Homeowners who count their dog as a family member know that a four-legged friend makes a house a home, and Medford residents are no exception. Whether you are a life-long dog lover or joined the pet-owner pack with a "pandemic puppy," here’s where you can play with, pamper, and care for your pup in Medford.
Dog Parks
Daily walks are part of the dog-owning routine, but enjoying the great outdoors with Fido is always sweeter when play is involved. For dogs who love other dogs, check out the following social spots:
The Sheepfold Area of the Middlesex Fells: While all of the Middlesex Fells Reservation ("The Fells"), offers walking trails fit for humans and their on-leash companions, the Sheepfold area provides an open, off-leash area where you and your buddy can perfect a game of fetch, or let him play and run freely with other dogs. Located on Route 28 North heading toward Stoneham, there is a small parking lot, but it fills quickly. The Park is busiest in the morning, early evening, and of course, weekends.
Riverbend Dog Park: This hidden jewel located behind the McGlynn and Andrews Middle Schools on Freedom Way is perfect for dog owners seeking a fenced-in play option for Fido. The Park features two pebble surface areas, plenty of shade, and an irrigation system to keep pups from overheating. Benches, dog-bag dispensers, and trash cans are also available. Be sure to meander by the flourishing Community Gardens on your way home.
Mystic Lakes: The pathways around the Mystic Lakes in West Medford, Arlington, and Winchester are a perfect way to enjoy an early morning walk or run with your four-legged BFF. Enjoy the gentle breeze from the water's edge, the view of the kayaks and sailboats at the Medford Boat Club, or a quiet stroll by Sandy Beach (with your pup on-leash, of course).
Dog Grooming
After enough running around, a professional grooming will feel like a treat for your four-legged friend (and you). While there are a few big-box groomers in Medford, locals tend to bring their fur-babies to one of two family-owned shops:
Clean Paws (312 Salem Street): Owner Thaise Heidemann and her team have been making dogs look and smell great since 2013. You can book online via their website or Facebook page to schedule 1-hour or 2-hour grooming services depending on your dog's needs.
McPaws Dog Grooming (468 High Street): Owner Kaitlin McGovern offers custom-care, 1-hour grooming packages for dogs of all sizes. Scheduling slots are available via their Facebook page, where you can also take a peek at the before-and-after photos for your daily dose of Internet Dog Cuteness.
Not up for toting Toto to a storefront? Then Bubbles and Bones, the mobile dog groomer, is just what you're looking for: they'll come to your doorstep in a van that is fully-equipped for a doggie spa day to remember! Choose from traditional or oatmeal baths, or if your dog has met his match in his neighborhood travels, you can call on Bubbles and Bones for their signature Skunk Bath!
Pet Supply Stores
Feeding Fido isn't a chore when you have these local pet stores, stocked with all sorts and brands of food, dog gear, and goodies that show your pet what good boy or girl they are.
Pet Supplies Plus in the Wellington Circle Plaza offers a special Play-Box full of toys and treats for your dog, which you can order for curbside pickup or delivery. Follow their Facebook page for tips to beat the summer heat and coupons and discounts on food and gear. Pet Supplies also regularly features connections to dog rescues and obedience schools and trainers.
Petwell Supply offers a full range of all-natural foods and treatments for dog health. Stop into their Davis Square, Somerville, to learn more about their products and services, particularly if your dog lives with certain health conditions or ailments. You can also connect to them via their Facebook page, where they are happy to consult with you on food and nutrition matters. Sign up for their newsletter for updates on new products, discounts, and sales.
Petco is the one-stop-shop for food, gear, grooming, and obedience training. Located next door to Wegmans in the Meadow Glen Plaza, you can book grooming or vaccination appointments online at their website and enroll your dog in obedience training. Curbside pickup of supplies is also available.
What are some of your favorite ways to pamper your dog? Helping homeowners (and their dogs!) love the way they live in Medford is my specialty, and introducing first-time homebuyers to all of Medford’s wonder is my passion. If you or someone you know is looking to purchase in Medford, I’d love to help them find the home of their dreams. Contact me for a consultation today!
