Pumpkin Patches and Pooches: Your Guide to Fall
Fall is one of the most popular seasons in the United States, and for good reason. There’s just something about the crisp air paired with crunchy leaves that make an autumn day simply perfect.
As you gear up for breezy afternoon hikes and sipping apple cider, don’t forget that there is a great selection of fall activities that you can bring your furry friend along to as well! We’ve put together this guide dog-friendly pumpkin patches and pet-friendly farms so you’ll have plenty of options this year.
Including Your Dog in Fall Activities
Pumpkin patches can be a great activity for your whole family, including your dog! Farms let you pick pumpkins, go on hayrides, enjoy live music, and get lost in corn mazes. Due to the external and family-friendly nature of these locations, many of them are friendly to dogs as well!
Preparing Your Pup for the Pumpkin Patch
Before you pack your pooch into the car, make sure to follow these tips to maximize your fun and keep everyone safe during your outing.
Protect Your Pup
Make sure that your dog is up to date on all of their medical treatments. Some especially important vaccinations include:
- Rabies vaccination – If there are other dogs or animals present, prevention is the most powerful treatment against rabies.
- Flea/tick treatment – Hidden within pumpkin vines and hay bales are plenty of insects and bugs living in their natural habitat. Making sure your pet doesn’t bring home any unwanted visitors ensures your visit doesn’t end on a sour note.
Pick the Right Patch
Not all pumpkin patches allow dogs, and even those that do allow them often have stipulations. Make sure to read through the guidelines for each pumpkin patch you’re considering visiting, prior to getting there. We’ve prepared a list of some dog-friendly pumpkin patches you may want to consider:
| City | Farm Name and Requirements |
|---|---|
| Cleveland, Ohio | Red Wagon Farm – As a family-friendly destination, this farm invites people to bring loved ones, both human and furry, as they are proudly dog-friendly. |
| Columbus, Ohio | Lehner Pumpkins – This farm allows friendly dogs on leashes. They just ask that you be responsible for any cleanup required and respect other visitors by maintaining control of your pet at all times. |
| Indianapolis, Indiana | Beasley’s Orchard – Dogs are always welcome at this farm’s market and fall festivals! However, be aware that pets are not allowed within the strawberry and raspberry “pick your own” fields due to food and health safety regulations. Pets are also not allowed in the apple orchards for the same reason, so please don’t bring your pup when you’re looking to pick your own apples. They also ask that dogs remain on a leash at all times and that you come prepared to pick up after them. |
| Charlotte, North Carolina | Shelby Corn Maze – This farm allows doggies to visit, but they require that they must be leashed at all times. They also have a watering station near the Country Store just for Fido! |
| Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | Gearhard Farms – Dogs that are well behaved and kept on a leash are welcome at this farm! Be sure to bring a cleanup bag so you can pick up after your dog. |
Packing for the Pooch
Once you’ve selected the patch that you are wanting to attend, putting together your perfect outing bag can make sure that both you and your dog have the best possible fall day together.
- Leash – Don’t walk out the door without it! Some pumpkin patches have a leash-length requirement as well, so make sure you have the right size with you.
- Drinking water and portable bowl – Just because fall has arrived, doesn’t mean the day can’t get warm and cause dehydration in your pup. Some pumpkin patches have their own water stations, but it’s always safe to pack some H2O just in case.
- Waste bags – Just like at the park, most patches have strict cleanup rules, so make sure to pack extra bags.
- Treats – Even if your dog is a pro at spending time in busy locations, any new environment can be overwhelming for many pets. Bring treats to help motivate good behavior and minimize overstimulation.
- Bonus – If you have them, bring along your fall bandanas or spooky Halloween collars for those ultra cute photo ops!
Enjoy the Pumpkin Patch
✅ Reminder
Enjoying everything fall has to offer is the best part of bringing your pup to the pumpkin patch. Don’t forget to stop, breathe in the smell of crisp leaves, and make memories with your dog.
Once you’re all prepared to take your trip, don’t forget to take everything in once you arrive! Your pup will be excited by all the new sites and smells and will enjoy being there with their best friend. Take time to let them explore the different areas of the farm and get their bearings.
Tip: Taking your dog for a lap around the outside of the farm can help get some of the early excitement and jitters out before actually entering.
If you have the opportunity to go earlier in the day or later at night when the crowds are smaller, it can help your dog to relax a bit more and not be as overwhelmed. There will likely be many people passing by that your pup will want to smell and say hi to, but make sure to respect other people’s boundaries and keep your dog close on their leash.
And don’t forget to experience all the pumpkin patch has to offer. Many farms also have corn mazes, playgrounds, and games to partake in which your pup can enjoy alongside you. Don’t forget to keep an eye on your furry best friend, though. A short day for you can feel like a long day for them, so make sure to watch for signs of overexertion or stress. If their tail is hanging low, it might be time to head home and hit a different kind of hay.
Want to Trim Up Your Pup for Fall?
If you’re ready to take the cutest and Insta-worthy photos with your pooch this fall, Pet Palace is ready to help with our dog grooming services. We’ll get your pup looking their best and ready for their spotlight alongside the pumpkins.
Reach out to our team today to book an appointment!
Categories: All Posts, Dog Training, Dogs, Tips for Your Pets