If this isn't just the cutest little store!! Who doesn't want a red lobster plushie for their fur…read morebaby! We were able to get our dog a new toy here at a reasonable price and the store owner is so friendly; she was chatting with everyone. There were some adorable pups inside and lots of essentials and treats and of course the name made me smile. Definitely stop in here if you're in Bar Harbor with your pup!

We visited with our two dogs and I was so excited to see all of the cookies in the case. We…read moreordered a cookie and a whoopie pie for the dogs. When we arrived back at our airbnb, I wanted to cut the whoopie pie treat in half and split it between the two dogs, but to my dismay, the knife would not go through. I tried another knife with the same result. My husband then tried. The whoopie pie was rock solid. We ended up throwing it away unfortunately. The cookie was fine, but the whoopie pie was $7. Certainly disappointing. The staff was super friendly and gave our dogs treats while we were in the store.

Since 2016, Alan Toothaker was the veterinarian for our sweet, beautiful golden retriever Sophie…read moreduring the months each year that we have spent in Maine. In November 2024, he examined Sophie and drew labs. He told us, "she's fine," "just adjusting to her medications." Without much change in her symptoms until the last hours, she died 2 weeks later as we were finally taking her to an emergency room. On 2/26/26 the Maine Board of Veterinary Medicine disciplined Dr. Toothaker for poor record-keeping and violating practice standards in his care of Sophie, and separately regarding another complaint that alleged he mistreated animals and staff. See Ellsworth American 3/25/26 [https://bit.ly/EA260325_LocalVetDisciplined]. You can read the details of these two cases -- AND THE 4 PREVIOUS ACTIONS -- on the State of Maine web page for his license [https://bit.ly/ToothakerMaineLicensePage]. This includes for my case the specific consent agreement that Dr. Toothaker chose to sign to avoid going to court (administrative hearing). You will also see there that he was still on probation for previous infractions when he treated Sophie. Beyond these state actions, Dr. Toothaker also paid $145,360 to resolve complaints by the DEA (Drug Enforcement Agency) about his mishandling of controlled substances in 2023 [https://bit.ly/DEA_ToothakerFine]. As a (human) doctor, after Sophie died, I requested from Dr. Toothaker's clinic, her complete medical record, and I was appalled. We had brought Sophie in because she had not been eating well, but the medical note said she was "eating and drinking well," the kind of text one has in a default note template that's supposed to be changed in the real note, but he didn't. The lab results had numerous red flags that Dr. Toothaker ignored. When I presented to another veterinarian (without giving away the subsequent events) the data that Dr. Toothaker had before him at Sophie's last visit, and asked whether going with "she's fine" seemed right, that vet said "I would not choose to ride for a few weeks on 'she's fine.' I think you would be better served to go see an internal medicine specialist." We would certainly have taken her to a specialist -- driven that night to Portland if needed -- in line with the extensive medical care we have gotten for her over her life. Unfortunately, Dr. Toothaker did not suggest taking her to a specialist, so we didn't do it, and now Sophie is dead, 3 days after her 9th birthday. She had a complicated medical history which Dr. Toothaker knew about but ignored. Equally worrisome in a different way, namely, his trustworthiness, after he received my complaint from the Board, he reported that he -- oops! -- had failed to include in the "complete medical record" that he had sent me, more complete medical ("SOAP") notes maintained "in a separate module" of his electronic medical record. This conveniently discovered note contains at least one statement that I know to be false, and many others that are highly implausible. My impression, though unproven, is that he fabricated these notes in response to my complaint. Dr. Toothaker still claims that he did not do anything wrong medically, but the veterinary board thinks he did, and so do I. I noted in my complaint that Dr. Toothaker is friendly and affable, but that does not make up for his being cavalier and irresponsible about the actual medical care of animals. Before letting Dr. Toothaker care for your pet, I highly recommend you read his disciplinary actions and look at the medical notes that he has previously written for your pet. Sophie died quietly on the floor of our vehicle. I didn't get to say goodbye to her.

I've taken two of my dogs here and have had excellent service every time …read more EXCEPT FOR ONE ISSUE....I worked at a vet for 10 years and I know what a physical is supposed to involve. Check eyes, ears, mouth, listen to the heart and stomach plus feel their entire bodies for abnormalities. They charge $65 and it says it's for an office visit and physical. When I took my Aussie puppy there I was not pleased that first they don't turn on the exam room lights. The doctor came in with two syringes, jabbed them into her and opened the door for me to leave. He never touched my puppy nor performed any type of physical. He didn't even wear stethoscope. So what am I paying $65 for if I don't even get a physical? I find that very upsetting to charged for something that doesn't happen. I would be 100% satisfied with their hospital if they weren't charging me for something they don't do but state on your receipt that they did.

