MAINE • KNOX COUNTY • CAMDEN
Dog Training and Pet Boarding Near Camden, Maine
Expert dog training and trusted pet boarding on 7 private acres in Camden, Maine. Real results for Camden families, a short drive from the harbor, mountains, and everything you love about Midcoast Maine.
What We Offer for Camden Pet Owners
From high-energy retrievers who tear up the trails at Camden Hills to small dogs who just need a little structure at home, we work with all breeds, all ages, and all personalities.
Dog Training Near Camden, ME
Camden families know the value of a dog that can keep up with an active lifestyle on the trail, at the harbor, around the kids. Our balanced training programs use proven e-collar-based off-leash methods that work in the real world, not just in a training room. Megan has 8+ years of experience and works with you just as much as she works with your dog, because what you do between sessions is what actually determines the outcome.
Dog Boarding Near Camden, Maine
Whether you're heading out on the water, traveling down the coast, or just need somewhere reliable for a long weekend, our dog boarding near Camden, ME gives your dog a genuine place to recharge. Climate-controlled kennels, fenced outdoor runs, and structured daily routines come standard. Add a nature walk, a cuddle session, or a mini training session to keep your dog enriched and happy throughout their stay.
Cat Boarding Near Camden, Maine
Our cat boarding space near Camden is quiet, clean, and completely separate from the dog areas, so your cat can actually relax instead of spending the whole stay on edge. We welcome all breeds and temperaments. Every cat gets regular attention and playtime on their terms, and we send updates throughout their stay so you're never left wondering how they're doing.
BOOK NOW
Ready to Get Started?
Use our online scheduler to book a free consultation or your pet's stay. We'll send a welcome message right after you book with everything you need before your pet's first visit.
WHY HAPPY HOUNDS
Why Camden Families Choose Happy Hounds
Happy Hounds Pet Retreat has been running since 2021, and if you're in Camden, you're about 15 minutes away via Route 105 West. We're at 579 Alford Lake Rd in Hope, on 7 private acres with a pond and wooded trails, no front lobby, no rows of crates, no revolving door of staff. We focus on dog boarding, board and train Camden, Me programs, and puppy training, with enrichment add-ons built around your dog. Every stay includes regular photo and video updates, not because you have to ask, but because it's the right thing to do.
Programs for Every Dog and Every Owner
Camden pet owners tend to have full, active lives. Our programs are built around that, whether you want to be hands-on through every step or prefer to hand the reins to our team for a few weeks.
CLIENT REVIEWS
What Pet Owners in Camden, Maine Are Saying
Real reviews from real families in Camden, Rockport, and across Midcoast Maine.
"Megan and her team did an outstanding job training Pearl! She came home a well behave girl, who follows directions and enjoys trips to the store. Highly recommend."
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Tammy B.
"Ray was/is amazing. She took our German Shepard puppy (6 months), Myah, in as her own and spent 2 weeks teaching her proper manners, socialization and obedience. While also allowing her to be a puppy. I could not be happier with the results. She kept in contact with me and sent me daily updates, photos and videos. She gave us the knowledge to properly introduce her back into the pack at home and to continue practicing everything she has learned. Between Megan and Ray I highly recommend this service. This service was recommended to us by a friend and I will continue to pass the word on as I believe proper training is important for a dogs success. Thank you happy hounds for all you do!!!"
J
Jessica Coombs
"Megan and the staff at Happy Hounds cared attentively for my dog, and he came back from a week of boarding happy and healthy. Megan, the new owner, is extremely gracious, accomodating, and helpful. All the staff really seem to care about the pets and their well-being. I highly recommend Happy Hounds."
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Lenora Jackson
"We had an amazing experience with this dog boarding facility! Our dog Lexi had a great time and was so well cared for. They even went above and beyond by trimming her nails, which is huge for us Lexi has a very hard time with nail trims at the vet and usually needs multiple people and a muzzle because she hates having her feet touched.
They handled her with so much patience and care, it truly says everything about their staff. On top of that, when our trip was delayed due to an ice storm in Connecticut, they were incredibly understanding and accommodated a later pickup without any issue.
We felt completely at ease knowing Lexi was in such loving, capable hands. Highly recommend!"
