Pet travel is a booming business. The Travel Industry Association reports that fourteen percent of US adults (29.1 million) travel with a pet for fifty miles or more. Seventy eight percent of these pets are dogs. So whether your event is a wedding, reception, bar mitzvah, bat mitzvah, bachelor party, bachelorette party, reception, corporate retreat or conference, if you’re heading to Portland, Maine, take Fido with you!
Traveling with your best friend to Portland, Maine, for a conference, board meeting, team-building, seminar or a social event such as a birthday, anniversary, sweet sixteen or graduation party can be fun. Sit back and enjoy the trip!
Portland, Maine offers a variety of venues that welcome your furry friend.
Pets Are Welcome Here!
At Inn By The Sea in Cape Elizabeth, Maine, dogs rule. Located just across the bridge from Portland, the Inn was one of the first luxury beachside hotels to welcome pets (below right).
Owner Maureen McQuade calls pets "Little people with fur coats." The Inn offers beautiful beaches and ocean views. Seventeen of the Inn’s 43 rooms are pet-friendly. The Inn offers landscaped grounds and a boardwalk stroll to adjacent Crescent Beach. Dogs are allowed to run on the beach from October to April.
Inn By The Sea, Cape Elizabeth, Maine, Makes Your Pet Feel at Home
Canine companions at the Inn enjoy the same level of service as their human owners.
Amenities in the pet-friendly suites include a room service dog menu, dog blankets, dog bowls and bottles of Maine Spring water.
Special treats are available on arrival and at turn down. Pooch packages are available along with dog sitters and walkers. The inn has become a popular destination for company retreats and team building activities, accompanied by pets. Special pet menus are also available for the Thanksgiving, Christmas or Fourth of July holidays.
The Best Western Merry Manor, Portland, Maine (below)
Dogs of all sizes are also welcome at the Best Western Merry Manor Inn in Portland, Maine. A popular destination for reunions, the Best Western has recently gone through a renovation.
Guests can swim during a snow storm in the year-round outdoor heated pool, workout in a modern fitness center or just relax by a fire in a cozy suite. Enjoy the indoor children's pool and a hot tub featuring a therapeutic waterfall. Relax with your dog in the Maine Lodge suite.
Other pet-friendly accommodations in Portland, Maine, include the The Eastland Park Hotel where they pamper your pet.
Your furry friend can look forward to a Welcome Letter from the General Manager’s dog, organic dog food, 24 hour animal clinic information, walking options and a pet sitting service. Each dog receives a treat and a toy. The bellman can assist you with information on Portland, Maine leash laws.
Sheraton South Portland Hotel, Portland Marriott at Sable Oaks, Embassy Suites Hotel, The Inn At St. John.
Sightseeing
Portland, Maine also features many beautiful parks and trails for walks and hikes. Psst - remember to ask your hotel for disposable cleanup bags!
Meander through Portland’s historic Deering Oaks Park and walk under 200 year old trees, linger by the duck pond and take a deep breath in the colorful Rose Garden.
The Eastern Prom Trail offers panoramic views of Portland and Casco Bay. Stroll the Back Bay trail at sunset for spectacular views of the Portland’s cityscape. And no sightseeing trip to Portland is complete without a cruise of Casco Bay. Go aboard with your pet on one of the country’s oldest ferry service - Casco Bay Lines.
Take a trip to Casco Bay Lines, Portland, Maine (left).
Enjoy the wind in your hair and the breathtaking sight of pine and spruce-filled islands outlining the blue waters of the Bay. Alight at Peak’s Island and get your walking exercise. Enjoy a drink and then take the ferry back to Portland.
Savor the spectacular lighthouse views and rich sunsets. There is nothing quite like the sight of the sun setting on the waters of Casco Bay.
Does Fido need a wash after a day of sightseeing?
Let your dog run and feel the sea breeze at one of Portland’s many beaches - Willard Beach, East End Beach, and Old Orchard. Give your dog a bath! Take him to Portland Dog Wash, a self-serve wash located on Forest Avenue.
Shopping for Pet Supplies
Looking to shop in Portland, Maine? Take your pooch to one of Portland’s many dog boutiques.
Planet Dog on Marginal Way, offers natural and eco-friendly products such as hemp collars and recycled plastic bowls.
Browse the historic Old Port area and visit Fetch: voted Portland’s best pet store since 2000 at 195 Commercial Street. The store claims to offer the largest pet collar selection anywhere and donates 10% of their profits to support animals and the environment.
Bow Wow Sophistique is another Portland pet destination. Located on Fore Street, the store offers creative pet toys and accessories.
Portland Resources
DogFriendly.com's City Guide: Portland , Maine
Fido Friendly
Fido Friendly - Fall 2006 - Pet Friendly Travel
Downeast Dog News (Maine) - A free monthly newspaper for people who love dogs.
Portland Veterinary Specialists
Maine Pet Sitting and Boarding Services
Mackworth one of new trail guide's local gems
Pet Works Of Maine Dog Walking & Pet Sitting Service
Maine pet sitters directory
Fetch It For Me
The Inn At St. John – Pet Friendly, Pets Welcome at this Downtown Portland, ME Hotel
The online shopping source for dog toys, dog collars, dog supplies and the world famous Orbee Ball.