Pet-Friendly Maine: Complete Guide for Traveling with Dogs

Maine loves dogs almost as much as lobster. With countless pet-friendly beaches, hiking trails, and accommodations, bringing your furry friend along is easy and rewarding.

Pet-Friendly Beaches

Year-Round Dog Beaches

Willard Beach (South Portland) - Year-round off-leash allowed
East End Beach (Portland) - Dog-friendly section
Ferry Beach (Saco) - Dogs allowed October-April
Scarborough Beach - Off-season only (Sept-May)

Seasonal Restrictions

Most beaches ban dogs May-September (peak season). Check local ordinances before visiting.

Best Dog Beaches

Willard Beach - Locals’ favorite, year-round access
East End Beach - Portland, less crowded
Popham Beach State Park - Off-season paradise
Reid State Park - Multiple beach options

Pet-Friendly Hiking

Acadia National Park Rules

Dogs allowed on most trails
Must be leashed (6-foot max)
NOT allowed on Sand Beach May 15-Sept 15
NOT allowed on ladder trails
Bring waste bags (required)

Best Acadia Hikes for Dogs

Jordan Pond Shore Trail (3.2 miles, easy, water access)
Ship Harbor Trail (1.3 miles, easy, shaded)
Carriage Roads (45 miles, flat, perfect for dogs)
Ocean Path (Paved, easy, spectacular views)

DON’T Attempt with Dogs:

Precipice Trail (ladder trail)
Beehive (ladder trail)
Very steep/rocky trails

State Parks & Hiking

Most allow leashed dogs. Always check specific park rules.

Pet-Friendly Accommodations

Hotel Chains (Usually Pet-Friendly)

La Quinta - Dogs stay free
Kimpton Hotels - No size/weight limits
Red Roof Inn - One pet per room free
Motel 6 - Pets stay free

Pet-Friendly Inns & B&Bs

Inn by the Sea (Cape Elizabeth) - Luxury pet program
The Francis (Portland) - Boutique, dogs welcome
Bar Harbor Inn - Pet rooms available
Rangeley Inn - Dogs allowed

Vacation Rentals

Airbnb/VRBO often allow pets (filter search)
Usually $25-75 pet fee
More space than hotels
Private yards often available

Camping with Dogs

Most Maine campgrounds allow leashed dogs:

Acadia Campgrounds - Dogs allowed
State Park Campgrounds - Check individual parks
Private Campgrounds - Most welcome pets

Camping Rules:

Keep dogs leashed
Clean up waste
Don’t leave dogs unattended
Quiet hours apply to barking

Dog-Friendly Restaurants & Cafes

Outdoor Dining (Pet-Friendly)

Eventide Oysters (Portland) - Patio seating
Duckfat (Portland) - Outdoor tables
Fore Street (Portland) - Patio in summer
Geddy’s (Bar Harbor) - Outdoor seating
Most breweries - Outdoor spaces welcome dogs

Lobster Pounds (Usually Dog-Friendly)

Five Islands Lobster Co. - Outdoor picnic tables
Harraseeket Lunch & Lobster - Dogs welcome
Chauncey Creek Lobster Pier - Waterside dining

Coffee Shops

Many have outdoor seating that welcomes dogs:

Tandem Coffee (Portland)
Speckled Ax (Portland)
Coffee by Design (Multiple locations)

Dog Services & Amenities

Veterinary Services

Emergency Vets:

Maine Veterinary Medical Center (Scarborough) - 24/7
Animal Emergency Clinic (Portland) - After hours
Eastern Maine Emergency Veterinary Clinic (Brewer)

Regular Vets: Available in most towns

Pet Stores

Loyal Biscuit Co. - Multiple locations, Maine-based
Petco/PetSmart - Larger cities
Local pet boutiques - Most towns

Dog Parks

Mackworth Island (Falmouth) - Off-leash island trail
Quarry Run Dog Park (Portland) - Fenced, off-leash
Bar Harbor Dog Park - Small but convenient

