Vacationing in Maine with your dog? No problem! The team at Main Street Maine has scouted Maine’s ten Main Street communities and listed here are a number of pet-friendly places and events.
In addition to dog parks, pet-friendly trails and accommodations, make sure to explore these wonderful downtowns. PLAN YOUR VISIT >
Important note: Make sure to respect the pet policies of each city, retailer and dog park.
Downtown Augusta is a pet-friendly city and many downtown businesses offer fresh water in the summer months.
Augusta has a great dog park located at Mill Park just on the edge of the downtown area. It was donated to the City of Augusta by the Rotary Club in September 2010 and is maintained by a group of volunteers. It is the most active portion of Mill Park, with people coming in from surrounding communities to utilize it. The park is located at Mill Park at the North end of Water Street. If you park at Mill Park there is a short walk to the dog park or you can access the dog park directly from Canal Street, which is located about half way up the hill from the Mill Park entrance, and there is parking there as well.
For more information and pictures, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/Augusta-Dog-Park-255093084514969/
Location of the dog park: Canal Street in Augusta, Maine
There are several pet friendly restaurants in Augusta that welcome dogs at their outdoor tables. https://www.bringfido.com/restaurant/city/augusta_me_us/?map=on
There are several pet friendly hotels in and around downtown Augusta that will welcome your friendly pet: https://www.bringfido.com/lodging/city/augusta_me_us/?map=on
In Bath, you’ll find South End Dog Park, which is right on the Kennebec River. It’s one of the largest dog parks in Maine!
For more information and pictures, please visit: https://www.cityofbath.com/maps/location/SouthEndParkDogPark
Downtown Bath also has a great shop called Wag’s & Whiskers where you can find all sorts of supplies and rewards and even give your dog a bath – we are in Bath after all!
More info: https://shop.loyalbiscuit.com/bath-loyal-biscuit-co/ or https://www.facebook.com/loyalbiscuit/ (Formerly Wags & Whiskers)
There are several pet-friendly restaurants in Bath, Maine that welcome dogs: https://www.bringfido.com/restaurant/city/bath_me_us/?map=on
There are several pet-friendly hotels in and around downtown Bath, Maine that will welcome your friendly pet: https://www.bringfido.com/lodging/city/bath_me_us/?map=on
Located just on the outskirts of downtown Belfast, Maine near Walsh Field, you’ll find a spacious fenced in off leash area.
Belfast Dog Park:
A beautiful off-Leash, fenced dog park is located 122 Lincolnville Avenue in Belfast, Maine.
The Belfast Rail Trail is a 2.3 mile point-to-point trail located in Belfast, Maine that features a river and is good for all skill levels. It is open and has three entry points at Upper Bridge, City Point or Armistice Bridge in downtown Belfast, Maine. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Dogs are able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. More information can be found on this Facebook page.
The Salty Dog is one of the newest additions on Main Street Belfast. A premiere pet grooming and boarding facility The Salty Dog offers a half century of grooming experience throughout the Midcoast of Maine and the cleanest boarding facility statewide! For more information, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/SDBelfast
Bring Fido lists several pet friendly restaurants in Belfast, Maine including three right in the downtown area: Co-Op, Front Street Pub, and the Harbor Walk Cafe: https://www.bringfido.com/restaurant/city/belfast_me_us/
There are also several hotels and AirBnBs that are pet-friendly: https://www.bringfido.com/lodging/city/belfast_me_us/
ALSO, don’t miss this fun-filled annual dog event! Weinerfest!
Biddeford Dog Park, a resident initiated project, is just one mile off of Main Street in Biddeford, Maine: https://www.facebook.com/biddeforddogpark/
Located at 193 Main Street, Spike Dog Grooming and Boutique offers quality grooming, toys, and treats for all dogs. https://www.facebook.com/pg/SpikeGrooming/
Organic, human-grade dog treats are made downtown, right in the Pepperell Mill! Stop by Growlin’ Gourmet: https://www.pepperellmillcampus.com/the-mill-project/making-organic-dog-treats-with-growlin-gourmet/
Beaches: Dogs are allowed on Biddeford area beaches before 9 am and after 8 pm.
Clifford Park, an elaborate set of walking trails, is right outside the Main Street area, and allows dogs off-leash in designated areas.
https://biddefordme.myrec.com/info/facilities/details.aspx?FacilityID=12697
Bring Fido lists several pet friendly restaurants in Biddeford, Maine:
https://www.bringfido.com/restaurant/city/biddeford_me_us/
There are also several hotels and lodging accommodations that are pet-friendly: https://www.bringfido.com/lodging/city/biddeford_me_us/
Downtown Brunswick loves your furry friends! From business visits, to resident animals in local shops, many businesses in the downtown area are pet-friendly and offer fresh water and shade in the summer months.
– Cool As A Moose sells a variety of pet supplies and toys for our 4-legged friends.
– Little Dog Coffee Shop welcomes dogs at the outside sitting area.
– Brunswick Town Mall, serves as gathering place for community residents and plays host to a large number of special events and activities, is pet friendly.
