Our Tail

Owners and their dogs on the porch of their dog-friendly Vermont Inn

The Inspiration Behind
The Paw House Inn

It all started back in 2001 when the frustration we encountered in our own travels inspired us to design a dog-friendly vacation destination entirely for dog lovers. So we left our jobs in New York City, packed up our two goofy labs, disregarded everyone's warnings, and created a one of a kind place - a ‘dog-centric’ Vermont getaway with all of the comforts of home, including your dog.

Since 2001 we have had the privilege of welcoming many thousands of dogs and their companion humans into our lives. We invite you to become part of our pack by visiting us soon.

Paws truly,
MItch and Jen
Founders of The Paw House Inn

From as early as we both can remember, dogs were members of our family. Here’s Mitch’s first puppy in 1973, a cocker spaniel named Dusty.

Owner at a young age standing beside his cocker spaniel.
Owner at a young age sitting on the floor with her golden retriever dog lying beside her, both facing the camera, in a cozy living room with a pumpkin on the floor behind them.

Jen with Maggie - her childhood golden retriever who loved to cause trouble!

Owners' wedding ceremony outdoors, surrounded by guests, under a floral arch, at their dog friendly Vermont inn

When we were married in 2003 in the backyard of our inn, our dogs walked us down the aisle! Shakes was the ring bearer…

Golden retriever wearing fall-themed flower necklace and lying on grass

Brooklyn was our flower girl…

Owners of a dog-friendly Vermont inn dancing at their wedding reception, with a black dog nearby on the dance floor.

Mario joined us for our first dance as husband and wife.…

Oldie but goodie! In 2006 When the Paw House Inn was featured on CNN with Anderson Cooper

Dogs of The Paw House Inn

Two dogs, a yellow Labrador Retriever and a black Labrador, lying on grass in front of a damaged fence in a backyard.

2001: Mario and Shakespeare pictured here in Central Park in 1999 were the loves of our lives and our inspiration behind The Paw House Inn.

A black dog wearing a Superman costume with a red cape and a blue suit with the 'S' emblem, sitting on grass with fallen leaves.

Mario D. Dogg (a.k.a. Super Mario) was the ambassador who loved everyone.

A dog sitting on a wooden floor holding a tennis ball in its mouth.

Shakespeare was the entertainer. Obsessive about two things…tennis balls and Mitch.

A happy dog standing among colorful autumn leaves.
A happy dog standing among colorful autumn leaves.
A golden retriever dog sitting on a rock with a mountain and snow patches in the background.

And here is Stanley with his signature smile. Our brilliant, funny, handsome, rugged, and most adorable terrier who won the hearts of everyone he met.

In the winter of 2002 we were blessed with the arrival of a cute and crazy golden named Brooklyn. Fun-loving, adventuresome, and stinky, Brooklyn became our golden girl. Pictured here in 2016, Brooklyn celebrated her 15th birthday by summiting Pico! #foreverapuppy. We love you Brooklyn!

Close-up of a small dog with one ear up and one ear down, looking directly at the camera against a yellow and gray background.

In 2015, without our knowledge, our eight year son Kyle arranged for the adoption of a charming wrinkly creature from the streets of Costa Rica. And so, into our lives appeared Koko - a hilarious girl who has won our hearts. A little bit shy and a lot bit cute, Koko is always up for a good time!

A happy black dog with brown eyes and a pink tongue sticking out, walking among fallen autumn leaves.
A happy black dog with brown eyes and a pink tongue sticking out, walking among fallen autumn leaves.

In March 2021 a one dog comedy troupe named Diggins made his grand entrance into Paw House lore. To the delight of many, our fun loving, cookie munching ‘Bascotti’ (Basset hound/Scotty mix) performs his routine daily at the inn.

Meet Our Pack

We are proud and fortunate to be surrounded by our hard working team of devoted humans who love your dogs as if they were their own. It is because of these incredible people that The Paw House Inn is among the most welcoming dog friendly properties anywhere in the world. Please take a moment to thank them while you are visiting!

A woman is kneeling outdoors on a snowy deck, smiling, with two dogs, one on each side. The woman is holding a dog in her arms. An American flag is in the background.

Meet Christy!

Greetings From Vermont! My name is Christy Moore and I have been in the animal care field for over 13 years in Connecticut.

Prior to joining the Paw House Pack I managed a small animal shelter and worked as a veterinary technician in general practice and oncology.

Vermont has always been like home for me. I am so eager to share my part of the state with our travelers and furry friends!

An elderly man and a dog sharing a kiss outside in a snow-covered yard, with houses and trees in the background.

Say Hello to Jeff!

There is simply nobody in the world who can evoke a smile faster than Jeff.

In the spring of 2022 Jeff was looking for his ‘retirement job’ and instead has found a fur-ever home here at The Paw House. Thoughtful, kind, very goofy, and a man of many talents, Jeff is also known by all dogs as the cookie man! He embodies everything that makes our days so special.

A woman wearing sunglasses, a black headband, and a gray sweatshirt with 'Old Orchard Beach' on it, smiling in the snow, with two dogs, one black with gray on its face, and a black and gray hound, posing outside on a snowy day.

Introducing Emma!

Emma takes great pride in everything she does. From housekeeping to serving breakfast to playing with your dogs.

“I love working at the Paw House Inn because it’s a very positive place! I love being able to spend time with the dogs in the play yard!”

Our Historic Inn

As the old timers here in Vermont tell it, our inn was built in 1786 by Elijah Smith, the grandson of Captain John Smith. Through the years the owners of this magnificent farmhouse have maintained much of the original treasures while adding beautiful and special touches of their own. The slideshow below tells the story of a historic Vermont home that has been filled with adventure, ingenuity, and…love of dogs for almost 250 years.