I am still stunned at the horrible experience I had here yesterday. I applied on Saturday to adopt…read morea particular kitten. They requested a vet name/record from my now deceased previous cat, who was like my son. I treated him like gold and gave him the best life, as anyone who knows me or knew him could tell you. I provided them with the information, which the girl at the front (don't even know her name or title), took. Previous to this phone call, she indicated to me that BECAUSE HE WAS STRICTLY AN INSIDE CAT, it was not as crucial to have constant vet records or shots. I indicated to them very clearly that the times Meatball needed medical care, I brought him in. I also spent a thousand dollars bringing him to the emergency vet in February when he got sick. He had his last rabies shot in April of 2024, which is apparently the big one for them--the rabies shot. I asked her very clearly if she needed anything else before I returned. When I returned, I spent more time with the little cat, who would be given an amazing home here--I have no other pets, no kids, I live alone in a beautiful setting and have all the things a spoiled cat would need for a great life. She then, along with the male whatever he was (unknown title or position), hemmed and hawed and treated me like I was unfit because Meatball (INSIDE CAT ONLY), did not get multiple shots, vaccinations, etc etc. She ultimately said to me "I don't feel comfortable approving your application". I was stunned, hurt and humiliated. I could have given them references of twenty people who could attest that Meatball had a wonderful twelve years with me and was extremely happy and healthy until the very end. These people DO NOT CARE about the type of person adopting, the environment the pet will be in or anything else. THE ONLY THING they care about is checking some boxes on how many shots or vet visits a cat had over the course of his life. Perhaps they would like to come see Meatball's shrine, or his grave and memorial, or the thousands of photos and good times we had together? See all that and THEN tell me I am unfit to own a cat. The man straight out lied to my best friend who called, telling him I couldn't provide vet records, when I very obviously did. He even said "I don't even really know what is going on here", but he felt the need to pitch in and somehow make the decision that I would not be approved. I don't even know who these people were. There was no manager or director around. So be aware that when you go in to adopt--they will likely deny you if you are intelligent, loving, have a proven track record of pet owning and have a huge heart. Good luck. These people aren't in the business of providing wonderful homes to animals. They are in the business of checking boxes and looking nowhere beyond that.

This Adoption center is amazing! We had such a great experience with them even though we ended up…read morenot adopting a pup because of compatibility with our senior dog. They were so accommodating, patient, professional and helpful. They allowed us to take a pup home for a "sleepover" to see if he was compatible over time with our senior dog. The pup was so amazing, but was too high energy for our senior dog and very sadly we had to bring him back. The pup was greeted with so much love when we brought him back that we know that he was not "traumatized" or saddened or discouraged by our inability to adopt him. We will be going back to them once we are ready to adopt another dog! Thank you PAWS Staff!

My friend is finally ready to adopt again, so we went to this shelter, as we live nearby. The woman…read moreat the desk was appallingly rude, and frankly, ruined our day. Shame on her for for discouraging a wonderful dog person, and for depriving the dogs of a potential forever loving home.

This animal orphanage is not a safe and clean environment for animals. Animals are kept in dirty,…read moreimproper cages and sit in their feces. The building is unkept and dirty. When we brought this to their attention. They admitted and agreed that the conditions were not safe. I am highly concerned with the health and safety of the animals in their care.

Contrary to their own policy, they DO NOT try to connect pets to their owners. My indoor cat…read moreescaped twice, the first time he was gone for 2 weeks, i called and alerted them my cat was missing. Someone dropped him off 2 days later and i was charged for the full 2 weeks. The 2nd time he was removed from the side walk out front of my house, they tried charging me to pick him up! Horribly run, poor attitudes will NEVER adopt from them.

2 weeks ago adopted minott 1 1/2year old cat, he has settled in, some challenge with just high,but…read moregetting better likes us to get up at 3:30 am and play, but love him, renamed him to Buddy LINDA

I've had an excellent experience working with BHS. I had never owned a dog before, and decided to…read moresign up to foster at BHS just to see if I liked it. They gave me everything I needed to take care of my dog (crate, blanket, toys, leash, food, etc.), and are excellent at providing her shots, medical care, everything. Gabby at the foster program has been diligent about keeping me up to date on my dog's needs and has been so patient with all my anxieties, like when I cut her nails too short!! They are always available to provide help and support, their facilities are clean and nice, and everyone I met has been so knowledgable and helpful. These are hardworking people trying their best and I would definitely recommend their foster program to people hesitant about being pet owners or who want to give back in some way.

We want by to day looking for a dog! and they had lots of dog but mostly cat! Nice people, somewhat…read moreclean and helpful!

My first experience at a animal shelter was here. I have 36 acres and a beautiful house with 3…read moreother cat's, but apparently thats not enough. So much love to give and so many animals out there that need it. Thanks for the discouragement.