Maybe because we live among wild animals and open spaces. Maybe because dogs have worked alongside us on farms and at sea for generations. Maybe it’s because they keep us warm through the long winter nights. Whatever the reason may be, we can attest that the people of Maine adore their canine companions. And these days many of us want to bring the family dog along when we travel. For pet-friendly vacations, there is no better place than Maine. As dog owners and dog lovers ourselves, we have loads of ideas and insight into how to have the most fun and find accommodating lodging and experiences with your best furry friend along for the ride.
MidCoast Maine is a haven for vacationers traveling with pets. Dogs are very welcome in this friendly coastal region. Meet like-minded people and let the pup make friends, too!
The Museum of Maritime Pets, located alongside the Sail, Power, & Steam Museum in Snow Marine Park in Rockland’s salty South End, is equal parts charming and informative. We are certain you have never seen anything quite like it. This museum serves to inform and educate the public about the animals that work on the waterfront, on boats and on shore, in times of peace and in war, whose intelligence, companionship and loyalty have served humans well for centuries. Parrots, porpoises, cormorants, fishing cats, and man’s best friend all have their parts to play. The Newfoundland is the breed most closely associated with boat life. They are strong and devoted, and their webbed feet mean they are great swimmers! This unique Rockland museum has a valuable mission and lots to explore!
The Loyal Biscuit
With six (6!) locations across Maine, The Loyal Biscuit is a statewide staple for pet people. Our local store is on Main Street in Rockland, where the knowledgeable employees always make us feel welcome. They remember our girls, Gertie and Ruby, and that makes us feel seen! It’s ideal if you’ve forgotten food, treats, OTC dog and cat medication for fleas and ticks, apparel like cute coats and sweaters and accessories, or toys when you are away from home. They also have a self-serve dog wash that can REALLY come in handy when your pup has been on a muddy hike, or to the beach, rolling in the stink and swimming in the sea. The good folks there can help you if your dog gets sprayed by a skunk or if you need a new bed or crate to coax them into feeling content in an unfamiliar place. When you’re strolling Main Street, visiting the galleries and bookshops, having lunch and coffee and buying souvenirs, it’s so worth a visit!
Baseball-loving dog owners, get ready for your worlds to collide! One of Maine’s favorite family friendly ballparks has dedicated dog days each season! The Portland Sea Dogs are a AAA baseball team that is always exciting to see play. This is peak summer, peak America, peak Vacationland. Let the pups off the leash to run around the track before the game. Use a private entrance just for dog fans! There are valets available to watch your pet when you want to get up for snacks or to stretch your legs. Buy adorable, branded team merchandise like collapsible water bowls and doggie bandanas. They seem to have thought of everything! Check their website for dates and further details. Bark in the Park occurs about four times per summer.
Acadia National Bark (Sorry!)
Acadia National Park is one of the few national parks in all of these United States that is dog friendly. We call this a real win for our wonderful state! To be a conscientious pet owner the rules are as follows: dogs must remain on the leash at all times. This is strictly enforced, and with good reason. There are certain areas of the park where dogs must not go. Check with the park’s website on which trails, beaches, and campgrounds are not good for dogs. Follow the guidelines for leaving the pup in your car at those times, as long as it isn’t too terribly hot, or look for a pet sitter in very dog friendly Bar Harbor, the bedroom community and adorable tourist town in the park’s backyard.
Clark Island
Speaking of backyards, we are lucky enough to consider Clark Island our own natural playground. The island, accessible by walking over a causeway, consists of miles of trails through the woods and fields, sandy beaches, rocky places, a tide that goes way out where the water is a beautiful temperature for swimming, and a saltwater quarry that is our little swimming hole. This Maine Coast Heritage Trust preserve is an off-leash paradise for dogs and their people. We definitely recommend doing a tick check on every sentient being after a hike around this island. When you get back from Clark Island and are ready for a rest in your room, we are here. Check in at the Craignair Inn by the Sea begins at 3 in the afternoon.
photo credit: @the_canine_critic
The Craignair Inn and Causeway Restaurant
The Craignair Inn is a Bring Fido approved pet friendly bed and breakfast in the heart of MidCoast Maine. In every season, there is a room for you and your dog at our cozy inn. In the summertime, we open up our Vestry, a two-story building of breezy, air-conditioned guest rooms with ocean view decks and extra space for families. Your dog gets their own welcome basket upon arrival! We let you know where the best places to play are, from dog parks to outdoor eateries. Our own restaurant, The Causeway, open for dinner Thursday through Monday with Sunday brunch and a low key afternoon menu has dog seating on the oceanfront deck. We furnish water and food bowls and a comfy bed, if they are so inclined. The grassy lawn is great for little walks while you wait!