Seasonal Considerations

Summer (Best Season)

Warm weather, all activities open
Beach restrictions (check before going)
Tick prevention essential
Bring plenty of water
Avoid hot car interiors

Fall (Excellent)

Perfect hiking temps
Fewer ticks
Beach access returns (Sept-Oct)
Foliage hikes stunning
Acorns/mushrooms - watch what they eat

Winter (Challenging)

Snow hiking fun for dogs
Salt on paws - bring wipes/boots
Cold temps - consider dog coat
Ice fishing huts - some allow dogs
Frozen lakes - test ice thickness first

Spring (Muddy)

Mud season - dirty dogs guaranteed
Ticks emerge (May) - prevention crucial
Black flies (late May) - bug spray
Many trails muddy/closed

Health & Safety

Ticks & Lyme Disease

Maine has high Lyme disease rates
Use tick prevention (consult vet)
Check dog thoroughly after each hike
Remove ticks promptly (24 hours = safer)

Wildlife Encounters

Moose: Keep dog leashed, moose can be aggressive Porcupines: Common, quills require vet removal Skunks: Also common, tomato juice myth doesn’t work Bears: Rare along coast, more common inland - keep dog close

Water Safety

Ocean water cold year-round (hypothermia risk)
Not all dogs are strong swimmers
Life jacket recommended for boats
Rinse salt water off after beach

Poisonous Plants

Wild mushrooms (don’t let dogs eat)
Some shoreline seaweed toxic in quantity

Packing List for Dogs

Essentials:

Leash (6-foot for Acadia)
Collar with ID tag (updated phone number)
Waste bags (lots of them)
Food + water bowls (collapsible)
Enough food for trip
Current vaccination records
First aid kit (dog-specific)

Recommended:

Dog life jacket (if boating)
Tick prevention medication
Dog boots (winter salt protection)
Long leash for beaches/camping (when allowed)
Portable water bottle with bowl
Towels for wet/muddy dog

Nice to Have:

Dog backpack (they can carry their own gear!)
Dog cooling vest (summer)
Dog coat (winter)
Favorite toys
Portable dog bed

Etiquette & Rules

Always:

Clean up waste (bring extra bags)
Keep dog leashed where required
Control barking
Ask before letting your dog approach others
Stay on designated trails
Respect wildlife

Never:

Leave dog in hot car
Let dog chase wildlife
Bring aggressive dogs to crowded areas
Leave dog unattended at campsite
Ignore leash laws

Sample Dog-Friendly Itinerary

3-Day Portland & Southern Maine

Day 1:

Morning: Willard Beach off-leash play
Lunch: Duckfat patio
Afternoon: Back Cove Trail walk (3.5 miles)
Evening: Hotel downtime

Day 2:

Morning: Fort Williams Park + Portland Head Light
Lunch: Picnic at park
Afternoon: Eastern Promenade Trail
Evening: Outdoor brewery dinner

Day 3:

Morning: Mackworth Island off-leash hike
Lunch: Pet-friendly cafe
Afternoon: Old Port shopping (pet-friendly stores)
Depart

5-Day Acadia Adventure

Day 1: Arrive, settle in, easy carriage road walk Day 2: Jordan Pond Shore Trail, popovers on patio Day 3: Carriage road bike ride (dog can run alongside in bike trailer or on leash) Day 4: Ship Harbor Trail, downtown Bar Harbor (dog-friendly shops) Day 5: Ocean Path walk, depart

Budget Tips

Free activities: Most hiking/beaches are free
Camping: Cheaper than hotels, more space for dog
Pack dog food: Don’t buy on road (expensive)
Bring supplies: Waste bags, treats, toys from home

Maine’s abundance of outdoor spaces makes it ideal for dogs. Your furry friend can join you for sunrise hikes in Acadia, beach romps, and outdoor lobster dinners—experiencing Maine’s best alongside you.