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Marley Ihnken
Your Pet Deserves More Than Just a Place to Wait
Trusted dog training and pet boarding near Camden, Maine where every stay actually matters.
SERVICE AREAS
Serving Camden and All of Midcoast Maine
Happy Hounds is located in Hope, ME, just 15 minutes from Camden via Route 105 West, and centrally positioned for families across Knox County and Waldo County.
SERVICE AREAS
Three Steps to Get Started
Simple, straightforward, and no pressure here's how Camden pet owners get their dog or cat set up with us.
1
Reach Out
Fill out our contact form or call (207) 763-4444. Tell us about your pet breed, age, temperament, and what you're hoping to accomplish. We read every message and respond quickly.
2
Book Your Free Consultation
We'll schedule a quick call or visit to get to know your pet before their first session or stay. This helps us match them with the right program and answer your questions honestly.
3
Drop Off and Breathe Easy
Your pet arrives to familiar faces who already know their name. You'll get regular updates throughout, and at pick-up you'll see the difference for yourself. The drive back to Camden is a good one.
FIND US
Visit Happy Hounds 15 Minutes from Camden
Driving Directions from Camden Area
Coming from
From downtown Camden (15 min):
Take Route 105 West out of Camden. Follow it through the inland stretch into Hope. Turn right onto Alford Lake Rd, look for the Happy Hounds sign. Parking on-site.
From Rockport (20 min):
Head north on Route 1 into Camden, then take Route 105 West toward Hope. Turn right onto Alford Lake Rd.
From Lincolnville (20–25 min):
Head south on Route 52 or Route 1 into Camden, connect to Route 105 West, then turn onto Alford Lake Rd in Hope.
| Monday | 8–10am and 4–6pm |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 8–10am and 4–6pm |
| Wednesday | 4–6pm |
| Thursday | 8–10am and 4–6pm |
| Friday | 8–10am and 4–6pm |
| Saturday | 8–10am and 4–6pm |
| Sunday | 4–6pm |
FAQs
Questions from Camden Pet Owners
Can't find the answer you need? Call us at (207) 763-4444 we're happy to talk through your situation.
How far is Happy Hounds Pet Retreat from Camden, Maine?
About 15 minutes. From downtown Camden, take Route 105 West into Hope and turn onto Alford Lake Rd, we're at 579. It's a straightforward drive through some of the nicer back roads in Knox County. Most Camden clients tell us it feels further on a map than it actually is.
Do you offer board and train programs for dogs near Camden?
Yes, and it's one of the most popular things we do for Camden families. Programs run from 1 to 4 weeks, depending on your dog's goals and where they're starting from. Your dog stays with our team full-time, trains every day, and you get photo and video updates throughout. At the end, we do a handoff session with you so the skills carry over at home because that part matters just as much as the training itself.
Can you train my dog for off-leash reliability on the Camden Hills trails?
That's exactly the kind of outcome our e-collar programs are built around. A reliable off-leash recall in a high-distraction environment, such as other hikers, dogs, wildlife, and trail intersections, doesn't happen by accident. It takes the right foundation, the right tools, and enough repetition in real conditions. We've worked with a lot of active Midcoast Maine families on this specific goal. It's some of the most satisfying work we do.
Do you board cats near Camden, Maine?
We do. Our cat boarding space is quiet, clean, and completely separate from the dog areas, so your cat isn't spending the whole stay stressed out by sounds and smells from the other side of a wall. Every cat gets individual attention and playtime on their own terms, and we send updates throughout their stay. We take cats of all breeds and temperaments, including the ones other places describe as "difficult."
What's the difference between your boarding and a regular kennel?
We're on 7 private acres with a pond and wooded trails, our team is small and consistent, and every dog follows a real daily routine not just feeding and a bathroom break twice a day. We don't take in more dogs than we can give proper attention to. The staff who interact with your dog at drop-off are the same people who are with them throughout the stay. That consistency matters more than most people realize, especially for dogs that take time to adjust to new environments.
GET IN TOUCH
Let's Talk About What Your Pet Needs.
Whether you're looking for dog boarding near Camden, Maine, a board and train program that transfers to real life, or a calm and caring place for your cat, Happy Hounds Pet Retreat is ready to help. We work with all breeds, all ages, and all temperaments. Fill out the form and one of our trainers will be in touch quickly.