Remembering The Kennel Shop: Augusta, Maine’s Beloved Pet Store of the Past

Does anyone else remember The Kennel Shop, the old pet store that used to be in Augusta?

For many locals, it was the spot to pick up fish, mice, and even the occasional pet rat. Right as you walked through the doors, you’d be greeted by a talking parrot that was always chatty.

Talk about a blast from the past.

Do You Remember The Kennel Shop in Augusta, Maine?

Before big-name chains like PetSmart, PetCo, and Pet Quarters arrived, The Kennel Shop was where every young animal lover in town begged their parents to stop after school or on the weekend.

It wasn’t just a store; it was a piece of local childhood.

Many of us still remember seeing The Kennel Shop logo on our T-ball or recreational basketball shirts, a quiet reminder of how deeply it was woven into community life.

Matt James shared that his family bought him a white mouse with red eyes there, along with his hamster, Gibbles. I also picked up my own small pets there: a hamster, a few mice, and even a pet rat named Cheddar. (Yes, a rat! My parents clearly couldn’t say no.)

What Are Some Other Long-Gone Augusta, Maine, Businesses?

Reminiscing about The Kennel Shop often sparks memories of other beloved Augusta businesses that have since disappeared.

When we asked Facebook, the responses came pouring in: Bonanza, Kmart, Fashion Bug, and Olympia Sports were some of the first to be mentioned. Others fondly recalled Ames, a department store much like Kmart, and Service Merchandise, the ever-popular catalog showroom.

READ MORE: 10 Stores Mainers Loved That Don't Exist Anymore

While times and storefronts have changed, it’s clear that places like The Kennel Shop left a lasting impression on the people who grew up here. They were more than just stores; they were community touchstones that shaped our memories of Augusta’s past.

What long-gone Augusta business do you remember most fondly?