Can you bring your dog to apple orchards in New York state?
It's officially fall, which means apple-picking season is underway across New York. The state is known for its apples and countless orchards, making apple picking a popular fall tradition.
As families and communities begin planning their apple-picking trips this fall, many dog owners may wonder whether their furry, four-legged friends can join them in the orchard.
Here's what to know before bringing your dog apple picking in New York state.
Can you bring your dog apple picking in NY?
There is not a straightforward answer to this, as it depends on which farms and orchards you are looking to visit.
While there are a select number of NY orchards that allow dogs, most of them do not.
The few that do allow dogs have varying rules, like
only service dogs being allowed at the orchards or that dogs must be leashed at all times. There are even some farms that will allow dogs on the property, but just not in the orchards where the apple picking takes place.
It is important to always call ahead or search the website of the farm or orchard you plan to visit before bringing your pup along for your apple picking day.
5 NY apple orchards that allow dogs
Here are five apple orchards and farms in New York State that do allow dogs. The policies around bringing dogs are different for each of them, so it is important to call ahead or read their policies before bringing your dog!
1. Bowman Orchards in Saratoga County, NY
Pets are allowed at Bowman Orchards for apple picking, but they must be leashed at all times, and you must clean up after they use the bathroom. While they are allowed to join you during apple picking, dogs are not allowed in the orchard's You-Pick Fields where the fruit grows close to the ground, like berries. Leashed dogs are not allowed inside the orchard's buildings or stores. If you do not follow the orchard's rules or if your pet is caught destroying property or becoming a hazard, you may be asked to leave.
For more information about Bowman Orchards' pet policy, read their FAQs page by visiting bowmanorchards.com/about/faqs/, or call (518)-371-2042.
Bowman Orchards is located at 147 Sugarhill Road in Rexford, Saratoga County.
2. Hurds Family Farm in Ulster County, NY
Hurds Family Farm is a dog-friendly farm and apple orchard in New York. Dogs must be leashed at all times, and owners must have poo bags on them and be responsible for cleaning up after their animals.
For more information on the Hurds Family Farm pet policy, visit hurdsfamilyfarm.com/friendy-rules, or call (845)-883-7825.
Hurds Family Farm is located at 2187 State Route 32 in Modena, Ulster County.
3. Barton Orchards in Dutchess County, NY
Barton Orchards allows leashed, well-behaved dogs both around the farm and in the orchards where you can pick apples. The orchard also has its own dog park called The Bark Park, where dogs can roam around unleashed. Dogs are not allowed in the corn maze or any of the buildings. Owners are responsible for cleaning up after the dogs on the farm, in the dog park and in the parking lot.
For more information on the Barton Orchards pet policy, visit bartonorchards.com/frequently-asked-questions/or call (845)-227-2306.
Barton Orchards is located at 63 Apple Tree Lane in Poughquag, Dutchess County.
4. Fly Creek Cider Mill & Orchard in Otsego County, NY
Fly Creek Cider Mill & Orchard allows leashed pets on their property, but not inside the Mill or the Mill Store Marketplace. Working service dogs that are properly leashed and restrained are allowed. Service dogs must qualify under the ADA requirements. Emotional support dogs and service dogs in training do not qualify.
For more information on the Mill's pet policy, visit flycreekcidermill.com or call (607)-547-9692.
Fly Creek Cider Mill & Orchard is located at 288 Goose Street in Fly Creek, Otsego County.
5. Meadows Farm in Chautauqua County, NY
Meadows Farm does allow leashed dogs on the property, as long as you are mindful of other guests and clean up after your dog.
For more information on the Meadows Farm pet policy, visit meadowsapplefarm.com/ or call (716)-965-2674.
Meadows Farm is located at 10459 Prospect Road in Forestville, Chautauqua County.
—Madison Scott is a New York Connect reporter, covering entertainment, breaking and consumer news, and trending topics with a focus on stories that matter to readers across New York State. She also has an interest in how the system helps or doesn't helpfamilies with missing loved ones. She can be reached at MDScott@USATodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Can you bring your dog apple picking in New York? What to know before you go
