Local Businesses We Love
animal rescues
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New England Puppy Rescue is foster-based, 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization based in Avon, CT.
“NEPR’s mission is to pull neglected, unwanted puppies from high-kill shelters, from unwanted homes, or from the side of the road where they get no chance of being adopted or treated as they deserve and give them a second chance. A second chance with medical care, full meals, and love! NEPR dogs eat, sleep and live in foster homes until they are ready to move into their forever homes.”
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Woof Gang Rescue is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit rescue, based in central Connecticut.
“Wolf Gang’s mission is to save dogs at risk – from municipal shelters, from pounds, from owner surrenders, from unwanted litters. As a non-profit rescue, they are 100% volunteer-staffed and rely on fosters to keep their dogs safe while they find them suitable forever homes. The Woof Gang Rescue is 100% reliant on donations and fundraising to cover veterinary care for our dogs. To be a part of our Gang, click their Volunteer page!”
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Dog Star Rescue is a 100% volunteer, non-profit rescue organization based in Bloomfield, CT.
“The Mission of Dog Star Rescue is to save stray, abandoned, shelter, and owner surrender dogs of all breeds and ages by placing them in qualified, caring, lifelong homes.”
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The Simon Foundation Animal Rescue and Adoption Center is a rescue organization based in Bloomfield, CT.
“The Simon Foundation is a very large, 36,000 square foot facility, housing up to 130+ dogs and 50 cats at any given time. The Simon Foundation offers a number of professional services, including: Training, Grooming, and Boarding. All of the proceeds from these services go directly to the rescue of dogs and cats which would otherwise be abandoned, neglected, abused, or euthanized.”
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Save All Dogs are a are a 501C3 non profit charity based in Manchester, CT.
“Save All Dogs rescue offers a safe haven for unwanted, homeless, and abandoned dogs and cats from kill shelters that are in need of new loving forever homes. All animals are examined and cared for by The Save All Dogs Veterinarian at Fenton River Vet in Tolland CT after which these dogs are available for adoption. Save All Dogs has found many homes for thousands of dogs over the past several years since they began their program in 2012.”
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“Our Companions was founded in 2002 after receiving a gift of 43 acres of land in Ashford, CT for the purpose of building CT's first animal Sanctuary, rehabilitation, and adoption center.
The Sanctuary, the only one of its kind in New England, provides a comforting, home-like, enriching environment for our community's most vulnerable animals (those who are older, traumatized, abused, or neglected). The Sanctuary helps these animals by providing them a setting that is conducive to a longer-term stay and provides a low-stress, comforting atmosphere that encourages healing and rehabilitation.
In addition, they also provide many other rescue services at our Valerie Friedman Program Center in Manchester, CT. “
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PawSafe Animal Rescue organization began in 1995 and is based in Ellington, CT.
“They exist to provide a better life for adoptable companion animals without homes and to assist in the effort to limit the overpopulation of these animals through a low kill methodology.”
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Fetch Dog Rescue is 501c3 non-profit organization that was founded in March, 2023.
“Fetch Dog dogs come from across the Southern states struggling with over crowded shelters, spay and neuter laws and strays. They work with rescue partners to take into care dogs of all breeds and provide medical care, transport and assist in the placement into their forever homes in Connecticut. They have strong relationships with these partners and they stay in constant communication during this process. Their partners also do dog and child testing, and some do cats as well.”
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Protector of Animals is a nonprofit 501(c)3 no-kill animal shelter and rescue based in East Hartford, CT.
“POA was formed in 1975 to rescue abandoned, abused and stray cats and dogs. Today they are one of the oldest and most respected animal welfare organizations in the northeast.”
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A Second Change for Ziva is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that started in 2017.
“ASCZ rescues homeless dogs and finds them loving and responsible forever homes. They are 100% volunteer based. ASCZ is committed to forming a lasting relationship with their dogs, but also to their adopters. Every dog deserves a second chance and they are passionate about making their second chance a real success.”
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Outrider Dogs Rescue is a 501C3 rescue organization based in Avon, CT.
