Events
FREE: Training and Enrichment Tips with Jocelyn Strassel, MS, CVT, CDBC
Join VRCCE’s Applied Animal Behaviorist Jocelyn Strassel, MS, CVT, CDBC for an informative and entertaining talk packed with practical training strategies and creative enrichment activities you can use right away. Learn how to improve behavior, prevent common behavior challenges, and keep your dog mentally and emotionally fulfilled through every life stage.
You can expect science-backed advice and real-life examples that will be easy to implement for both first-time dog owners, as well as seasoned handlers. Come curious, leave empowered, and get ready to enjoy life with your dog even more! Call 207-799-6952 to reserve your spot or clink our bio link to register online here: https://forms.gle/rHugw2M6fLyr9k3N7
Rewards-Based Basic Obedience Class
Join us for a fun, training class where you will learn how to effectively train your dog in a supportive small group setting. You and your dog will work as a team to learn essential behaviors like sit, down, stay, come, “leave it,” “place” (long down/stay on a mat), and polite leash walking. Expect a bonding opportunity for you & your dog with lots of laughs, wags, and practical skills you’ll use every day! This class is open to dogs over 6 months, including those entering adolescence, new to your family, or just in need of a refresher on the basics. Dogs must be comfortable working around other dogs and meeting new people in a class setting.
Please call us at 207-799-6952 to hold your spot at 207 Ocean House Rd. In Cape Elizabeth, ME.
*To keep everyone safe, all dogs need to be up to date on their rabies, distemper & bordetella vaccines, with a negative fecal test to enroll.
Rewards-Based Basic Obedience Class
Join us for a fun, rewards-based training class where you will learn how to effectively train your dog in a supportive small group setting. You and your dog will work as a team to learn essential behaviors like sit, down, stay, come, “leave it,” “place” (long down/stay on a mat), and polite leash walking. Our class is taught by our Applied Animal Behaviorist, Jocelyn Strasssel, MS, CVT, CDBC, so you can be assured that you will be learning the most up-to-date, scientific and ethical training methods. Expect a bonding opportunity for you & your dog with lots of laughs, wags, and practical skills you’ll use every day!
This class is open to dogs over 6 months, including those entering adolescence, new to your family, or just in need of a refresher on the basics. Dogs must be comfortable working around other dogs and meeting new people in a class setting. If your dog isn’t quite there yet, reach out—we’re happy to discuss alternative options to help.
Puppy Training Classes
We’re excited to announce that we are launching a puppy training class here at VRCCE. The training starts at 6:15 pm and will run for 4 weeks on January 20th, 27th, February 3rd and 10th. Puppies who are 8 - 16 weeks old are welcome. Our new behavior consultant, Jocelyn Strassel, MS, CVT, CDBC, will be teaching the course. The training fee is $200.00. Please call us at 207-799-6952 to book your spot.
Our small group classes will provide puppies with a safe and fun opportunity to socialize with other puppies and new people while providing their caretakers with information on how to socialize their puppies outside of class as well. We will also cover basic training for both obedience and other life skills (such as handling, nail trims, etc.) as well as prevention and management of common puppy problems.
*To keep everyone safe, puppies will need their first vet exam, dhpp and bordatella vaccines, fecal testing, and deworming to enroll.
Photos with Santa! December 12, 2025 from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm - All are welcome
Puppy Training Classes
We’re excited to announce that we are launching a puppy training class here at VRCCE. The training starts at 6:00 pm and will run for 4 weeks on December 2nd, 9th, 16th, and 23rd. Puppies who are 8 - 16 weeks old are welcome. Our new behavior consultant, Jocelyn Strassel, MS, CVT, CDBC, will be teaching the course. The training fee is $200.00. Please call us at 207-799-6952 to book your spot. *To keep everyone safe, puppies will need their first vet exam, dhpp and bordatella vaccines, fecal testing, and deworming to enroll.
*To keep everyone safe, puppies will need their first vet exam, dhpp and bordatella vaccines, fecal testing, and deworming to enroll.
