It’s the pet-friendliest time of year

JUMP IN THE LAKE

Lake Champlain becomes the center of activity during the warmer months. Dog-friendly areas like North Beach and Oakledge Park offer space to swim, play, and unwind. Water provides both relief from the heat and a great form of exercise. Some canines don’t like to get wet, so use caution when you’re lakeside for the first time.

TAKE A HIKE

Beyond the lake, trails and open land are perfect places to take your dogs. The Burlington Greenway provides sweeping lake views, while Shelburne Farms offers pastoral landscapes perfect for a slower-paced walk.

OUT & ABOUT

Vermont’s culture naturally embraces pets as part of daily life. Restaurants, like Splash at the Boathouse, and cafes and restaurants along Church Street are dog-friendly, along with breweries like Switchback Brewing Company, Mad River Distillers, and Foam Brewers. In fact, some places not only accommodate pets—they expect them! It’s not uncommon in Burlington to see water bowls outside stores, with doggie treats on offer at the counter.

Beat the Heat Treats

Summer is a good time to make frozen treats for your pets. For dogs, freezing a rubber chew toy for a few hours can be a great way to provide relief on hot days. You can also add ice cubes to their water bowl or give them directly as a treat. Cats can enjoy frozen catnip-stuffed toys or ice cubes with a bit of tuna water dripped inside.

 Try these recipes

PB & Banana Bites

Blend 1 cup plain yogurt, 1/4 cup xylitol-free peanut butter, and 1 mashed banana. Freeze in molds.

Berry Coconut Delight

Blend 1 cup coconut milk with 1/2 cup blueberries and 1/2 cup strawberries, then freeze.

Tuna/Salmon Bites

Freeze tuna or salmon packed in water into small, icy cubes (add a little extra water before you freeze).

Cat “Nice” Cream

Blend frozen blueberries with a small amount of fish broth; freeze.

Get Up & Go

Community life thrives in the summer months, and many events throughout the Champlain Valley welcome pets. Below are just a few.

Burlington Farmers Market

A vibrant weekly market along the waterfront. Every Saturday, 9am–2pm

Summervale at the Intervale Center

A free weekly summer festival at the Intervale Center in Burlington, celebrating local food, drink, and live music.

www.intervale.org/summervale

Town Green Concert Series

Relaxed outdoor performances across the region. For schedules, check local municipal websites for their summer bandstand schedules.

Shelburne Village Dog Park

A three-acre off-leash, fenced area for dogs to run and play, featuring dog-themed sculptures and furniture.

 Summer-Smart Toys

Whether your furry friend loves splashing in water, chasing toys, or lounging in the sun, the right summer toys can keep them entertained and safe. Here are some suggestions for dogs and cats:

SPLASH-READY TOYS FOR DOGS

Keep your pup cool with water-friendly toys that float and can be thrown for a game of fetch at the beach or pool. The Playology Squeaky Chew Ball is a great option! But any squeaky toy will do. Pair it with a kiddie pool for splashy fun in your backyard.

CHASE & POUNCE TOYS FOR CATS

Cats may not enjoy water, but they’ll love toys that mimic the movement of prey. Crinkle or pouncing cat toys from Playology’s Cat Collection are perfect for engaging their hunting instincts. For outdoor-safe cats, a rolling toy can turn your garden into their playground.

Summer Safety Basics

While Vermont’s climate is mild compared to many places, summer heat can still pose risks. The following advice comes from aspca.org:

• Give pets plenty of fresh, clean water when it’s hot or humid outdoors, as pets can get            dehydrated quickly.

• Know the symptoms of overheating in pets, which include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, stupor, or even collapse.

• Never leave your animals alone in a parked vehicle. Not only can it lead to fatal heat stroke, but it’s illegal in several states!

• Do not leave pets unsupervised around a pool. If you plan on spending time near a pool, lake or beach with your pet, make sure you give them fresh water and avoid letting them drink from the pool, or ingest ocean or lake water.