Pet-Friendly Fall Activities

September 26, 2022
By: Adriana Valle

Fall is certainly a picturesque time of year on the Connecticut Shoreline. Temperatures are slightly cooler yet mild enough to enjoy the outdoors, mosquitos are long gone, and our pets are safe to accompany us on more adventures than they can over the summer. Because we at Shoreline Happy Paws love fall, today we want to highlight pet-friendly fall activities on the Connecticut Shoreline.

Local Pet-Friendly Beaches

pet friendly fall shoreline ct

With cooler temperatures comes the ability to walk along the beach without burning our feet or paws. And, walks along the shoreline allow our pets to experience smells they can’t enjoy anywhere else. Many beaches are not pet-friendly during peak summer months but are open to leashed dogs this time of year.

To keep beach strolls interesting for both humans and pets, check out the East Lyme Public Trust Foundation’s educational pamphlets that teach the public about the seaweeds, shells, and plants on the town’s shorelines. The project was co-sponsored by the foundation and the East Lyme Parks and Recreation Department, with funding provided by Connecticut Sea Grant. The goal of the project is to promote beach preservation and marine life conservation.

Before heading out to a local beach, please make sure that your pet is welcome. Always follow designated paths, pick up after your pets, and stay off protected areas. To learn more about local pet-friendly beaches, click here.

pet friendly fall shoreline ct

Fall Escapes

This time of year, day trips and weekend road trips are all the rage. ShorelineConnecticut.com has come up with specific itineraries that highlight local festivities and landmarks as well as delicious pit stops. The Homestead, a boutique B&B in Madison is a very popular autumnal destination that welcomes well-behaved dogs under 35lbs in weight. 

When around the state, consider hiking, beaches, and seasonal events, which are all great ways to get into the fall spirit.

Foliage Finds

pet friendly fall shoreline ct

Pumpkin patches and apple orchards are traditionally fall-centric activities but even just driving out to take in the fall colors can be a great way to escape with our pets in tow. Check out this list of nearby outdoor spots to take in fall foliage. Some of our favorites include Selden Neck State Park in Lyme and Rocky Neck State Park in Niantic. Check out the latest on CT State Parks on Twitter. Before visiting our state parks with your pets, make sure you look up the pet policies here.

shoreline happy paws logo 2023

Including your pets in your fall activities is a great choice. If you prefer to head out without the additional responsibility of pet care, however, leave that to us. We love to care for pets in the comfort of their homes, letting them take in the fall sights and smells while exploring their own neighborhood. We also offer hiking adventures!

To learn more about our services contact us by email at info@cthappypaws.com or phone at 860-964-0464

Adriana Valle

Adriana Valle is the Owner, Founder, and Chief Pet-Loving Officer at Shoreline Happy Paws LLC, where she has led professional pet care since 2010. Her pet care journey started in Doha, Qatar, where she founded the country's first full-time pet sitting service, before relocating to the Connecticut Shoreline in 2017 and rebuilding it into a team-based pet care company trusted by more than 600 local families. Adriana is a Certified Pet First Aid and CPR Instructor, trained through the Pet Safety Crusader curriculum by Denise Fleck, and teaches hands-on Pet CPR and First Aid classes for pet parents throughout the Shoreline. She is currently pursuing a certificate in dog behavior from CATCH Canine Trainers Academy and is a longtime member of the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters and Pet Sitters International. She regularly attends pet industry conferences across the country to stay on the leading edge of professional pet care standards, safety practices, and industry trends. Shoreline Happy Paws is veterinarian recommended and proudly holds a 5-star Google review from Saybrook Veterinary Hospital. Beyond daily pet care, Adriana leads the Shoreline's pet parent community, running social community walks, hikes, and Dog Water Adventures for pet parents across Southeastern Connecticut, along with the CT Pet Parents Facebook community. She also welcomes dogs into her own Essex home through the company's Homestyle Boarding service, and is currently launching the first Doggie Adventure Bus in the CT Shoreline, a group enrichment adventure on wheels. Her love of animals started early, growing up in El Salvador surrounded by eight Boxers and her grandparents' farm animals, and later volunteering with the Qatar Animal Welfare Society caring for rescued strays. A fluent Spanish speaker, she is proud to serve Shoreline families in both English and Spanish. Today she shares her home with her husband Chris, Cannoli the Corgi, and Gnocchi the hedgehog. Adriana has written more than 200 articles on pet care, safety, and pet-friendly living. She posts weekly blogs to ensure that pet parents in the Shoreline and Lower River Valley areas of Southeastern Connecticut stay informed and educated on pet care best practices and pet-friendly living. Her topics range from Shoreline Happy Paws-specific topics, including highlighting the benefits of Dog Walking, Dog Hiking, and Cat Sitting services, to reporting on local shelter changes, wildlife threats, pet industry trends, and other current events.

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