Weekend Guide · Nov. 6–8, 2026
Dog-Friendly Events Near Cheshire, CT: Weekend of Nov. 6–8, 2026
A smaller list than usual this weekend, with a rescue reunion, a leashed hike and a few adoption and portrait events, every one checked against the organizer’s own page.
Quick answer
I couldn’t confirm anything dog-specific in our seven core towns this weekend, so this week’s list leans on short drives. The closest is The Animal Haven’s open house in North Haven on Sunday afternoon. If you’re up for a drive of about half an hour, Saturday has a Companion Pet Rescue adoption day in Orange and a leashed hike in Guilford, Friday and Saturday have winter pet portraits in Milford, and Sunday has Barktoberfest at Black Hog Brewing in Oxford, where dogs are welcome. Every event below was checked against the organizer’s own page on Thursday morning, Nov. 5.
Every Friday I round up dog-friendly things to do around Cheshire, Southington, Wallingford, Hamden, North Haven, Meriden and New Haven. Here’s what’s happening this weekend, Friday, November 6 through Sunday, November 8, 2026. I only list events where I could confirm the date and that dogs are welcome (or are the guests of honor) on the organizer’s own page, so some weeks the list is shorter. For recurring events and ideas any time of year, see our guide to pet events in Connecticut.
Before you go: it looks like a wet weekend. The National Weather Service forecast I checked Thursday morning showed rain on Friday and a chance of light rain on Saturday and Sunday. Please check each organizer’s page or social media the morning of the event, since outdoor plans can move or cancel, and bring water, waste bags and a sturdy (non-retractable) leash.
1 event
Close to home
Open House at The Animal Haven
This is the closest thing to home I could confirm for the weekend, and it’s a nice, low-key way to spend an hour. The Animal Haven is a North Haven shelter for cats and dogs, and its open house is a drop-in tour where you can meet the animals waiting for homes. There’s no RSVP. Adoptions don’t happen that afternoon, since the shelter asks for an approved application first, so it’s also a good first step if you’re thinking about adding a pet.
Dog rules: The shelter’s page doesn’t say anything about bringing your own pet, so I’d call ahead before you bring yours.
4 events
Worth the drive elsewhere in Connecticut
Winter Wonderland Pet Portraits at Milford Photo
Milford Photo’s pet portrait event is back with a winter theme, and it’s the only thing on this list you can do on Friday. They encourage you to bring your pet’s own winter outfit, like a jacket, scarf, hat or boots. If your dog tolerates a little dress-up, it could make a fun holiday card photo. It runs by appointment.
Dog rules: Appointment required, one pet per time slot. The page says “pet” and doesn’t name dogs, and it doesn’t list a price, so check the event page before you book.
Bartlett Land Preserve hike on Totoket Mountain
If your dog loves a long walk, this is the one I’d pick for Saturday morning. The Guilford Land Conservation Trust leads this hike, and it calls it a longish one for Guilford, with a couple of long but not steep climbs up the ridge. That makes it a better fit for a dog who is already used to real distance than for a dog who mostly does short loops. Plan to arrive 10 minutes early, and give your dog a quick tick check when you get home (here’s how to remove a tick if you find one).
Dog rules: The trust says leashed dogs are permitted, and heavy rain or snow cancels the hike. For questions, the page lists a number to text: 203-623-3434.
Companion Pet Rescue adoption event at PetSmart
Companion Pet Rescue, a Connecticut dog rescue, brings adoptable dogs to the Orange PetSmart for the day. It’s an easy stop if you’ve been wondering whether now is the right time to add a dog, or if you just like meeting rescue dogs. Both the rescue’s calendar and North Shore Animal League America’s listing show this date and time.
Dog rules: Neither listing says whether you can bring your own dog, so I’d check with the rescue first. The Animal League listing notes weather may affect events.
Rescue’s event pageAnimal League listingDirections (Google Maps)
Barktoberfest at Black Hog Brewing
This is the one I’d put on the calendar if you only pick one. Companion Pet Rescue is holding its annual reunion at the brewery, and the brewery’s own page says dogs are welcome and costumes are encouraged. It’s a chance to see how the rescue’s alumni are doing. There’s music and food, plus a lineup of pet vendors, including treats, collars and pet photography. A costume that’s still comfortable for your dog’s walk to the car is the sweet spot.
Dog rules: Black Hog’s page says dogs are welcome and doesn’t list leash or vaccine rules, so bring a sturdy leash anyway. The brewery’s site also asks that guests be 21 or older, so I wouldn’t count on bringing kids.
Black Hog event pageRescue’s event pageDirections (Google Maps)
Wet weekend
A few tips for a rainy day out with your dog
- Keep a towel in the car. Rain is likely, and a quick rub-down before the ride home saves your seats.
- Check between the toes. Wet leaves and mud can hide burrs, ticks and debris, so give paws and legs a quick look and wipe-down after you’re home.
- Ask before bringing your own dog to an adoption event. Shelters and rescues often have their own dog policy, and two of the listings above don’t say.
- Know your dog’s limit. A hike or a busy brewery patio is a lot for some dogs. It’s okay to leave early, or to skip it and take a calm neighborhood walk instead.
Looking for a drier option? Our guides to dog parks and trails in Connecticut, hiking and swimming with your dog and dog-friendly breweries have places you can go any day.
While you’re out
Out for the day? We’ve got the dog covered
If your weekend plans don’t include the dog, our team offers dog walks, pet sitting visits and overnight care in Cheshire, Southington, Wallingford, Hamden, North Haven, Meriden and New Haven. New clients start with a meet and greet: you’ll meet with a member of our team before your first service. Rates are on our Services & Pricing page.
Know of a dog-friendly event coming up near Cheshire? Let us know and I’ll check it out for a future weekend roundup. Missed last weekend? Here’s our Oct. 31–Nov. 1 roundup.
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