The Animal House, a holistic pet suppy store with locations in Westbrook and Damariscotta, have created two new funds: “Sheltering-in-Place,” which helps provide Animal House food and supplies for area rescues, and “Neighbor-to-Neighbor,” which supports community residents with food and litter during this time of need.

Nearly $2,000 in Animal House gift cards have been donated so far.

Animal House president Aubrey Martin released a statement last week remarking on the generosity of their longtime clients: “It never fails to amaze me, how our communities pull together in times of crisis. These fund are prompted by an anonymous donation of $500 donation for an Animal House gift card for Midcoast Humane. It really is such a win-win for all of us- the shelter gets much needed consumables, and it certainly helps keep our small business afloat.”

The Animal House opened in Damariscotta in 2004, with a second location in Westbrook in the Kohl's Plaza in 2014. 

The stores are considered essential, and remain open 7 days a week. “for as long as we are able,” said Martin. 

“We offer curbside service, limited delivery and welcome our clients in the store with COVID-19 safety protocols strictly enforced.”

However, our sales are down 65% in the last two weeks. We are doing best we can to pay our distrbutors, our rent, our employees, our utilities- just like every other small business right now. As a family business, we have been through recessions, major shifts in the pet industry, slow seasonal periods, and threat of online businesses like Chewy and Amazon. In the end, we are grateful to be healthy, and we have faith that we will all get through this together.”

For more information about the Sheltering in Place or Neighbor-to-Neighbor Fund, or to order curbside service, please call: Damariscotta: 207-563-5595 or Westbrook: 207-887-9638.