Green Acres Kennel Shop > About Us > Press Releases

Green Acres Kennel Shop Is Celebrating its 50th Anniversary in Business

2026

Green Acres Kennel Shop–Recognized as One of the Top 10 Kennels and Dog Trainers in New England in 2025-FINAL-2025-12-29 (2)

2024

Healthy Hounds Weight Management Club Started by Green Acres Kennel Shop and ForceFreePets-2024-06-04

2023

Green Acres Kennel Shop The Best for the 23rd Year-2024-07-10

Green Acres Top 10 Best Kennels Best Dog Trainers in New England for 2021-FINAL-3JAN23

People Select Green Acres Kennel Shop As Regions Best Kennel for 22 Years Running-2023-07-15

2022

Veteran Maine Pet Professional Takes A Stand on Ethical and Humane Training Methods by Changing and Upgrading Credentials (15JUN22)

Green Acres Kennel Shop Accepted As An Organizational Member of Pet Industry Advocacy International (PIAI) (3MAY22)

Green Acres Kennel Shop Rated Among the Top 10 Best Kennels and Top 10 Best Dog Trainers in Best Businesses of America’s 22nd annual Best of New England ratings for 2021 (3JAN22)

2020

Green Acres Announces 13th Annual Fundraiser for the Eastern Area Agency on Aging Furry Friends Food Bank (30NOV20)

Green Acres Kennel Shop Launches Online Puppy Headstart Classes (05MAY20)

Green Acres Kennel Shop Rated Among the Top 10 Best Kennels and Top 20 Best Dog Trainers in Best Businesses of America’s 20th annual Best of New England ratings for 2019 (20JAN20)

2019

Don Hanson Appointed to the Pet Professional Guild Steering Committee (18NOV19)

Green Acres Kennel Shop Staff Accredited as Certified Professional Dog Trainers (14NOV19)

Halloween – Keep Your Pets Safe & Content (15OCT19)

Green Acres Welcomes New Operations Manager and Certified Pet Groomer (14AUG19)

Green Acres Voted the Regions Best Kennel, Best Pet Store, Best Dog Trainer & Best Pet Groomer (24JUL19)

Green Acres Kennel Shop Raises $6000 for the Eastern Area Agency on Aging Furry Friends Food Bank (18JAN19)

Green Acres Kennel Shop Rated in the Top 10 Best Kennels and Top 25 Best Dog Trainers in Best Businesses of America’s 19th annual Best of New England ratings for 2018 (3JAN19)

2018

Green Acres 11th Annual Fundraiser for the Eastern Area Agency on Aging Furry Friends Food Bank Needs Your Help (18DEC18)

Green Acres Hanson to Offer Three FREE Seminars in November (20OCT18)

Halloween Tips for Pets and Their People (15OCT18)

Green Acres Kennel Shop Customer Appreciation Sale and FREE Seminars October 6th thru October 13th (3OCT18)

Pet Professional Guild Appoints Don Hanson, Local Certified Professional Dog Trainer and Certified Dog Behavior Consultant as Regional Coordinator for the Shock-Free Coalition (12AUG18)

Green Acres Voted the Regions Best Kennel, Best Pet Store, Best Dog Trainer & Best Pet Groomer (12JUL18)

Green Acres Welcomes Taylor Bean, Their New Professional Pet Stylist (12JUL18)

Keep Your Dog Safe on the 4th of July!, Act Today, Don’t Wait Until the 4th! (20JUN18)

FREE Educational Events at Green Acres Kennel Shop in June (24MAY18)

FREE Educational Events at Green Acres Kennel Shop in May (28APR18)

FREE Events at Green Acres Kennel Shop in March (5MAR18)

Green Acres to Host Free Educational Seminars for Pet Parents in March (13FEB18)

Green Acres Kennel Shop Raises $8172.52 for the Eastern Area Agency on Aging Furry Friends Food Bank (18JAN18)

Green Acres Kennel Shop Rated in the Top 10 Best Kennels and Top 30 Best Dog Trainers in Best Businesses of America’s 18th annual Best of New England ratings (18JAN18)

