10 Best Dog-Friendly Hotels in Maine

Maine routinely ranks as one of the most dog-friendly states, and it’s no wonder what brings dog lovers and visitors of all kinds to this land-and-sea destination. The Atlantic Ocean, gifting fresh lobster and scrumptious seafood, along with the national parks and hiking opportunities of the Great Outdoors is a winning combination that makes Maine an ideal destination for spending time outside with your furry and/or human family. Maine is nearly as big as all of the other states of New England combined, with 3,500 miles of coastline and 17 million acres of forests, plus 2,000 dazzling coastal islands.

From the cruise port of Bar Harbor to Boothbay Harbor, Portland, and some lesser-known hideaways tucked into charming coves or along scenic coastal routes, Maine is a maze of wilderness alongside adorable villages. It’s an adventure that awaits your next visit — with your dog along for the trip, of course. 

Is Maine Pet Friendly?

The state of Maine is exceedingly pet friendly, recently ranked by pet website BringFido as the second most dog-friendly state in the country. Citing gorgeous trails and accessible waterways, pet experts love Maine for its room to roam and hundreds of dog-friendly restaurants. Beyond the ability of animal companions to join their parents for a meal, be on the lookout for shops that cater to canines. Pugnuts, in Surry less than 30 miles from Bar Harbor, is a Pug-themed ice cream and gelato parlor that welcomes dogs inside for their own pup cup. Pet-friendly beaches and parks are abundant throughout the state. Pet etiquette is widely known and practiced, making the environment safe and welcoming for all breeds. The Maine license plate boasts “Vacationland,” and you — and your dog — will see why after a satisfying stay at a pet-friendly inn, hotel, or resort.

The 10 Best Dog-Friendly Hotels in Maine

We have selected some of the best dog-friendly hotels across Maine — including dog-friendly hotels near Portland — by evaluating pet-friendly (and people-friendly) amenities, proximity to walking trails, and of course any pet fees that could contribute to the price. From no additional costs or weight requirements, pet-loving staff, and special welcome gifts for doggos, these pet-friendly properties will ensure you have a good night’s rest without the stress of worrying that your dog is considered a second-class guest. 

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DoubleTree by Hilton, Portland 

Address: 363 Main Mall Road, Portland, ME 04106

Close to I-95 and the Maine Mall — the largest shopping center in New England — is Portland’s DoubleTree by Hilton. Convenient to the airport and shopping hubs, this hotel is just 15 minutes from downtown and offers a complimentary shuttle within a 1-mile radius, which includes the Portland International Jetport. Pet-friendly rooms are enhanced with a fenced, onsite dog run; pet parents will enjoy an indoor heated pool. The Portland Observatory is a 12-minute drive away. Don’t forget the warm cookie at check-in (for people, not pets — you did pay, after all). 

While there are a number of hotels in Portland, Maine, that allow dogs, the DoubleTree does not charge an additional fee to bring your pets along for your stay. Room rates start around $232 per night. Recent pet-toting visitors rave that the staff is exuberantly dog-loving. 

The Lodge on the Cove

Address: 29 South Main Street, Kennebunkport, ME 04046

Considered one of the state’s most affluent communities, Kennebunkport landed on the map as the home of former president George H.W. Bush. But you won’t have to break the bank to find dog-friendly hotels in Kennebunkport, Maine. If your family is heading to this southern coastal gem, a stay at the Lodge on the Cove might check the boxes of being both dog- and kid-friendly. Four designated pet-friendly rooms, at about 300 square feet each, are available at this renovated motor lodge set in a wooded cove. Stays come with a welcome doggy bag of food and water dishes, treats, and toys. If you want to upgrade your pup’s stay, book “Wag with Shag,” a $45 package that gifts them a branded bandana, leash, and bowl (a portion of the proceeds goes to local nonprofit Animal Welfare Society). Humans can enjoy an outdoor pool patio with restaurant, campfires, lawn games, complimentary use of beach cruiser bicycles and more. 

Prices start from $300 per night for a king-sized room. The fee to bring a pet to The Lodge on the Cove is $40 per dog, per night. Up to two dogs are allowed per stay, up to 65 pounds each.

Little Fig Hotel

Address: 109 Cottage Street, Bar Harbor, ME 04609

After a comprehensive refresh, all boutique-style rooms and suites have been updated at Bar Harbor’s Little Fig, which reopened to guests — including four-legged ones — in summer 2022. Bar Harbor’s acclaimed waterfront is a few blocks away, along with a free Island Explorer shuttle service. Less than 1 mile from the famed Acadia National Park, this is a prime location for hiking and exploring more than 200 miles of trails and carriage roads with your dog. As one of the premiere dog-friendly hotels in Bar Harbor, Maine, the Little Fig has an entire annex building dedicated to pet-friendly stays, with Wi-Fi, smart TVs, and grab-and-go breakfast included. 