September 20th, 2025 from 9:00 - 11:00 am
Annual Rabies Vaccine Clinic at Fort Williams Park
In honor of World Rabies Day, please join Veterinary and Rehabilitation Center of Cape Elizabeth in advocating for rabies prevention awareness by promoting our Seventh Annual Free Rabies Vaccine Clinic to be held at the Fort Williams picnic shelter on Saturday, September 20th, 2025 from 9:00 - 11:00 am. All are welcome. All pets must be on leash or in carriers. Let’s end rabies together!
Please bring a previous Rabies Vaccine Certificate if you want to get a 3 year Rabies Vaccine. Otherwise we will only be able to provide a one year certificate.
Fort Williams is located at: 1000 Shore Rd, Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107
Dog Rehab Open House
Did you know that there are many benefits to canine rehabilitation, beyond injury or surgery?
At the Veterinary and Rehabilitation Center of Cape Elizabeth we offer underwater treadmill, low level laser therapy, massage, theraputic exercise and more. Through these methods, we have helped older, slower moving pets gain a pep in their step and move more comfortably. Rehab also enhances balance, coordination, strength, helps overweight pets shed unwanted pounds, keeps athletic pets optimally conditioned, and allows all pets to stay active in the colder winter months.
Come visit us at our Open House on Wednesday, January 29th at 11:00 am or Thursday, January 30th at 5:00 pm. No registration is necessary. Light refreshments will be served.
We hope to see you there.
Photos with Santa! - All are welcome
This is always a favorite event every year! We have a safe space for pets and their families, lots of treats, and a Santa who is really wonderful with animals.
September 21st, 2024 from 9:00 am to 11:00 am
Annual Rabies Vaccine Clinic at Fort Williams Park
In honor of World Rabies Day, please join Veterinary and Rehabilitation Center of Cape Elizabeth in advocating for rabies prevention awareness by promoting our Sixth Annual No/Low Cost Rabies Vaccine Clinic to be held at the Fort Williams picnic shelter on Saturday, September 21st, 2024 from 9am-11am. All are welcome. All pets must be on leash or in carriers. Let’s end rabies together!
Please bring previous Rabies Vaccine Certificate if you want to get a 3 year Rabies Vaccine. Otherwise we will only be able to provide a one year certificate.
Photos with Santa! All are welcome
This is always a favorite event every year! We have a safe space for pets and their families, lots of treats, and a Santa who is really wonderful with animals.
Annual Rabies Vaccine Clinic at Fort Williams Park
In honor of World Rabies Day, please join Veterinary and Rehabilitation Center of Cape Elizabeth in advocating for rabies prevention awareness by promoting our Fifth Annual No/Low Cost Rabies Vaccine Clinic to be held at the Fort Williams picnic shelter on Saturday, September 23rd, 2023 from 9am-11am. All are welcome. All pets must be on leash or in carriers. Let’s end rabies together!
Please bring previous Rabies Vaccine Certificate if you want to get a 3 year Rabies Vaccine. Otherwise we will only be able to provide a one year certificate.
Photos with Santa! - All are welcome
This is always a favorite event every year! We have a safe space for pets and their families, lots of treats, and a Santa who is really wonderful with animals.
September 24th, 2022 from 9:00 am to 11:00 am
Annual Rabies Vaccine Clinic at Fort Williams Park
In honor of World Rabies Day, please join Veterinary and Rehabilitation Center of Cape Elizabeth in advocating for rabies prevention awareness by promoting our Fourth Annual No/Low Cost Rabies Vaccine Clinic to be held at the Fort Williams picnic shelter on Saturday, September 24th, 2022 from 9am-11am. All are welcome. All pets must be on leash or in carriers. Let’s end rabies together!
Please bring previous Rabies Vaccine Certificate if you want to get a 3 year Rabies Vaccine. Otherwise we will only be able to provide a one year certificate.
Memorial Garden Opening
Pet Memorial Service with lifting up of names, and Blessing of the Garden
Wine and Cheese reception in the garden to follow the Blessing.
Officiated by Rev. Estelle Margarones. Rev. Estelle is the Interim Pastor at First Congregational Church of South Portland and has officiated at many Pet Memorials over the years. She has been especially called to help seniors and children with grief counseling on the loss of a pet. Learn more about her and her compassionate work at centre-church.org/pastor_Estelle.
Everyone in the community is invited to join us for this event. If you would like your pet's name included in the service, please contact Robin at VRCCE 207-799-6952.