2017

Green Acres Announces 10th Annual Fundraiser for the Eastern Area Agency on Aging Furry Friends Food Bank (4DEC17)

Halloween Tips for Pets and Their People (15OCT17)

Green Acres Kennel Shop Joins the Shock-Free Coalition (25SEP17)

Green Acres Voted the Regions Best Kennel, Best Pet Store, Best Dog Trainer & Best Pet Groomer (19JUL17)

Green Acres to Host Free Screenings of the Documentary Pet Fooled: A Look Inside A Questionable Industry by Kohl Harrington (11MAY17)

Lois Dimitre, Green Acres Lead Dog Training Instructor, Earns KPA CTP and CPDT-KA Designations (14APR17)

Green Acres Kennel Shop Has Become A Pet Professional Guild Project Trade Partner (8JAN17)

2016

Green Acres Announces 9th Annual Fundraiser for the Eastern Area Agency on Aging Furry Friends Food Bank (21NOV16)

Halloween Tips for Pets and Their People (25OCT16)

Green Acres Kennel Shop to Host Pet Nutrition Seminar on Friday, October 28th (4OCT16)

Green Acres Kennel Shop to Host Holistic Wellness Day for Pets on October, 29th as a Fundraiser for the Green Gem Healing Oasis (2OCT16)

Kate Dutra Recertified As Professional Dog Trainer (15AUG16)

Green Acres Voted the Regions Best Kennel, Best Pet Store, Best Dog Trainer & Best Pet Groomer (20JUL16)

The Woof Meow Show Has a New Time Slot, 9 AM on Saturdays Starting July 2nd9 AM on Saturdays Starting July 2nd (27JUN16)

Green Acres Kennel Shop Announces New Customer Rewards Program (16MAY16)

Green Acres Kennel Shop Pet Care Technicians Complete PPG Pet First Aid Certification (17FEB16)

The Woof Meow Show Has a New Home at The Pulse AM620, WZON and WKIT HD3 (31JAN16)

Green Acres Raises $7398 for EAAA Furry Friends Food Bank (20JAN16)

2015

Green Acres Announces 8th Annual Fundraiser for the Eastern Area Agency on Aging Furry Friends Food Bank (24NOV15)

Green Acres Kennel Shop Is Celebrating its 50th Anniversary in Business (4OCT15)

Green Acres Voted Regions Best Kennel, Best Pet Store, Best Dog Trainer & Best Pet Groomer (9AUG15)

Keep Your Dog Safe! More dogs are lost on the 4th of July than any day of the year! (23JUN15)

Green Acres’ Don Hanson Qualifies for Membership in the Pet Professional Guild (18JAN15)

Green Acres Raises $6347 for the Eastern Area Agency on Aging Furry Friends Food Bank (4JAN15)

2014

Green Acres Increases Goal for fundraiser for the Eastern Area Agency on Aging Furry Friends Food Bank (14DEC14)

Green Acres Announces Annual Fundraiser for the Eastern Area Agency on Aging Furry Friends Food Bank (23NOV14)

Green Acres Trainers Attend National Conference—Hanson Recognized As APDT Dr. Ian Dunbar Member of the Year (9NOV14)

Hanson Completes Course on Canine Social and Psychological Development with Honors (5OCT14)

Dutra and Harmon Attend Seminar on Group Dog Play (21SEP14)

Harmon Promoted to Kennel Supervisor (21SEP14)

Green Acres Kennel Shop Presents $3187 to BARKK To End The Silence (20AUG14)

Green Acres Voted Regions Best Kennel, Best Pet Store, Best Dog Trainer & Best Pet Groomer (5AUG14)

Green Acres Raises Goal for June Fundraising Effort for BARKK To End The Silence (9JUN14)

Green Acres Announces June Fundraising Effort for BARKK To End The Silence (2JUN14)

Green Acres Kennel Shop Offers FREE Dog Bite Prevention Seminar (3MAY14)

