Posts tagged farmers market
The Joys of Bringing Your Dog to the Farmers Market
dog standing beside owner with market cart at a farmers market

We Love Our Weekend Farmers Markets

Every weekend, we set up our tents at three of the most wonderful farmers markets in Central Florida. For us, these market weekends are a treat: we get to be outside in beautiful park settings, meet new people, and offer tasty treat samples to the happy pups that join their parents. We’re lucky to have so many great dog-friendly events in Orlando, and we know that you dog moms and dads feel the same!

As responsible pet parents, it’s important to make sure your dogs are on their best behavior at the farmers’ market to ensure a fun time for all attendees. Here are just a few guidelines to keep in mind before you bring your dogs to the Winter Park, Lake Mary, or Maitland Farmers Markets to stop by our booth.

Be Realistic About Your Dog’s Temperament

A bustling farmers’ market can be a high-stress environment for any dog. There are so many new sights, smells, people, and other dogs to encounter. While we know you want your dog to be included in all the fun, it’s so important to be realistic about your dog’s temperament and manners. Putting your dog in a situation where they’re unable to make the proper responses to a variety of situations can be dangerous for you and for those around you.

At a minimum, make sure your dog is comfortable around strangers, other dogs, and children. Your dog should also know commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “down.” As always, be sure you bring along some high-value treats to reward them for good behavior in new situations.

Make Sure Your Dog’s ID is Visible

The goal in bringing your dog to the farmers’ market with you is to have a great time, not to put them under stress! However, even the best-trained dog may become overwhelmed in a new situation. What’s more, there’s always the possibility that you lose control of the leash when you have a handful of shopping bags. Whatever the situation, you want to make sure that your dog is easily identifiable in case of emergency.

If you don’t already have an ID tag on your dog’s harness or collar, you should get one now. You can also get your dog’s information embroidered on their harness or collar so you can make sure it stays with them at all times. Additionally, if your dog is not already microchipped, now is the time to do it. 

Get the Right Gear

You’ve obviously taken your dog on a walk before, so we’re sure you have a good leash and a collar or harness that fits your dog comfortably and securely. The farmers’ market is not a place to go off-leash, so this equipment is non-negotiable for your outing. We strongly recommend using a standard, non-retractable leash when you’re bringing your dog to high-stress and high-excitement situations like a market. Remember: not everyone at the farmers’ market is there to see dogs, and some vendors (especially food vendors) may not want dogs near their merchandise. To keep everyone comfortable, keep the leash short and make sure your dog doesn’t stray. 

Bring Water and Snacks

Here in Florida, we experience hot daytime temperatures well through the month of October and beyond. Your dog will dehydrate quickly in these conditions, so you need to make sure you have a source of fresh water and a vessel for them to drink from. Additionally, you may want to offer them a few healthy snacks to keep them satiated while you’re away from home. Of course, you’ll want to make sure you have poop bags on hand to clean up any accidents and keep the market looking beautiful.

Stay Aware of Your Surroundings

It’s important to make sure you keep an eye on anyone who may be approaching your dog - dogs and children alike. While we always hope that people are responsible enough to ask permission before they pet your dog, not everyone knows these rules, and young children are likely to pet a cute puppy at their whim. If you notice someone approaching, put yourself between them and your dog and clearly state what kind of contact your dog is comfortable with, if any. You never want to put yourself or your dog in a position to be a liability.

Responsible Pet Ownership is Good for Everyone

When you follow these common-sense guidelines, you’re making sure that dog-friendly events are safe and fun for everyone. Farmers markets are great places for your dogs to socialize and explore. They’re also the perfect place for your dog to sample some of our tasty, healthy treats! To learn more, send us a message on Facebook or visit our online shop to order your dogs’ favorite food, treats, and bone broth. 

Spend Your Saturdays With Us at the Lake Mary Farmers Market

Every Saturday morning, the Pawsitively Pure crew heads over to the Lake Mary Farmers Market to set up our booth. These days, there’s nothing quite as refreshing as enjoying a few peaceful moments outside, and Central Park in Lake Mary offers the perfect place to safely enjoy a Saturday morning with your dog.

COVID-19 took away many people’s in-person shopping options and eliminated shopping for fun as an activity. So when farmers markets reopened in the summer of 2020 under special safety guidelines, we rejoiced! With vendors maintaining their distance and enforced masks and hand sanitizer stations, the Lake Mary Farmers Market is safe and fun for responsible shoppers and their friendly dogs. 

The Lake Mary Farmers Market is one of our favorites. Here’s why: 

There’s a Wonderful Variety of Vendors

Since we started attending this market years ago, we’ve connected with a wonderful group of vendors offering an array of goods. Find your traditional farmers market offerings, like fresh fruits and vegetables, amongst other local makers, artists, and producers. Many stalls have handmade meals and treats; others feature art and home decor. It’s like a mall you can bring your dog to in the beautiful open air!

Precautions are in Place to Keep Attendees Safe

The organizers of the Lake Mary Farmers Market have taken the necessary precautions to keep vendors and attendees safe during the coronavirus outbreak. First of all, vendors maintain at least 6’ of space between their stalls to prevent crowds from forming. Secondly, all in attendance are required to wear masks. Additionally, many vendors and organizers offer hand sanitizer and extra cleaning supplies to prevent the spread of germs. 

The atmosphere is pleasant and attendees are all respectful of the rules. We have felt safe during every appearance, and have done our parts to promote the safety of those around us!

Special Events Make Saturdays Fun

The Lake Mary Farmers Market frequently hosts special events, so you can get a healthy dose of holiday fun while staying safe! This month, we’re offering some Pawsitively Pure goodies as prizes for the Halloween Pet Costume Contest, an annual favorite of ours. Organizers have lots of fun and treats in store for the upcoming holidays to make your season just a little brighter! 


The Lake Mary Farmers Market takes place at 100 N. Country Club Road in Lake Mary, FL, every Saturday (with exceptions) from 9 AM to 1:30 PM. To learn more about the other vendors and the market in general, follow Lake Mary Farmers Market on Facebook.