MAINE • KNOX COUNTY • ROCKPORT AREA
Dog Training and Pet Boarding Near Rockport, Maine
Professional dog training, trusted boarding, and genuine care for pets on 7 private acres in Hope, ME. Serving Rockport, Knox County, and all of Midcoast Maine since 2021.
What We Offer for Rockport Pet Owners
Rockport may be a small village, but the dog population is anything but. You see them on leash through the harbor, at Marine Park by the Andre statue, on the paths around Walker and Kokonen parks, and up and down Route 1 between the galleries and shops. We work with all of them. Our training team has 8+ years of experience, and we take the time to genuinely get to know each dog.
Dog Training Near Rockport, ME
Rockport dog owners tend to be active with their dogs. Walks through the harbor, trips to Marine Park, evenings along the village paths. Our training programs near Rockport are built for the kinds of real situations you run into in those environments: other dogs, foot traffic, seabirds on the waterfront, and the occasional toddler with a snack. Our Head Trainer has 8+ years of experience using balanced, e-collar-based off-leash methods that transfer to the real world, not just a training yard. She works with you just as much as she works with your dog, because what happens at home after training is where the actual progress lives. Board and train programs, ranging from 1 to 4 weeks, are available from our facility in Hope, about 10 minutes from Rockport.
Dog Boarding Near Rockport, Maine
Whether you are heading down to Portland for the weekend, traveling for work, or just need a trustworthy place while you handle a home project, our dog boarding near Rockport gives your dog a comfortable, caring place to stay. Dogs stay in climate-controlled indoor kennels with a structured daily routine, regular outdoor time, and access to fenced runs. What sets us apart is the individualized care and the variety of ways you can customize your dog's stay. Add enrichment and comfort options like nature walks around our 7+ acre property, play sessions, extra potty breaks, cuddle time, mini training sessions, and more based on what your dog enjoys. We send regular updates so you always know how they are doing.
Cat Boarding Near Rockport, Maine
Our cat boarding near Rockport offers a dedicated space designed specifically for our feline guests, separate from the main dog boarding areas. We welcome cats of all ages, breeds, and temperaments, including seniors, shy or spicy cats, and cats with medical or special care needs. Every cat receives attentive daily care, with the option to customize their stay with add-ons like individual playtime, extra attention, and photo updates while you are away. Whether your cat prefers interaction and enrichment or would rather have plenty of quiet time to themselves, we are happy to accommodate their individual personality, routine, and needs to help make their stay as comfortable and stress-free as possible.
BOOK NOW
Ready to Get Started?
Schedule online through our customer portal or give us a call. We will follow up with everything you need before your pet's first visit to Hope.
WHY HAPPY HOUNDS
Why Rockport Families Choose Happy Hounds
Happy Hounds Pet Retreat is located at 579 Alford Lake Rd in Hope, just about 10 minutes from Rockport via Route 90 West to Route 17 North (heading northwest toward Union/Hope). Situated on seven private acres featuring a pond, wooded trails, fenced outdoor runs, and climate-controlled kennels, we offer a superior alternative to options within Rockport’s village limits. Our expert training team, with 8+ years of experience, offers dog training, dog boarding, board and train programs, and puppy training. If you have been looking for something better than what is available within Rockport's village limits, we are your closest and best option.
Built for Rockport's Dog Owners
Rockport is a quiet village between two bigger towns. People here chose it for a reason, and they do not want to be commuting all over Knox County just to get their dog trained or safely boarded. Our programs are designed around that. We are the closest professional option to Rockport, and the drive is about 10 minutes on back roads you probably already know.
CLIENT REVIEWS
What Pet Owners in Knox County Are Saying
Real reviews from real families, from Rockport, Camden, Rockland, and across Knox County.
Annie came back happy and relaxed. We will be back!
DT
Diane Thorpe
We just switched to Happy Hounds for boarding earlier this year, as we've had a great experience with them!!
KP
Kathryn Pardo
I boarded my dog, Moka, numerous times at Happy Hounds, and HIGHLY recommend it! Megan, the owner made sure she was well taken care of, had play time and lots of love. The kennels are clean & grounds are very well kept. Moka loved going on nature walks! We will definitely be bringing her back when we return to ME next summer.
SK
Shawn Kelly
Happy hounds was a blessing. They were very helpful and respectful. My pup came home very happy. The cost was very reasonable as well. Thank you happy hounds.
JL
J Lucas
Rockport's Closest Professional Option. And It Shows.
