Winter is a season of family and togetherness, and why not include your best furry friend in all the fun? Check out our list for some exciting pet-friendly activities!
Christmas Tree Farms
There is nothing more perfect for a winter outing than visiting a Christmas tree farm. The best part is most tree farms are dog-friendly! Even if you have an artificial tree you can still visit a farm. Walk the fields with your furry friend and take some festive photos, then warm up with some hot chocolate or apple cider that several farms offer! Check out some of the farms surrounding the Oakville area below:
Festival of Lights
There is something magical about Christmas lights and with some truly amazing displays. From Niagara Falls, Hamilton, Burlington, Toronto to Ottawa, you should have no problem finding the perfect place to peep some pretty lights with your pooch.
Skijoring
If you’re an avid cross-country skier but hate leaving your dog behind, check out skijoring! Your dog is attached to your waist with a long bungee line and harness helps pull you through the trails. Skijoring is a team sport and having some cross-country ski experience is recommended so that both you and your dog can enjoy the time spent together. If your dog loves to pull, this might be the winter sport for you!
Santa Photos
If you want to include your pets in your annual Santa photo, you’re in luck!
•Petsmart is offering free photos with Santa Dec 14-15 and 21-22 in Oakville, Burlington, Mississauga, and other locations.
•Ren’s is hosting a Santa photo fundraiser for the Oakville Humane Society on Dec 14th and 15th.
Hiking
Most dogs and even some cats love getting out and stretching their legs on the hiking trails, and why let a little bit of snow stop you? With so many great trails in the Halton area and with the Niagara escarpment so close, it’s easy to find a quiet trail to explore with your pet. Make sure everyone is comfortable walking in the snow and keep an eye out for common signs of hypothermia so that all members of the family can have a great time.
Take a Class
If indoor activities are more to your dogs’ liking, sign up for a class. Indoor obedience or agility classes may just be the chance to learn something new together! Likewise, nosework has also become very popular. If your dog is a super-duper sniffer, try an intro class and you’ll be hooked.
However you spend time together this season, your pets will love that they get to spend more time with you. And that’s what it’s all about.