“Outrider Dogs Rescue was established in 2019 as a foster based non profit dog rescue. Their mission is to find homes for abandoned and neglected dogs regardless of the age, breed, or temperament. They are a group of volunteers who spend their free time fostering, transporting, feeding, medicating, entertaining, training and loving dogs until a permanent family can be found. They specialize in helping pregnant or new moms that are dumped off in shelters or found roaming the streets, raise their litter, find forever homes, all whilst nourishing the mom, spaying her and finding her an adoptive home. In 2021 they started rescuing cats of all ages and breeds and will continue doing so as long as they are operating.”
pet friendly patios, breweries, wineries, coffee spots, & more!
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GastroPark allows pups inside and outside! Grab a coffee, some baked goods, food truck goodies, a drink, and more.
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The Charles is one of our favorite restaurants in Wethersfield! Enjoy their creative cuisine and cocktail menu on the patio with your dog.
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Lucky Lou's offers modern American flare in a vintage house with a great pet friendly patio. Word on the street is that they have a Doggy Menu!
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“Talcott Mountain Collective is a local–experience venue, bringing together a collection of tastes and shared interests across indoor and outdoor facilities with diverse offerings of food, beverage, recreation, music, and more.”
Leashed dogs, under constant handle of owner (not tied up) are allowed on outside grounds. No dogs permitted inside!
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New Park Brewing is a gem! They offer some of the best beer in CT and have an amazing food menu.
They allow well behaved dogs outside on their patio. Service animals are allowed in all areas.
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Hops on the Hill is a farm to glass brewery that also offers wine and non-alcoholic beverages. It’s a beautiful indoor and outdoor space, and there is always a food truck. They welcome all well-behaved dogs on a leash!
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Hopmeadow Brewing is a great brewery that also offers CT wine, cider, and non-alcoholic beer for non beer drinkers.
Pets on leashes are allowed outside in their patio area.
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Brewery Legitimus is a craft brewery located right across from the Farmington River.
They welcome pups outside in their open air beer garden. Pets are not allowed in the taproom with the exception of service animals.
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Little Red Barn Brewers makes great hand crafted beer, and they allow pups!
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Urban Lodge is a fun brewery to bring your pup!
They have a beer named Open Trail to support the Open Trail Initiative Fund, which is a nonprofit that includes conservation organizations who work to protect lands, waters, wildlife, and public land access, along with outdoor communities who strive to inspire a love for, and stewardship of, the outdoors.
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Jose Preli Farm & Winery wines and ciders are hand crafted in small batches from fruit grown on the farm. They use old-world methods to make natural farm wines, and never add chemicals or sulfites to their wine.
They also have a great farm stand and CSA, their own honey and maple syrup. Dogs allowed outside on the farm!
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Lost Acres Vineyard has amazing handcrafted wine! Enjoy their tasting room in the barn or a relaxing picnic outside with your pup.
Check out their website for upcoming events, such as live music, wine pairings, art exhibits, yoga, and more!
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Brignole Vineyards welcomes furry friends to their beautiful vineyard! Check out their website for upcoming events!
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Chateau Le' Gari' makes classic small batch wine with Old World and Modern wine making methods. They have several indoor and outdoor spaces to enjoy wine, picnics, and time with your pup!
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Dom's Coffee is a great coffee spot to enjoy with your furry friend!
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Story and Soil is one of the best coffee spots around with lots of other yummy goodies and drinks! They have picnic tables outside to sit with your pets!
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The Winged Bear is a fun restaurant to check out with your pup!
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Dom's Creamery, the same owners of Dom’s Coffee is the perfect place to have ice cream with you furry friends!
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Robb's Farm makes some of the best ice cream. Relax at the farm eating ice cream with your pup while the ice cream shop is open! They also offer great Fall activities.
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Trainers
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After Courtney returned home from college, she worked with a trainer for her oldest rescue dog, but it wasn’t very successful. Then, Debbie came into the picture and completely transformed both her and her dog's feelings. She taught Courtney about reward-based training and helped her gain a better understanding of how to communicate and interact with her pup. A couple of years later, Courtney had the opportunity to become her mentee.
Throughout Courtney’s journey, Debbie has been unbelievably supportive. She has consistently challenged, checked in on, and encouraged her, always lending a listening ear when needed. Debbie’s guidance and support have been instrumental in the growth of Daleypawz and Courtney’s own personal development as a dog trainer, care giver, and more. Courtney is forever grateful for their friendship.
We highly recommend Debbie, she helps people understand their dogs behavior, emotions and needs to help build a stronger bond based on trust and positive reinforcement, leading to a happier life for you and your pup!
