a portion of specialty cocktail sales supporting PMHS and a chance to win some fun Tito’s items!!

We’ll be sharing more details, including our wish list and everything you need to know, in the coming weeks. For now, save the date. We can’t wait to see you there!

Of course, the story didn’t begin here. Before 25 Buttermilk Lane, there was the little red building at 17 Buttermilk Lane, where PMHS welcomed homeless animals and the people who cared about them for more than 25 years. In 2016, we moved just down the road into a space that allowed us to do even more for the animals and our community, and thanks to your support, that work continues every day.

On Thursday, August 20, we’d love for you to stop by and help celebrate this milestone. Whether you’ve adopted a pet, volunteered, donated, attended an event, or simply cheered us on over the years, you’re part of the story.

This will be a relaxed, open-house style celebration with tours of the shelter, friendly faces, light refreshments, music, and, of course, plenty of animals to meet. It’s a chance to see what’s happening at PMHS, learn more about the work happening every day behind the scenes, and celebrate everything this community has made possible over the past decade.

We hope you’ll join us as we celebrate 10 years at 25 Buttermilk Lane, honor the little red building that helped shape who we are, and look ahead to all that’s still to come. Please RSVP by August 10 to Kasey@PopeHumane.org.

Volunteers are an important part of our daily operations. They help us care for more than 1,200 animals each year and support the programs that keep our shelter running well for the community.

Volunteer tasks may include:

• Cleaning cat rooms and dog kennels
• Walking and exercising dogs
• Assisting at the front desk
• Helping at events and community programs
• Other projects as needed

Most volunteers commit to one shift per week, usually 1½ to 2 hours. Consistency matters, and we appreciate the time and reliability our volunteers bring.

How to get started:

1. Complete the online Volunteer Application.
2. Attend a Volunteer Orientation. Orientations are held monthly in the PMHS Community Room and cover our mission, policies, and expectations for volunteers. You will also receive a tour of the shelter.
3. Meet with our Volunteer Coordinator to discuss your availability and determine the best fit for you.

Next Volunteer Orientation
Saturday, August 8, 2026
11:00 am to 12:30 pm
PMHS Community Room

If you have questions or would like more information, contact Jacqueline Harjula, Volunteer Coordinator, at 207-594-2200 ext. 104 or Volunteer@PopeHumane.org.

Held at the beautiful Harmony Hill Farm in Warren, Bark + Brew in the Barn is a 21+ fundraiser benefiting the animals at Pope Memorial Humane Society. The event brings together live music, local food trucks, craft beverages, lawn games, puppy cuddles, and a silent auction filled with experience packages, all in support of homeless pets in need.

Whether you’re catching up with friends, enjoying a fall evening outdoors, bidding on auction items, or spending a few minutes in the puppy playpen, Bark + Brew offers a little something for everyone. It’s a chance to celebrate our community, have some fun, and make a difference for the animals who rely on PMHS.

If you’ve attended before, you know why this event has become a community favorite. If you haven’t, this is the year to join us. Last year’s guests showed up in rain jackets and carrying umbrellas, proving that not even Maine weather can get in the way of a good party for a great cause.

Tickets go on sale July 1. Check back soon for additional event details, including participating food trucks, beverage partners, sponsors, and more.