Rates start from $300 per night, with no additional fees to bring your fur babies. There are no weight limits or other specific requirements regarding your plus-one pet. 

Wolf Cove Inn

Address: 5 Jordan Shore Drive, Poland, ME 04274

Not to be confused with Portland, Poland, Maine, is located 45 minutes north, set in the Lakes Region among pine groves and rocky shoreline. At the Wolf Cove Inn, a historic bed and breakfast, dogs are considered part of the family and pet blankets, bowls, and waste bags are on hand free of charge. The ambiance here is relaxed, with free canoe and kayak rentals in season and nightly fire pits. In addition to three pet-friendly rooms on the second floor of the cabin, this property offers a deck that welcomes dogs to enjoy breakfast with their parents. Dogs are free to run off leash around the great lawn and enjoy a dip in Tripp Lake across from the inn. Within 10 minutes of Wolf Cove are three hiking and walking trails open for you and your canine companion to enjoy. Wolf Cove can arrange dog-sitting services if you require time away without your pup in tow. 

Rooms run about $250 per night, and include breakfast, Wi-Fi, and DirecTV. The Wolf Cove Inn charges a flat $30 fee per day for up to two dogs. 

Kennebunkport Captain’s Collection

Address: 6 Pleasant Street, Kennebunkport, ME 04046

Lark Hotels are a stunning collection of boutique properties around New England and California. Among dog-friendly hotels in Maine, the Kennebunkport Captain’s Collection is a ritzy accommodation developed on the grounds of four mansions from the early 19th century. Now, this single resort offers a spa, gardens, retail, and pet-friendly rooms amid its soaking tubs, working fireplaces, and original art. As occupancy is limited to two people in most rooms, there aren’t an abundance of children found here, but pets are in fact welcome. There are three designated rooms for up to one dog no larger than 70 pounds. Pets are required to be supervised and on leash at all times.

Pet-friendly rooms at the Captain’s Collection are all suites located in the William Jefferds House. Prices start at $212 for a dog-friendly room that has its own private terrace, and also includes Wi-Fi, breakfast baskets, and the use of waffle kimono robes. There is a $50 per night increase in room price to bring your doggy to this high-brow resort. 

Glen Cove Inn & Suites

Address: 866 Commercial Street, Rockport, ME 04856

In mid-coast Maine, about 35 miles from the capital in Augusta, is the harborside town of Rockport. Visitors come to be near the ocean and to browse its many local art galleries. If you find yourself in Rockport with your dog, Glen Cove Inn & Suites has designated pet-friendly rooms near activities that your pooch will enjoy. A 1.5-mile looped walking trail along Penobscot Bay is nearby and offers ocean views and the fresh air your pup is craving. Back at the inn, your king-sized room includes amenities such as cable, Wi-Fi, and an in-room coffeemaker, with a daily homemade breakfast buffet served on a covered outdoor terrace. An outdoor heated pool is open in season.

Rates start from around $181.50 per night for a pet-friendly room, with a $15 per-dog, per-night fee. Up to two dogs can room with you at Glen Cove, with no weight restrictions, and pet fees max out at $60 per stay. Glen Cove is open to guests seasonally, from May through October. 

York Harbor Inn

Address: 480 York Street, York, ME 03911

If you’re seeking dog-friendly hotels in Ogunquit, Maine, the York Harbor Inn is just 10 miles away. York — claiming to be America’s first chartered town, in 1641 — is home to its own beaches, vintage candy shops (including salt water taffy), and an area called Antiques Alley; just take a drive along Coastal Route 1A. You’ll also find golf courses, the Ogunquit Playhouse, plus whale-watching and fly-fishing tours. Bring your fur buddy to the Carson Trail at Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge; Mount Agamenticus (Mt. A) for stellar views and the Boston skyline on a clear day; or a multitude of walking trails near the inn, such as Cliff Walk or York River Walk. The Harbor Crest Inn is York Harbor’s dedicated pet-friendly building on the grounds. Walking maps, a list of pet-friendly beaches, and treats for good boys are just some of the many amenities offered, also including blankets, dishes, and waste bags. 

Pet-friendly room rates start at $199 (in the winter season; $249 in early summer and early fall) and include Wi-Fi, oceanfront park access, use of beach towels, and a daily “country inn” breakfast, which includes honey made from the chef’s onsite beehives.