Green Acres Launches a Contest for an Illustration of the Mythical Poop Fairy (15APR14)

Green Acres Hosts Pet CPR and First Aid Seminar on May 31st (9APR14)

Green Acres Kennel Shop Announces Contest to Raise Awareness for Five Pet Related Non-Profits (16MAR14)

Don Hanson Recertified As Professional Dog Trainer (23FEB14)

Green Acres Hosts Pet CPR and First Aid Seminar on March 15th (14FEB14)

The Woof Meow Show Updates Website (26JAN14)

Green Acres and Clients Raise $2,387 for Furry Friends Food Bank (24JAN14)

2013

Green Acres Announces Fundraising Effort for the Eastern Area Agency on Aging Furry Friends Food Bank (16NOV13)

Green Acres Kennel Shop Raises $2,505 for The Rabies Challenge Fund (13OCT13)

Hanson Completes Professional Animal Training Seminar at Chicago’s John G. Shedd Aquarium (12SEP13)

Green Acres Kennel Shop Announces Fundraising Effort for The Rabies Challenge Fund (2SEP13)

Green Acres Voted Regions Best Kennel, Best Pet Store, Best Dog Trainer & Best Pet Groomer (16AUG13)

Dog Body Language and the Dog Park – FREE Seminar on August 3rd (16JUL13)

Green Acres Kennel Shop Declares May Dog Bite Prevention Month (23APR13)

Gwyn Mattingly Earns Professional Dog Trainer Certification (16APR13)

Green Acres Kennel Shop Now Offers Doggone Safe’s Be A Tree Dog Bite Prevention Program (26MAR13)

Green Acres to Host Screening of the Documentary; Tough Love: A Meditation on Dominance and Dogs on March 9th (19FEB13)

Woof Meow Show Now Available as Podcast and on Apple iTunes (1FEB13)

Green Acres to Host Screening of the Documentary Tough Love: A Meditation on Dominance and Dogs on February 9th (14JAN13)

2012

Green Acres Announces Plans for APDT National Train Your Dog Month (22DEC12)

Green Acres Kennel Shop Announces Dog Training Class Schedule for 2013 (6DEC12)

Green Acres and Clients Raise $3,345 for Furry Friends Food Bank (1DEC12)

Hanson and Dutra Attend Boarding and Daycare Conference (20NOV12)

Green Acres Meets Fundraising Goal for the Furry Friends Food Bank and with 15 Days Left Raises Goal by $500 (15NOV12)

Hanson Attends International Dog Training Conference in Cincinnati (10NOV12)

Green Acres Announces Fundraising Effort for the Eastern Area Agency on Aging Furry Friends Food Bank (3OCT12)

Green Acres Voted Regions Best Kennel, Best Pet Store and Best Dog Trainer (28AUG12)

Dog Trainer Kate Dutra Certified by New Program to Promote Training and Increase Public Access for Dogs (4MAY12)

Hanson Attends International Animal Behavior Conference (29APR12)

Green Acres Hosts Open House to Introduce New Groomers and Expanded Sunday Hours (17APR12)

Green Acres to Host FREE Seminar on Pet Nutrition on March 31st (22MAR12)

Green Acres Hires New Groomers and Expands Sunday Hours (7MAR12)

Green Acres to Host FREE Seminar on Pet Nutrition (12JAN12)

Hanson Reelected Chair of International Dog Training Association (6JAN12)

Green Acres Hosts Free Body Language Seminar January 14th (3JAN12)

Green Acres Hosts Pet First Aid & CPR Seminar January 14th (1JAN12)

2011

Green Acres Annouces Participation in APDT National Train Your Dog Month (28DEC11)

Hanson Attends International Dog Training Conference in San Diego (27DEC11)

Green Acres Hosts FREE Bach Flower Remedy Seminar January 7th, 2012 at 1PM (27DEC11)

Erin Bessey Certified As Professional Dog Trainer (9NOV11)

Green Acres to Host FREE Seminar on Pet and Human Health and Nutrition (27OCT11)