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Sydney's Pawsitive Pups is a positive reinforcement trainer working to improve the relationship between you and your pups!
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Logically Canine is a great trainer who continuously studies dog training techniques to provide the best quality care and training.
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Centre Stage Dog Training specializes in owner trained service dogs, therapy dogs, and family pets. Founded in 2022 by UConn Alum Jacqueline Lampert KPA-CTP, CPDT-KA, our services span across Hartford, Tolland, and Fairfield Counties in Connecticut. At Centre Stage Dog Training, we are dedicated to promoting positive, ethical, and relationship-centered training methods that focus on building a strong bond between you and your dog to build the behaviors and lifestyle you want with them. Whether you aspire to have a service dog, therapy dog, or simply an excellent family pet, we tailor our approach to meet your individual goals.
Website: www.centrestagedogtraining.com (http://www.centrestagedogtraining.com)
Instagram: @centrestagedogtrai
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Facebook: Centre Stage Dog Trainin
pet friendly hotels & stays
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The Simsbury Inn is a quintessential New England Inn located in the Farmington River Valley that offers pet-friendly rooms!
There are plenty of places to go with your pup around there!
The inn also has a swimming pool, sauna, and health club!
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Simsbury 1820 House is an elegant New England inn that offers pet-friendly rooms for pets under 50 lbs!
The inn also has a restaurant, pool, fitness room, business center, and more!
Drake Hill Park is close by, along with many other places you can explore with your pet!
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CT River Valley Inn is cozy 1740's property with all the modern amenities. They have one pet-friendly room, which is The River of Dreams room!
The Glastonbury dog park is close by, along with many trails and places to hike!
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Delamar is a beautiful hotel designed in a French contemporary Chateau-esque style and offers dog friendly rooms. They have a therapy dog named Douglas!
They are located in West Hartford center, walking distance to Whole Foods, restaurants, and shops. The hotel has a spa, fitness center, restaurant, and more!
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The Goodwin is a historical, chic hotel that offers pet-friendly rooms!
The hotel is located in the heart of Hartford’s very best shopping, dining, entertainment, art, culture.
They have a great restaurant and bar in the hotel, offer a business center, fitness center, and more!
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The Capitol Hotel is a pet friendly hotel located in Downtown Hartford with views of the Connecticut State Capitol building.
The hotel is close by to the XL Center, Bushnell Park, Bushnell Performing Arts Center, The Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, restaurants, and more!
Veterinarians
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Farmington Animal Hospital provides a wide variety of high quality medical and surgical services for cats and dogs!
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Adavnanced Vet Care is private, full-service, state-of-the-art, AAHA-accredited pet hospital. AVC offers preventative and comprehensive medical care!
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Beckett & Associates Vet is a mixed practice for companion animals and farm animals! They offer a variety of alternative medicine based on the specific needs of your pet. Acupuncture, chiropractic, laser therapy and herbal therapy are sometimes used in conjunction with traditional medicine.
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Salmon Brook Vets is a full service animal hospital that provides care for dogs, cats, exotic pets, horses, llamas and cattle in Connecticut and West Massachusetts!
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Bloomfield Animal Hospital provides individualized care, combined with decades of experience, dedication, and knowledge for cats and dogs!
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Double A Vet is a full service veterinary hospital with modern and specialized equipment. They have the ability to offer in-hospital referrals to veterinarians who specialize in orthopedic surgery, ultrasound, endoscopy, cardiology, etc
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Lebanon Vet Hospital services cover all the essentials of conventional care, and they also provide holistic care as a complement to traditional medicine.
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MacDonald Vet is an AAHA-accredited hospital. They’re been in business for almost 70 years and offer a wide range of veterinary services for pets!
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Ragged Mountain has an expert team of veterinary professionals to bring you the best possible healthcare for your dogs and cats!
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Pieper Vet is an amazing animal hospital that our community trusts with Urgent/Emergency/Critical Care needs!
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Hebron Vet offers the preventative, diagnostic, and treatment services your pets need to stay healthy. Whether you own a dog or cat, rabbit, guinea pig, or hamsters, we’ll be here for your emergency veterinary needs as well.
Groomers
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Ruff & Tumble has a completely renovated environment and offers stress-free grooming with luxury pet products. With over 18 years of experience, Ruff & Tumble strives to meet breed standards regarding haircuts.
