09/09/2026
Let’s talk about dogs at markets!
Most outdoor markets welcome well-behaved, leashed dogs, but you should check your market’s rules and consider how your pet’s presence may impact other customers. Here are some tips to ensure your market is a safe, comfortable environment for everyone:
🦮Remember that service dogs are on the clock, and should be left alone to do their job!
🎾Short leashes keep your pooch close to you, and out from under other shoppers’ feet or vendors’ coolers.
🐩Barking or fighting with other dogs make shoppers feel unsafe and make vendors’ jobs more difficult.
🐾If human kids are part of your group, take the time to teach them dog manners! Kids should not approach strange dogs, and dogs should never be teased.
🐶Understand that in some cultures, dogs are predators, not pets, and the presence of dogs in others’ personal space can be another barrier to some Mainers attending markets.
🚽Dogs who “mark” should stay home. Urine on vendor’s totes, tables, and goods is NOT OK.
🐕Just like with strollers or carts, if you’re stopping to chat with a friend or arrange your bags, take an extra second to move out of the main walkway with your dog so that others can keep shopping.
🦴If you’ll be holding the leash while going through the checkout line, consider practicing with your dog to sit and stay while you pay for and gather your produce. Then your dog won’t be tripping other shoppers!
💗As with in any public space, remember that just because your dog is friendly does not mean the person or pet your dog is approaching wants to be approached.
Thanks for keeping Maine farmers’ markets a welcoming, safe place for all shoppers!