Small stones and markers are available if you would like to commemorate a beloved pet.
December 11, 2021 from 11am - 1:00pm
Photos with Santa!
This is always a favorite event every year! We have a safe space for pets and their families, lots of treats, and a Santa who is really wonderful with animals.
Annual Rabies Vaccine Clinic
In honor of World Rabies Day, please join Veterinary and Rehabilitation Center of Cape Elizabeth in advocating for rabies prevention awareness by promoting our Third Annual No/Low Cost Rabies Vaccine Clinic to be held at the Fort Williams picnic shelter on Saturday, September 25, 2021 from 9-11am. All are welcome. All pets must be on leash or in carriers. Let’s end rabies together!
Special Thanks to: Town of Cape Elizabeth, Boehringer Ingelheim, and the CEHS Class of 2023
Annual Rabies Vaccine Clinic at Fort Williams Park
In honor of World Rabies Day, please join Veterinary and Rehabilitation Center of Cape Elizabeth in advocating for rabies prevention awareness by promoting our Second Annual No/Low Cost Rabies Vaccine Clinic to be held at the Fort Williams picnic shelter on Saturday, October 3, 2020 from 9-11am. All are welcome. All pets must be on leash or in carriers. Let’s end rabies together!
Special Thanks to: Town of Cape Elizabeth, Boehringer Ingelheim, and the CEHS Class of 2023
Is Your Dog Ready to be Off-leash?
We love dogs and we don't want to see them banned from public spaces!
Join us for a Free Seminar with our trainer, Nancy Freedman-Smith CDBC, CBATI of Gooddogz Training. Learn what you can do to help your dog share public spaces, How to recognize dogs that are not friendly, & sharpen your understanding of dog body language.
No dogs at this event, please. This seminar is informational only. We welcome you to come and learn.
Special Holiday Tricks Training with Nancy Freedman-Smith of Gooddogz Training
Thomas Memorial Library
We will be reading our children's book "What Happens When Your Pet Has Surgery?" and discussing what veterinarians do at their job.
Holiday Safety Class with Gooddogz Training
We will use real life situations to work on 'Leave it', greeting people at the door, sitting down for snacks, and prepping food. Snacks provided. This is a class for friendly dogs, this is NOT a class for dogs with aggression, space or guarding issues, or reactive dogs. Please bring a gently used pet item to swap at the swap table.
Girl Scouts Event!
Private event for a local Girl Scout Troup to earn Pet Badges in Animal Care and Responsible Ownership.
Pet Safety Event for Kids followed by Free Movie Night!
Safety Presentation starts at 7pm and Movie starts at 8pm. This program is great for kids of all ages, and can be used to earn badges for Scout Troops and Camp Fire Girls. Popcorn, Cotton Candy Machine and Cold drinks for everyone! Well behaved pets welcome!
Free class on Pet First Aid
Would you know what to do in case of an emergency? Learn some of the basics of emergency treatment and first aid. Emergency treatment should never be used as a substitute for veterinary care, but it may save your pet's life before you can get to a veterinary hospital. Cheese and crackers and a lovely selection of wines will be available (water and soda as well!)
Holiday Pictures of Pets
We have a holiday wonderland set up. Call 207-799-6952 and make an appointment for us to take Free pictures of your pets in a whimsical holiday setting! Professional results not guaranteed, but we can guarantee you will love it!
Enrichment
Do you ever feel guilty about those long days your dog spends alone, waiting for you to come home? Animal behaviorists have known for a while now that enrichment is critical to the health and well being of animals in wildlife refuges, but did you know it is just as important for our own pets? Enrichment allows them to use their species specific behaviors in ways that keep them engaged and healthier. Join us October 26 to learn just how easy it is to add activities that make a world of difference in your pet's life. And for you, there will be Wine and Cheese! 6:30-7:30 pm
Safe Kids/Safe Dogs
Are your pets part of the family or are you thinking of introducing a new pet to your family? Learn what helps your dog be the ideal family member while you enjoy some snacks and drinks (and maybe a glass of wine for the adults!) 6:30-7:30 Followed by a Free Outdoor Movie showing of Secret Life of Pets.
Does Your Pet Fear The Vet?
Lessons on Fear Free Training for easing difficult situations in your pet's life.