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Grooming by Gina has over 12 years of experience and offers a range of services from bath & brushing, specialized skin and coat care, full service 'breed standard' grooming and more!
Follow Gina on Instagram for availability updates and cute dog pics!
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Bow's and Bandana's is a cage free pet facility catering to your pets grooming needs!
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Green Tail's Market is a pet supply store that has a private self-serve dog wash! (no groomers)
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Paws 2 Go is a mobile pet nail trim service that works hand-in-hand with pet owners to take care of your pet’s nail care in the comfort and convenience of your home.
Paws 2 Go provides services in Simsbury, Avon, Canton, Burlington, Collinsville, Granby, New Hartford, and Barkhamsted.
They also offer gland expression, ear cleaning, and paw pad fur trimming services!
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Claudette's specializes in dog and cat grooming! During sessions, they look out for lumps and bumps, and your pets overall health!
In addition to dog and cat grooming services, they also offer a selection of pet treats and food using natural and organic products.
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Groomingdales is a cage-free, full service grooming salon! They also offer teeth brushing, ear cleaning, nail trimming, and more.
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“Our team of Professional, Friendly, Mobile Pet Groomers are on a mission: to pamper your pets and make them feel clean, happy, and oh-so-loved. We understand that your furbaby is not just a pet but an irreplaceable part of your family. Our state-of-the-art mobile grooming van is designed to bring the spa experience directly to your doorstep. We ensure a clean, safe, convenient, and stress-free pampering session for your beloved furry friend.”
Daycares
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“Roaring Brook Kennels provides a loving home for pets across Farmington Valley, whether you’re going on an extended vacation or simply want to indulge your pet with a well-deserved treat. Conveniently located adjacent to Roaring Brook veterinary hospital, Roaring Brook Kennels offers same comprehensive care and oversight.”
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“Planet Bark has redefined dog boarding and daycare by elevating every aspect of the experience from the moment their doggie guest enters the door all the way through their departure. They spare no attention to detail. Planet Bark’s state-of-the-art facilities are designed to ensure your dog gets the ultimate in relaxation, entertainment and pampering.”
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“When you’re away at work or away from home, Quarry Dog provides a fun, safe haven where your dog can play with his furry best friends and lap up the attention he truly deserves.
They believe that smaller staff to dog ratios help us tailor our supervision to each individual dog. This helps guide the dogs through positive, safe and not to mention fun experiences. All of the staff are trained by a local award-winning dog trainer. They have 1 trained staff member for every 15 dogs. They cap their intake at 60 dogs which is the ASPCA legal dog to human ratio rule.
They have a large indoor playroom with rubber flooring and 1500 square feet of outdoor play area that is fenced-in with recycled turf where the dog can enjoy a change in scenery while taking in exciting new sights and smells.”
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Gagnon's Pet Resort is Connecticut’s first and largest dog daycare. They are staffed by highly trained pet care professionals who are CPR certified, trained in pet first aid, and know how to handle pets who are anxious or reactive toward other dogs or people.
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The Good Spot offers daycare and overnight boarding for pups!
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Aly’s Dog Adventures offers a small in home boarding option, where your pup gets to feel like they are on vacation! Nestled on 5 acres in Barkhamsted it is the perfect place to play with friends and explore a new space. Dogs get to run and play in the fully fenced in yard and live in our home just as your dogs do, becoming an extended member of our family.
Pet Photographers
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Paw Print Studio creates a fun and relaxing studio experience for you and your pup!
Sara, the owner and primary photographer, uses color paper backgrounds which can be selected at the time of your session and you can choose up to three colors.
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With Love & Oats offers outdoor sessions at any location of your choosing and studio sessions in Killingworth. They take the time to get to know your dog and isn’t afraid to get dirty for a shot!
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Kathryn Schauer Photography photographs dogs, cats, horses, and families. She specializes in creating beautiful pet portraits in the
CT shoreline area.Kathryn regularly works in Guilford, Branford, New Haven, Hamden, Fairfield, Madison, Clinton, Old Saybrook, Westbrook, Killingworth, Essex and the surrounding areas.
Pet Bakeries
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Dom's Creamery has amazing ice cream for you and your dog! They also offer tasty pupsicles and more!
Dogs are welcome outdoors only!
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Leaps and Bones is a pet retail store that has a great dog bakery offering a variety of treats, biscuits, cookies, “stuffables”, cakes, and more!