Holiday Pet Portraits with Debra Bell at Green Acres on Sunday, November 6th (27OCT11)

Green Acres Hosts Pet First Aid Seminar October 15th (4OCT11)

Green Acres Kennel Shop Voted Best Kennel, Best Pet Store and Best Dog Trainer (26AUG11)

Green Acres Hosts Pet First Aid Seminar October 15th (19AUG11)

Hanson Elected Chair of Association of Pet Dog Trainers Board of Trustees (10AUG11)

Hanson Attends Bach Continuing Professional Development Conference (16JUN11)

Green Acres Announces Pet Photography and Children’s Artwork Contest (14JUN11)

Ruggiero Recertified as Professional Dog Trainer (1JUN11)

Free Seminar Promoting Communication with Dogs Through Body Language (16APR11)

Allen, Dutra and Hanson Attend International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants Conference (8APR11)

Hanson Elected Vice President of Association of Pet Dog Trainers Board of Directors (3JAN11)

2010

Hanson Attends International Dog Training Conference in Atlanta (6NOV10)

Hanson Recertified as Professional Dog Trainer (6SEP10)

Green Acres Announces Position Statement on the Use of Dominance and Punishment with Dogs (21AUG10)

Kate Dutra Recertified as Professional Dog Trainer (1JUN10)

Green Acres Announces TDI Therapy Dog Tests for May and June (4MAY10)

2009

Holiday Pet Portraits at Green Acres on November 8, 2009 (21OCT09)

Green Acres Voted Region’s Best Kennel, Best Pet Store and One of Top 40 Kennels in New England (15AUG09)

Green Acres Now Offers NutriSource Family of Pet Foods (14JUL09)

Green Acres Trainers Attend Seminar on Canine Aggression (9JUL09)

Green Acres Schedules TDI Therapy Dog Test (20JUN09)

Green Acres Launches a Blog (11APR09)

Green Acres Kennel Shop Staff Completes Training (21MAR09)

Hilary Woodard Earns Certification as Pet Care Technician (18FEB09)

2008

Elizabeth Lutz Earns Certification as Pet Care Technician (12DEC08)

Angela Allen Earns Certification as Professional Pet Dog Trainer (17NOV08)

Rachael Bridges Earns Certification as Pet Care Technician 23OCT08

Becky Ruggiero Recertified as Professional Pet Dog Trainer (27AUG08)

Green Acres Voted the Regions Best Kennel and Best Pet Store (13AUG08)

Green Acres Announces 11th Annual Pet Appreciation Day 7 AUG08

Training Staff Attends Seminar on the Myths of Dominance and “Whispering” 7AUG08

McLeod Earns PCSA Advanced Certification and Begins Grooming 2JUL08

Hanson Featured Speaker for Two National Dog Groups (5MAY08)

Mathies Earns Certification – Dutra, Ruggiero and Hanson Attend Conference (5MAY08)

Green Acres’ McDonald, Haskell and Hanson Earn Certification (15JAN08)

Joel Mahaffey Earns Pet Dog Trainer Certification (11JAN08)

2007

Green Acres Announces New Format for Puppy Classes (14DEC07)

Therapy Dog Tests Scheduled (1OCT07)

Green Acres Announces 10th Annual Pet Appreciation Day (23SEP07)

Green Acres Launches “Don’t Let Your Walk Be A Drag” Campaign 17SEP07

Green Acres Voted Best Kennel and Best Pet Store (31JUL07)

Hanson & Dutra Attend Aggression Seminar (23JUL07)

Green Acres Hosts Joel Walton Puppy Training Seminar (16JUL07)

Christie Mahaffey Earns Pet Dog Trainer Certification (27JUN07)

Green Acres Receives ABKA VFA Accreditation (11JUN07)

Green Acres’ Daycare and Training Staff Attend “How to Talk Dog” Seminar (9JUN07)

Hanson Completes 12 Days of Continuing Education (25APR07)

