Picking out your own pumpkin is often an essential part of a family tradition, but what happens to Fido? While dog-friendly pumpkin patches in the US are still in the minority as they’re mostly sited on working farms with lots of livestock, we’re happy to report that they’re on the up!
We’ve tracked down ten that will welcome the whole family with open paws, plus provided some extra tips so your dog can eat pumpkin safely too.
Please check individual websites before travelling for up-to-date information.
1. Mosby Farm, Washington
Grab a wheelbarrow and head out to explore the entire field until you locate the perfect pumpkin. Well-behaved, friendly dogs are welcome in the pumpkin patch on leashes. Remember to bring poop bags and to clean up after your pet. For more information, visit the Mosby Farm website.
Open October 1-30, 10am to 5.30pm. 12754 SE Green Valley Road, Auburn, Washington 98092.
2. Cool Patch Pumpkins, California
Featuring edible and non-edible pumpkins, gourds, squash, and more. The Cool Patch gang describe themselves as ‘very dog friendly’. Dogs are required to be leashed and are allowed on weekdays only. For more information, visit the Cool Patch Pumpkins website.
Open September 24 to October 31, 9am to 8pm (weather permitting). 6150 Dixon Ave West, Dixon, CA 95620.
3. Plumper Pumpkin Patch, Oregon
They offer a wide range of types, sizes and colors of pumpkin, either pre-picked or pick your own. Friendly, well-socialized, leashed doggies are welcome except on hayrides.
Please pick up after your pet (poop bags are available on request.) For more information, visit the Plumper Pumpkin Patch website.
Open September 17 to October 30, 9am to 5.30pm Wednesday to Sunday (closed Monday and Tuesday).
4. Maris Farm, Washington
This home-grown pumpkin patch offers traditional and specialty pumpkins (reds and whites) ranging in size from grapefruit to ottoman size. Please note all visit tickets must be pre-booked, even if you’re just visiting the pumpkin patch. They welcome friendly, leashed dogs during daylight visits only.
You’ll need to register your pooch at the information booth and clean up after your pet – don’t forget your poop bags! For more information, visit the Maris Farm website.
5. Liepold Farm, Oregan
Their Fall Festival includes mazes and lots of children’s activities. There’s a harvest bounty of giant, odd-shaped and red, blue, and, white pumpkins as well as non-edible gourds.
Friendly, leashed dogs are welcome in the pumpkin patch, as always just remember to clean up after them. For more information, visit the Liepold Farm website.
Open October 1 to 31 daily, 9am to 5pm. 14050 SE Richey Road, Boring, OR 97009.
6. The Flower Mound Pumpkin Patch, Texas
They have hundreds of pumpkins, some good for roasting and eating, others for decorating. There’s a charge for parking but all activities are free – you’ll need to make a reservation before visiting. The furrier members of the family are welcome but must be leashed.
As usual, you’re asked to clean up after your pet and not to let them wee on the pumpkins! For more information, visit The Flower Mound Pumpkin Patch website.
Open daily from October 1-31, 9am to 7pm. 5100 Cross Timbers Road, Flower Mound, TX 75028.
7. Biringer’s Black Crow Pumpkins, Washington
This small, family-owned patch is so dog friendly they even have a special doggy costume contest for Halloween! Three categories, including Off the Rack(these are store bought costumes), Peeps and Pups (combo costumes for you and your pet) and Hand Crafted (hand crafted and homemade).
The contest takes place on Sunday October 23 at 10pm. You’re reminded that it’s ‘BYOB’ – bring your own (poop) bags. To find out more, visit the Biringer’s Black Crow Pumpkins Facebook page.
Open October 1 to 31, 11am to 6pm Monday to Friday, 10am to 6pm weekends. 21412 59th Ave NE Arlington, Wa 98223.
8. Arata’s Pumpkin Farm, California
Located in Half Moon Bay, the ‘pumpkin capital of the West Coast’, Arata’s have been growing pumpkins since 1932 and have a wide variety on offer. Dogs are welcome on leashes not only in the pumpkin patch but also in the hay maze. To find out more, visit the Arata’s Pumpkin Farm website.
Open October 1 to 31, 9am to 6.30pm Sunday to Thursday and 9am to 10.30pm Friday to Saturday. 185 Verde Road, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019.
9. Marker-Miller Orchards, Virginia
Come and find your perfect pumpkin, either ready picked or pick your own. There’s pumpkin pie, rolls, bars and donuts available from the on-site bakery, and visiting pooches are welcome everywhere except the farmers’ market.
As always, leashes and poop bags are mandatory. To find out more, visit the Orchard Farms Market website.
Pumpkin festival Saturday October 22, 9am to 5pm. 3035 Cedar Creek Grade, Winchester, VA 22602
10. Montpelier Farms, Maryland
There’s lots going on at the Fall Festival including mazes and lots of pumpkin-related activities, but you can just visit the pumpkin patch without paying for admission for the festival.
Leashed dogs are welcome in the pumpkin patch, corn maze and also, unusually, on the hay ride! To find out more, visit the Montpelier Farms website.
Top tips for visiting a dog-friendly pumpkin patch
To make sure that everyone has a good time, put a little planning into your trip. Consider visiting on weekdays or at quieter times so there are fewer people around.
All the pumpkin farms request that you clean up after your pet, so pack plenty of poop bags. Remember water and a drinking bowl, too. Finally, bring a camera – you’ll want to remember your family visit to the dog-friendly pumpkin patch for months to come!
Pumpkin is actually a great source of fiber for dogs, so he can share in the harvest too. Feeding a small amount of cooked, unsweetened puree (1 teaspoon per 10lb bodyweight) on top of normal food can help improve digestive health and means your dog can join in the fall bounty he’s helped to gather.