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The Good Ruff bakes all natural, gourmet dog cookies, cakes, and more!
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Charlie's Traveling Treat Truck goodies are made with all natural ingredients with pigments made from fruits and vegetables. They make pupcakes, cannolis, donuts, biscuits, and more! All orders come in plastic-free packaging, dog treat bags and labels are compostable.
Go see them at Puppy Hour on Pratt Street, and check out their website to for pupdates on where to find them!
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Walk by Faith offers handmade, nutritional, functional & yummy treats and cakes for your pets. Check their website to find more locations with their treats!
Dog Friendly Finds
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“We are on a mission to find all the best spots to bring your furry friends.”
pet retail stores
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Dogology is an award winning Pet Store featuring wholesome food, treats, supplements, toys, and accessories. Knowing that nutrition and behavior are interrelated in pet health, they use a "Whole Dog" approach in their recommendations.
They also offer a Pet Food Pantry for families in need and are an avid supporter of rescue.
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Green Tail's Market sells healthy dog food & cat food, all-natural cat & dog treats, eco-friendly pet supplies, and more!
They also have a private self-serve dog wash!
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Woof Gang, West Hartford & Canton
Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming offers a wide selection of nutritious pet treats and food. They also carry stylish essentials, a variety of toys, and a wide range of doggie spa products.
Woof Gang can also help with your dog grooming needs!
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Petals & Paws has you covered for dog, cat, small animal, bird, chicken, and garden supplies!
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Leaps & Bones is a great pet supply store with a dog bakery!
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Melzen Pet Supply has a passion for serving their customers and providing them with accurate and up-to-date information when it comes to caring for their pets, farm animals, birds, lawns, and gardens.
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The Treat Boutique sells high quality, natural products for your pup. They also carry apparel, home decor, and knick knacks.
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The Pet Supplies Plus location in West Hartford is independently owned and operated. They have products for dogs, cats, small pets, reptiles, birds, fish, and more!
dog friendly trails, hikes, & outdoor spots
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McLean Refuge is a non-profit organization dedicated to the protection of native wildlife and the conservation of the landscapes they call home. Today their wildlands have grown to over 4,400 acres, and they protect hundreds of animal species.
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Talcott Mountain is a great place to hike with your pet. The hike up to the top, where The Heublein Tower is, is 1.25 miles long and there are beautiful views!
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Great Pond is a beautiful area of the Massacoe State Forest to walk around with your pup!
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Case Mountain provides several trails for hiking. At the summit, is a fantastic view of the Hartford skyline and the whole Connecticut River valley.
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Alsop Meadow has trails along the Farmington River that are relaxing to walk. There are some areas for your pup to take a dip, too!
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The Reservoirs have paved and gravel paths, as well as trails that you can hike in!
The West Hartford Reservoirs are located at 1420 Farmington Ave., and Reservoir 6 is located at 1370 Albany Ave.
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Countryside Park has a nice little trail with two ponds for you and your dog to enjoy!
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Fisher Farm and Meadows is a 500+ acre farm, forest and open space!
“The Friends of Fisher Farm is a community organization that is dedicated to educating the public about the natural beauty and rich history of the farm through environmental and agricultural education. The group works to preserve the integrity of the farm's natural resources and to serve as an advocate for this important community resource.”
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Farmington River Park is a beautiful place!
“The 78-acre park – over a quarter of which is in Windsor – was acquired by Bloomfield in November 1995 and has been developed for hiking, picnicking, and fishing. The official trails total about 2 miles with lots of other unmarked trails spoking off through neighboring forests owned by the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.”
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Blackledge Falls is 80 acres of wood area with trails and a little water fall that your pup can swim at!
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Cotton Hollow consists of 80 acres of pristine woodlands traversed by the Roaring Brook. There are swimming holes and trails that are perfect for a day with your pup.
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The Meshomasic State Forest is a beautiful place! The Portland Reservoir is in the forest and a great area to explore with many trails for hiking and biking! Enter in a residential area on the Portland side, or ride down scenic dirt roads in South Glastonbury to get there.
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People's State Forest has many trails and areas with water to enjoy!
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Glastonbury Audobon has trails that leads to the Connecticut River! it’s a great little area to walk around with you dog and there is a small, calm area they can enjoy the water.
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Salmon Brook has trails and swimming spots for you pup to take dips!