Green Acres to Host TDI Therapy Dog Test on May 19, 2007 (18APR07)

Kate Dutra Earns Pet Dog Trainer Certification (11APR07)

Hanson Elected President of APDT (3FEB07)

2006

Hanson Attends National Dog Training Conference (5OCT06)

Bach Flowers for Pets Seminar in Yarmouth, ME on 11NOV (25SEP06)

Green Acres Announces Annual Pet Appreciation Day (25SEP06)

Green Acres Voted the Bangor Regions Best Kennel (25AUG06)

Pet Nutrition Seminar Announced for June 7th (12MAY06)

Hanson Attends Animal Behavior Conference in UK (6APR06)

Dutra & Hanson Attend Veterinary Behavior Seminar (13MAR06)

Tikken Celebrates Nine Years at Green Acres (10MAR06)

Pet Nutrition Seminar March 11th, 2006 (10FEB06)

Hanson & Morrison Complete Level II Pet Care Technician Certification (10FEB06)

Hanson Credentialed as Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (2JAN06)

2005

Hanson Elected VP of APDT (21DEC05)

Erin Colpitt Certified as Pet Care Technician (9NOV05)

Green Acres Kennel Shop Is Celebrating its 50^th Anniversary in Business

High Praise From Our Clients

This is what our clients say about us.

Ellen

While we are not going anywhere in the foreseeable future - and who knows when it will be safe to fly again? - I want to say again and again, Nhattie had the absolutely BEST time with you this past visit. She came home and really let us know that she’d been loved, cared for, attended to and was totally HAPPY!!

Jane Blay

I wanted to let you know how beautiful my Riley looked after she was groomed by Peggy. Riley and I have had a rough few months due to injuries and Riley's coat really needed some help. I picked up a clean, fluffy Husky who I am sure feels so much more comfortable :) thanks!

Kate Watts

We had a wonderful experience training at Green Acres. Based on compassion, kindness and positive reinforcement, my beloved Enzo and I learned better communication. Stellar trainers and excellent advice throughout our class. I look forward to Level 2 beginning soon!! Thank you to Don, Christina and Ashley!!

Donna and Cary

Thank you, Lindsay and Christina for a great experience with Max! It has been so good for him and we are excited to continue to work with him. He loves the keep away game with his prize gekko ????. Thanks again ~ Donna and Cary

Hannah

I couldn’t speak more highly about this shop. I’ve taken both of my dogs here for training and the experience has been stellar every time. Not only has the training helped my dogs, the information and skills I’ve gained as a dog owner have helped me develop a positive relationship with my dogs and cats and has given me more confidence in my interactions with other dogs. The staff at Green Acres are so kind and genuinely care about the customers and animals that come through their door. I will carry the lessons and positivity I’ve learned from the trainers and staff here with me for the rest of my life and into every interaction I have with animals.

Audrey & Ken

We wouldn’t board anywhere else… our pets receive the best care… and always excited when they realize where we are going! Thank you for sharing your love with them.

Justine

Yes! Your training programs have helped so much during Yogi’s puppyhood and now adolescence. We are reminded we need to be patient and proactive, as we are planning to delay his neutering for health reasons, and he has a lot of hormonal shifts happening. But since we work with him closely, it is manageable! He’s the best boy. Thanks for all the help.

Eric

My dog Olaf loves this place!

Andrius

Super friendly and knowledgeable staff, they’re even open on Sundays for a few hours in the afternoon! We highly recommend them and our basset and beagle agree.

