The air is getting crisp, the leaves are changing colors, and pumpkin spice everything is back - that means fall is in full swing! This is one of the best times of year to spend time outdoors with your furry family members. Here are some of our favorite fall activities you can enjoy with your pets.

Go Hiking

Find a pet-friendly nature trail or park in your area and take your dog out for a refreshing fall hike. Your pet will love sniffing all the wonderful fall smells and colors along the trail. Bring plenty of water, some snacks, keep your dog on a leash, and be mindful of wildlife.

Visit a Pumpkin Patch

Let your pet pick out their own mini pumpkin at a local pumpkin patch or farm stand. They'll enjoy exploring the pumpkin vines and you can get some adorable photos. Keep dogs on a leash and make sure they don’t chew on raw pumpkins (which can present a choking hazard). You can then decorate the pumpkins by dipping their paws in pet-safe paint and pressing them to the pumpkin!

Create Some Treats

Whip up some homemade goodies for your pets like apple dog biscuits or pupkin spice lattes. Be sure to only use pet-safe ingredients.

Get Them Festive Gear

What’s a new season without some gear? Keep them cozy with a handmade blanket. Dress them up with a pumpkin-covered bandana or your favorite football player’s jersey. Treat them to a new Halloween toy. The options are endless!

Have a Fall Photo Shoot

One thing we love seeing when we scroll social media: your pups enjoying the season! The colorful leaves, the themed outfits, props, etc. WE. LOVE. IT. ALL. (Tag @metropaws in your Instagram photos or email them to woof@metropaws.com for a chance to be featured on our pages.)

Build a Leaf Pile

Rake up a big pile of fall leaves in your yard and let your pet enjoy diving in and burrowing through. Toss a Metro Ball in the pile to encourage them to hop in. Supervise to ensure they don't eat any, which could cause gastrointestinal irritation.

Go Camping

If the weather cooperates, take your pet on a fall camping trip. Let them cozy up with you by the campfire and enjoy the crisp night air. Just keep them on a leash and beware of wildlife. If you can’t get away for a whole weekend, set up a tent in your backyard.

Go Trick-or-Treating

It’s a blast to bring pets along for trick-or-treating on Halloween - just be sure they are wearing a comfortable costume and not nibbling on any candy! Many pets love walking house to house and getting in on the excitement. Get creative by wearing a costume that matches your pup’s costume. For some easy homemade costume ideas, we’ve got you covered.

The changing seasons open up so many opportunities for fun with our friends, family, and fur-babies. What are your favorite fall activities with pets?