Professional dog training and trusted boarding, 10 minutes from Rockport Harbor.
SERVICE AREAS
Serving Rockport and All of Knox County
Happy Hounds is in Hope, ME, about 10 minutes from Rockport via Route 90 West. Rockport sits between Camden and Rockland, and we are the closest professional training and boarding facility to all three.
GET STARTED
Getting Started Takes Three Steps
No pressure, no pitch. Here is how Rockport pet owners get their dog or cat set up with us.
1
Reach Out
Call us at (207) 763-4444 or fill out the contact form. Tell us about your pet: breed, age, temperament, what you are hoping to work on, or what kind of boarding stay you need.
2
Schedule a Consultation
We will set up a quick call or visit to get to know your pet before anything is booked. This helps us match them with the right program and make sure we are the right fit. If we are not, we will tell you.
3
Drop Off & Focus on Your Day
Your pet arrives to familiar faces who already know their name. You get regular updates. The drive back to Rockport is 10 minutes on Route 17 to Route 90, and it becomes second nature after the first drop-off.
FIND US
Visit Happy Hounds: About 10 Minutes from Rockport
Driving from Rockport Area
From Rockport Village / Harbor (10 min):
Head west briefly on Route 1, then take Route 90 West. At the intersection with Route 17, turn right (north) toward Hope. Alford Lake Road will come up quickly on your right. Turn right onto Alford Lake Road and look for the Happy Hounds sign at 579 on your right. On-site parking is available.
From West Rockport (8 min)
Hop directly onto Route 17 and head north toward Hope. Turn right onto Alford Lake Road. Drive for a few minutes and look for the Happy Hounds sign at 579 on your right. This is the shortest drive in our entire service area!
From Camden (15 min):
Head south on Route 1, pick up Route 90 West at the Rockport intersection, and follow it to Route 17. Turn right (north) onto Route 17 toward Hope, then make a right onto Alford Lake Road. Follow the road until you see the Happy Hounds sign at 579 on your right.
| 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 Rockport Pet Owners
Can't find what you need? Call us at (207) 763-4444. We're happy to talk through your situation.
How far is Happy Hounds from Rockport, Maine?
About 10 minutes. From Rockport, take Route 90 West to Route 17, then turn right toward Hope. Alford Lake Rd is a short distance ahead on your right. We are at 579. From West Rockport, the drive is even shorter since you are already on or near Route 17. This is the closest location page town to our facility, and most Rockport clients are surprised by how quick the drive actually is.
Do you offer board and train programs for dogs near Rockport?
Yes. Board and train is one of the most requested programs for Knox County families, including Rockport. Programs run from 1 to 4 weeks. Your dog lives with our team, trains every day, and you get photo and video updates throughout. At the end, we do a hands-on handoff session so the training actually carries over when you are back in Rockport walking the harbor path or heading through the village.
My dog pulls on the leash around Rockport Harbor and Marine Park. Can you help?
That is one of the most common issues we hear from Rockport dog owners. The harbor area has a lot of stimulation: other dogs, foot traffic, the Andre statue, fishing activity, tourists. A dog with poor leash manners in that environment is not just frustrating, it can be unsafe near the water. Our training programs build the kind of leash-walking reliability that holds up in those real-world conditions. We work in real environments, not just a fenced yard.
I live in West Rockport. How close are you?
West Rockport is the closest village in our service area. You are already on or near Route 17, so the drive to 579 Alford Lake Rd is about 8 minutes. Head north on Route 17 toward Hope and look for Alford Lake Rd on your right. Some West Rockport clients tell us they spend more time getting to the grocery store.
What makes your boarding different from commercial kennels near Rockport?
Space, individualized care, and plenty of options to make your dog's stay their own. We are on 7+ acres in Hope with wooded trails, outdoor spaces, and room to explore. Our small team works closely together, and your dog quickly becomes familiar with every face. Every dog follows a consistent daily routine, with optional enrichment and comfort add-ons tailored to their individual needs. Our goal is simple: to know the dogs in our care as individuals and make their time with us as comfortable, safe, and enjoyable as possible.
GET IN TOUCH
Let’s Talk About What Your Pet Needs.
Whether you need dog boarding near Rockport, ME a board and train program that transfers to real life, puppy training in Knox County, or a safe space for your dog, Happy Hounds Pet Retreat is 10 minutes from Rockport via Route 90 to Route 17. Fill out the form, and our Owner/Head Trainer will contact you directly.