Downeast Dog News has come out with its “Best of the Best” for 2015, where readers vote for the best pet-related places in all of Maine.

Through paper ballots and online, voters choose the best trainer, veterinarian, daycare, groomer, pet product, pet store, rescue and lodging throughout all of Maine. Out of these eight categories, half of the winners are from the Boothbay region.

Best lodging went to Flagship Inn in Boothbay Harbor, which has accepted pets for a long time.

“We won last year as well, and try to cater to people with pets as much as possible,” said manager Aaron Blake. “People are usually just happy to find a hotel that takes pets, but here in our pet rooms there is a water bowl, toys and treats.”

The Flagship not only welcomes dogs, but has never turned a cat away. According to Blake, they've never had to deal with a small animal like a guinea pig, but since they tend to stay in their cage it probably wouldn't be an issue.

“People appreciate being able to bring their pet and having them be welcome,” Blake said.

Best veterinarian went to Boothbay Animal Hospital.

“It's very cool we got this award,” Dr. Dean Domeyer said. “We had no idea, they contacted us out of the blue and the whole staff is flattered and really happy.”

“We've always prided ourselves on being here for the animals and their families. It sometimes seems like chaos in here, but we will always be here to answer questions and the animals always come first. We care for every animal as if they were our own,” Domeyer said.

Best pet store went, for the third year in a row since it opened, to Two Salty Dogs in Boothbay Harbor.

“We really appreciate our customers and their support,” owner Don Kingsbury said. “We're grateful they share our philosophy of healthy food, treats, and toys and take the time to cast a ballot for us as Best Pet Store in Maine.”

The Kingsburys now have a total of four black labs: Coal, Max, Auggie and Buddy. At least one, and usually more, of them can be found at the show ready and willing for attention and/or treats.

Best rescue/shelter went to Lincoln County Animal Shelter in Edgecomb.

“We were very excited and enormously grateful,” said interim Executive Director of LCAS Mary Fifield. “It's such an honor and a testament to the happiness people feel when they come to adopt.”

According to Fifield, the shelter has striven to find loving, permanent homes for animals since 1959. In that time, she estimates tens of thousands of animals have found homes through the shelter.

“We are continuing to improve every day,” Fifield said. “We are like a furry extended family.”

Non-local winners included best trainer: Sara Sokol, Mr. Dog Training in West Bath; best pet product, Mutt Nose Best in Bangor; best groomer, Northern Lights Grooming in Holden; and best daycare/boarding Renaissance Dogs in Holden.