Glenmoor by the Sea

Address: 2143 Atlantic Highway (Route 1), Lincolnville, ME 04849

Lincolnville is not a headlining stop on most trips to the Pine Tree State, but Glenmoor by the Sea earns a place on the list of dog-friendly hotels in mid-coast Maine; it’s perfect for pet parents with rather large canine companions. Dog-friendly rooms and an expansive property for walking and playing off leash make this inn a desirable option. Belfast Dog Park is a 20-minute ride north for even more playtime with your pup. Get out on the water with a sail from Camden Harbor on the Schooler Olad, which allows dogs and accepts a $2 coupon from guests of Glenmoor. Lincolnville is the mainland terminal for the Maine State Ferry Service, which provides transport to Islesboro, an island worth a day trip about 5 miles off the coast. Reward your four-legged companion for best behavior — or close enough — with a snack from Loyal Biscuit Co. in Belfast (also in Rockport). These locations sell healthy dog food and treats and also provide self-service dog-washing stations for dirty dogs on the road. Breakfast at Glenmoor is served daily to your room between 7 and 9 a.m. — not ideal for late sleepers, but perfect for pet parents who want to enjoy a bite with their dog before heading out for the day.

Rooms begin at $169 per night, plus an additional $30 per dog, per night. Up to two dogs at a limit of 80 pounds each are welcome at Glenmoor. For pet-friendly rooms and cottages, book directly with the inn by phone (207-236-7905) for availability. 

Smuggler’s Cove Oceanfront Inn

Address: 727 Ocean Point Road, East Boothbay, ME 04544

Water-lovers will relish a stay at this Boothbay Harbor inn. Jump into the ocean from the onsite dock or float in the heated pool with oceanfront views. Canoes, kayaks, boats, and stand-up paddleboards are all available to borrow. Smuggler’s Cove offers a family atmosphere, complete with fire pits and cocktails for the adults after a long day of sightseeing. If you prefer to spend some time walking Fido on land, the inn is minutes from Ocean Point Preserve on the Boothbay Region Land Trust and many more spectacular locations with dedicated trails. Complimentary breakfast will help fortify you and your family for the vacation ahead. Treats are available for your pooch at check-in. 

Rates start at $139 per night, and require an additional flat fee of $50 per dog, per stay. No more than two dogs are allowed per room. Call for availability and to discuss the size of your potential pup guest — weight restrictions vary. 

Hyatt Place Portland – Old Port

Address: 433 Fore Street, Portland, ME 04101

This Hyatt Place hotel near Portland’s Old Port is nearby local dog parks like Quarry Run or Valley Street. It’s not a budget stay, but rooms are spacious, many come with views of Fore Street or Peaks Island, and it’s considered a welcoming, dog-friendly hotel in Portland, Maine. Here, you’ll only be a short distance from the Portland Museum of Art or the Portland Children’s Museum, hip breweries, cozy diners and doughnut shops, and even lighthouses to wander by on foot or on leash. When you book the pet package, your furry companion receives a welcome gift and pet fees are wrapped into the room price. 

We found standard rates to be about $500 per night, with the pet package about $22 more per night. Guests staying up to six nights are required to provide a nonrefundable $75 pet fee; anyone staying seven or more nights are also required to provide an additional $100 cleaning fee. Up to two dogs are allowed at Hyatt with a combined weight of 75 pounds — dogs weighing more than 50 pounds are not permitted. 

Tips for Traveling to Maine with Your Dog

Although Maine is considered very dog-friendly, it’s important to be good guests and remember that Maine state law prohibits all pets from restaurants, fitness centers, and other indoor public spaces, unless they are a service dog. If you are walking through a public area with your pet, make sure they are leashed at all times. While some properties are lenient and allow your dog to be left alone in the room for up to an hour, most accommodations don’t allow — or recommend — leaving your fur baby alone for any length of time. 

Maine is a year-round destination, but it shines in late spring, summer, and fall when all its best outdoor activities are on offer. Just keep in mind that bugs are also living it up during these seasons, and it’s important to protect yourself and your pet against parasites — especially ticks. According to the State of Maine, deer ticks are most abundant along the southern coast of Maine, and most active during April to June and again from October to December. Be vigilant with bug spray for yourself and tick and flea protection for your pup, and always check yourself and your dog after a walk outside, especially near tall grass or other overgrowth. The higher temps of summer are attractive for water-adjacent activities (reminder to never leave your dog unattended around any body of water), but autumn is prime for leaf-peeping across the state, with cooler days for hiking and simply stunning vistas in foliage-heavy parks like Acadia. Summer vacation is notorious for higher per-diem costs when booking a hotel or inn, but also be sure to book ahead for when those leaves start to change — it’s a major draw from tourists around the world, let alone North America.