Janelle & Batman

My name is Batman the Black Lab and I am 14 years old. I am a “sugar face” now but I am healthy and shiny and still have a lot of pep in my step! My mom says I have been a Green Acres customer for at least seven years.
The knowledgeable staff has helped with my diet - I have food allergies and used to get ear infections, but with the high quality foods available at Green Acres we have my allergies under control and I no longer have problems. And you have great toys and treats too! I got squeaky tennis balls for my birthday. And I get bully sticks and pig snouts and salmon skins - yummy!
I love Doggie Daycare and also overnight stays when mom has to go away. It’s like a little vacation for me and I have fun with all my friends there at Green Acres.
I recommend Green Acres to all my dog friends.
Thank you for being there!
Batman the Black Lab

Peg & Dick

For all the wonderful folks at Green Acres: Green Acres has been our choice for over 20 years for our dogs’ classes, daycare, boarding and supplies. Everything you do is done professionally with care and concern for the personalities and needs of each pet – and for your human clients too. Our Lily has considered daycare day the highlight of her week for much of her life, and we can never thank you enough for all the love and fun – and peanut butter Kongs – she has had. It’s a pleasure for all of us to do business with you.

Lilian

Don and the team at GAKS are very knowledgeable about dog nutrition, grooming, behavior and development. We look to them for advice often. Our Maggie Gracie loves her GAKS people and toys!

Trudy

My dog Vishnu recently died. During the course of her long and sometimes difficult life, the only place she ever boarded was at Green Acres, and they always treated her wonderfully, even giving her her insulin shots. I will continue to use Green Acres going forward with my cats. The staff is wonderful – and thank you so much Don Hanson and everyone for the wonderful sympathy card I received this week.

Brenda

My family and I have taken all of our pets to Green Acres Kennel Shop since they opened. We’ve used them for training 3 dogs, boarding both cats and dogs as well as pet supplies. When we had major changes in life that upset our pets, we’ve had help from Don Hanson with Bach Flower remedies too. There is no better place for all your pets needs.

Kylie

Millie started at daycare there last year and they take such good care of her.

Jean

Miss Brenda and Green Acres Kennel came into my little puppies life the first time I walked into the kennel. Brenda made us both feel so welcome. She made me feel like she loved my pussy as her own. Then Idgie took training classes with Mr. Don. He continued to teach us about our puppy. Idgie continued classes with Miss Cristina. Cristina taught us and Idgie evcn more. I have always felt like all the staff has loved my puppy.

Amy

Nattycakes started at doggie daycare when her Momma (me) was trying to work from home during the pandemic. After calling three or four local daycares that said they couldn’t take her as soon as they heard, she was a mixed Pitt breed, we were lucky enough to find Green Acres. No judgment, no fear, no pain. Lots and lots and lots of LOVE.

Jean & Hanji

We took the puppy training course before we got our puppy, two obedience courses, and the puppy play time. Green Acres was indispensable in training not only our dog, but us too! The staff is loving, caring, and very helpful. Love from Hanji’s family.

Erin

We discovered Green Acres back in 2008 when we moved here from out of state and were looking for a store who sold the dog food we had been using. Not only do they sell the best quality dog and cat food, they are extremely knowledgeable in helping you find the best food for your pet. We also buy our cat food there. Around when the pandemic started, we adopted a puppy. She is selective in who she wants to be friends with, and we had tried two other daycares and their lack of structure and free range with how the dogs played didn’t work out for our pup. I reached out to Green Acres to inquire about daycare and boarding and they were so welcoming for our dog. She loves going there and they match her up to play with dogs she gets along with. Due to her past before we adopted her, she also doesn’t like us to trim her nails and takes a bit to trust people. The groomer at Green Acres is amazing and says our dog does ok when she trims her nails. I have seen them work with other dogs who might not enjoy grooming or having nails trimmed and they work with the dog to get it done and the dogs don’t seem to mind. They also are such experts on working with all dogs of different temperaments. I never have questioned their care and it’s so nice dropping off your pet knowing they will receive loving, quality care. All the employees are so wonderful and you can tell they truly care about your pet. I don’t know what we would do without Green Acres for their many different services they provide, we are so fortunate to have them. Thank you all!!!! I also forgot to mention they have the most amazing rewards program!!!! The amount of money that saves us and feeling appreciated as a customer is the best.

Nicole

I got to say listen to your dog and it’s all about your dog’s comfort. We have tried other places and she didn’t really like them that much. She actually walks into this place wagging her tail – these people make the atmosphere loving and caring and make her feel comfortable.

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