Happy Hounds
Pet Retreat
Expert Dog Training & Premium Pet Boarding
in Midcoast Maine
We’re a trusted Maine-based company offering expert dog training and reliable pet boarding for both dogs and cats. Serving Waldo County, Knox County, and surrounding areas, we provide structured board and train programs focused on consistent routines, comfortable kennels, and attentive care you can trust.
Services
Dog Training
Ready for a better-behaved dog?
Our balanced training programs (including e-collar training for off leash communication) help dogs of all ages master better manners, obedience, and behavior challenges.
Dog Boarding
Indoor comfort, supervised outdoor fun.
Your dog relaxes in a secure indoor kennel and enjoys guided trips to fenced runs, with optional enrichment, walks, cuddles, and play sessions.
Cat Boarding
Professional care in a quiet, cat-friendly environment. We specialize in keeping cats happy with playtime, cuddles, and plenty of privacy. All breeds welcome.
About
At Happy Hounds Pet Retreat, we offer more than just boarding — we provide a peaceful, structured retreat where dogs can relax, explore, and feel safe while you’re away.
Nestled on 7 private acres in Midcoast Maine, our facility is set on a quiet property overlooking a private pond and surrounded by wooded trails. With fenced-in play yards, nature walk paths, and plenty of room to breathe, our guests enjoy the perfect balance of outdoor enrichment and indoor comfort.
Inside, pets stay in a fully enclosed, climate-controlled facilities, designed with safety, cleanliness, and comfort as top priorities. We follow structured routines, provide thoughtful enrichment, and offer optional add-on services like nature walks, play sessions, cuddle time, and mini training sessions to meet each pet’s individual needs.
Our team is trained in dog handling and canine body language, allowing us to read stress signals, support nervous dogs, and tailor care to each guest’s comfort level. Whether your dog loves adventure or prefers a calm, predictable routine, we focus on creating an environment where every dog can succeed.
At Happy Hounds, we believe great care comes from clear communication, intentional routines, and genuine respect for each pet as an individual. We’re proud to offer a safe, enriching retreat where pets feel cared for — and where owners can enjoy peace of mind.
Owner/Head Trainer, Megan has been training dogs professionally for the past 8 years and has had great success with dogs of any age or breed. More importantly, she ensures that their humans are educated as well!
Megan has cared for dogs (any/all animals really) her entire life and has fostered and rescued dogs in South Texas for the past decade. She received an opportunity to transition into training as a full time career and hasn't looked back since!
She moved back to New England in 2021 and opened Happy Hounds Dog Training, which was based out of Waldo County, ME. In December 2025, Happy Hounds Dog Training purchased a boarding facility in Hope, ME and grew into Happy Hounds Pet Retreat! Megan is now offering the same level of care, compassion, and safety to dogs & cats in a boarding environment as well as training.
Contact Happy Hounds to get connected with Megan for all of your pet-related needs!
Trainer, Rayahna has been training dogs professionally for the past 3 years. Her journey in the canine industry began long before that. She has had a passion for dogs since she was a child, and began working with dogs when she was just 10 years old. Her love for training began at the same time!
She has mastered the skill of effectively communicating with dogs of all ages. It is her goal to share those skills with others, developing a world where people and pups coexist in harmony instead of frustration.
You'll also see her here at the Retreat taking dogs on Nature Walks or cleaning the runs! She's our right-hand lady in both training and boarding.
She has 3 dogs of her own, fosters dogs often, and loves taking the pups on group adventures - especially hikes!
Customer Reviews
Pamela C.
George completed the advanced boarding training. Since his completion, we can walk anywhere without issues and George obeys his commands! We have taken him to the mall, to stores, and on walks at the park. He stays in heel and no longer barks at other dogs. Megan was great about meeting George and I before training to get a sense of what we needed.
I highly recommend training with Megan!
Dario O.
Receiving daily emails and videos was the highlight of our day during Luna's 2 weeks away. It was great to be able to see adventures she went on and what she was learning. We are very thankful to Megan!
Rynn T.
Our first was our 6 month old Golden Retriever who was WILD when we dropped him off and 2 weeks later, Megan gave me a COMPLETELY different dog! His obedience floors people. Megan is amazing. I LOVE working with her. That's why I called her to get our French Bulldog puppy enrolled too! Both of our dogs are awesome, but with a house full of little kids, I don't have the time or knowledge and I need dogs that are ON POINT with obedience.
I will call Megan for any future dogs we add to our family. She is worth EVERY PENNY!!
Special features
Best Quality
We guarantee your full satisfaction
Family business
A professional, personalized experience
24/7 Support
Our phone support is always available to you
Contact us
Contact Us
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Happy Hounds the best option when choosing a boarding facility in Midcoast, Maine?
Our company provides safety-focused, structured care, professional dog training, and comfortable accommodations tailored to both dogs and cats. Every aspect of our facility is designed around your pet’s comfort, well-being, and peace of mind.
Do you offer long-term boarding for both dogs and cats?
Yes — we offer long-term boarding for both dogs and cats. For extended stays of 21 nights or longer, we provide a discounted rate to make long-term care more affordable. We also offer a multiple pet discount for families boarding more than one pet. Our goal is to provide safe, structured, and comfortable care while making extended stays as stress-free as possible for both pets.
Do you offer training during boarding stays?
Yes — we offer both mini training sessions and full Board & Train programs during boarding stays. You can add short focused training sessions to reinforce manners and skills, or enroll your dog in a structured Board & Train program for more intensive progress while they stay with us.