– Merrymeeting Dog Park is located on the Androscoggin River Bicycle and Pedestrian Path near Water Street, just steps away from downtown Brunswick, Maine. This beautiful green space is a perfect place to exercise and socialize your dog. Water fountains are available from May to mid-October. The park is open one half hour before sunrise to one half hour after sunset.
Bring Fido lists several pet friendly restaurants in Brunswick, Maine:
https://www.bringfido.com/restaurant/city/brunswick_me_us/
There are also several hotels and lodging accommodations that are pet-friendly: https://www.bringfido.com/lodging/city/brunswick_me_us/
Gardiner’s Waterfront Park is an ideal spot to help your dog get some exercise. At the far end of the park there is a path into the woods. This shaded path is nice and cool, and during low tide, there is a spot for dogs to venture into the water to cool off.
NEW! Gardiner ME has an official dog park located 563 Water Street (info here)
Bring Fido lists several pet friendly restaurants in Gardiner, Maine:
https://www.bringfido.com/restaurant/city/gardiner_me_us/
There are also several hotels and lodging accommodations that are pet-friendly: https://www.bringfido.com/lodging/city/gardiner_me_us/
Enjoy several wonderful waterfront restaurants (Claws, The Landing, …) with outdoor seating areas for your dog.
The Rockland Harbor Trail is a great spot to bring your leashed dog (information).
Rockland is the original location of The Loyal Biscuit, with stores in other communities including Belfast and Waterville. Many businesses in downtown Rockland provide fresh water on the sidewalk for pets during the warm months.
Rockland’s parking enforcement officer is also the city’s dog officer and keeps an eye out for pets in parked vehicles.
In the winter, Rockland spreads special snow melting pellets that don’t hurt dogs’ paws.
Bring Fido lists several pet friendly restaurants in Rockland, Maine:
https://www.bringfido.com/restaurant/city/rockland_me_us/
There are also several hotels and lodging accommodations that are pet-friendly: https://www.bringfido.com/lodging/city/rockland_me_us/
DON’T MISS!!! The Saco Scoops has a window service where dog dishes of ice cream are served. Located: 209 Main Street in Saco, Maine.
The Saco Dog Park is located in Pepperell Park by Fairfield School, the Saco Dog Park is a grassy, fenced area with shady trees where dogs can play off-leash safely. Lawn chairs are available and pick-up bags are provided, but make sure to bring water for your furry friend.
Dogs are welcome at Bay View Beach and Kinney Shores year-round and may be off-leash for most of the year. However, during July and August, dogs on both beaches must be leashed between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Ferry Beach State Park does not allow dogs on the beach from April 1 to September 30, but from November 1 to March 31 they are allowed on leash.
Many trails in Saco allow dogs to join in for a hike if they always remain on-leash. These dog-friendly trails include: Cascade Falls Trail, Atlantic Way Trail, Middle Goosefare Trails, Horton Woods, Sylvan Trail, and the Eastern Trail.
Bring Fido lists several pet friendly restaurants in Saco, Maine:
https://www.bringfido.com/restaurant/city/saco_me_us/
There are also several hotels and lodging accommodations that are pet-friendly: https://www.bringfido.com/lodging/city/saco_me_us/
Coburn Park was originally donated to the town in 1885 by former Governor Abner Coburn. Coburn Park has developed over the years a 12.5 acre park, bordered by the river on one side and by residential neighborhoods, forest and farmland to the north. Located: 419 Water Street in Skowhegan, Maine.
Dog Not Gone makes tick-repellant gear and clothing for dogs and people. https://www.dognotgone.com/
Campbell’s True Value lets dogs inside to pick out a new collar or treats.
Bring Fido lists several pet friendly restaurants in Saco, Maine:
https://www.bringfido.com/restaurant/city/skowhegan_me_us/
There are also several hotels and lodging accommodations that are pet-friendly: https://www.bringfido.com/lodging/city/skowhegan_me_us/
Walk: Bring your dog for a walk along the beautiful Riverwalk in downtown Westbrook, Maine! The Riverwalk runs parallel to Main Street. Walk north towards the river and you can’t miss it.
Dog Park: There is a small dog park near the Westbrook Hannaford, just outside of downtown. Plans are in the works for a greatly expanded dog park, so stay tuned!
Pet shop: Please visit The Animal House, a family-owned healthy pet superstore located 11 Main Street, in downtown Westbrook.
Bring Fido lists several pet friendly restaurants in Westbrook, Maine:
https://www.bringfido.com/restaurant/city/westbrook_me_us/
There are also several hotels and lodging accommodations that are pet-friendly: https://www.bringfido.com/lodging/city/westbrook_me_us/
K9 5K! Every October, Discover Downtown Westbrook host the Run the Ridge Trail Race, which includes a K9 5K. Run or walk with your pup on the beautiful trails at Sunset Ridge Golf. Latest information at https://www.downtownwestbrook.com/events/run-the-ridge/.
Westbrook photo credit: Shannon Bryan, Fit Maine