WALKING IN TOWN
Dogs and humans walk all around town, including through the cemetery off of Court Street (entrance between State and Spring Streets); Fort George is also a great spot for activity (entrance off of Battle Avenue between Main and Pleasant Streets)
IN THE WATER
Dogs enjoy swimming in the water by the Yacht Club (entrance on Water Street near Dyer Street) and the Back Shore (access and parking on Wadsworth Cove off of either Battle Avenue or Castine Road)
HIKING WITHERLE WOODS
More than four miles of trails; be careful during tick season! (entrance and parking off of Battle Avenue near La Tour Street, or at Fort George)
TOURING CASTINE
If your dog is comfortable sitting on your lap or at your feet, you are welcome to bring them on a riding tour through Castine with Castine Touring Company
MAINE SHOP
Loyal Biscuit has six locations in Maine and carries a great selection of food, treats, toys, collars & leads, and other pet needs; the closest locations to Castine, Belfast and Brewer, are about 50 minutes away, but a great stop on the list when running errands or exploring in those directions; can also ship items weighing up to 20 pounds
ONLINE
Boxes from chewy are delivered around town to happy pets
GO DOGGIE
40 acres in the woods with secure fencing create a safe off–leash environment for playcare and boarding; website
PAWS WINGS & THINGS
Boarding and daycare with heated indoor play as well as outdoor play space; website
SOMETHING TO WAG ABOUT
Professional groomers (recommend booking early in the year for summer appointments) and a canine recreation center make the drive to this Ellsworth location worth it; website
HOLBROOK ISLAND SANCTUARY
Holbrook is open daily year–round, from 9a to sunset. You can plan your visit to this beautiful area that spans 1,230 acres on the mainland and 115 acres on Holbrook Island. This very helpful trail map includes distances, times, and levels of difficulty.
OVERVIEW
The Trust is a conservation organization working to protect about 12,000 acres of land. It has more than 31 miles of trails, many of which are great for dogs! Dogs must be on lead on all trails except for the off–leash trails noted below. You can see all trails by town here, and a few notes about dogs on the trails here
For the Views
Penobscot Community Forest at Wallamatogus Mountain; Visitors can hike over two miles of roads through blueberry fields while being treated to spectacular views of Penobscot Bay, nearby coastal islands, and the whole Bagaduce River watershed; be careful on hot days as the area is exposed
With Water, including a Small Waterfall
Peters Brook & Penny’s Preserve; Peters Brook and its associated branches drain the uplands east of the Blue Hill village into Peters Cove, which is part of Blue Hill Bay; the entire trail system has approximately 5 miles of hiking trails that take you along and out to various points along Peters Brook, including a beautiful waterfall and through historic granite quarries
Off Leash
Under voice command, allowed at Surry Forrest, Meadowbrook Forrest, Penobscot Community Forest at Wallamatogus Mountain, and part of Penny’s Nature Preserve
Only Service Animals
Furth/Talalay Nature Sanctuaries and Carter Nature Preserve’s Wood’s Trail
Hunting
Please note that hunting is permitted as allowed by season in Maine, although never on Sundays; the Trust asks that you please mark your dog (and yourself) with blaze orange during deer hunting season (generally throughout the fall, check IFW for details) and do not permit dogs off leash during this time
CLINIC – DAYTIME
Many of the veterinary practices near Castine are not currently accepting new patients; PetMedic in Freeport is OPEN DAILY, 10a–8p, often with same–day (or close to it) appointments booked online, making it worth the drive if you have a need for care (207.805.5398 / 200 Lower Main Street / Freeport, Maine)
EMERGENCIES – NIGHTS + WEEKENDS
Eastern Maine Emergency Veterinary Clinic in Brewer provides emergency care for pets without appointments, available after hours, on weekends, and holidays. The clinic is open MONDAY – THURSDAY, 5:30p–8a, and FRIDAY @ 5.30p through MONDAY @ 8a. The clinic is TRIAGE based, so they see animals in order of severity. Calling ahead helps them to prepare, especially during busy times when they may reach capacity. They share that your proactive communication is very helpful. (207.989.6267 / 15 Dirigo Drive / Brewer, Maine)
