Downtown Ortonville Pet Friendly Initiatives!

Downtown Ortonville is officially going to the dogs—and cats, and bunnies, and every furry friend in between. Thanks to the vision and hard work of Madilynn Waati, a Brandon High School senior and Girl Scout Ambassador, our downtown is becoming more welcoming than ever—for both people and their pets.

Madilynn’s initiative, part of her Gold Award project, aims to make Ortonville a certified pet-friendly communitybased on the nationally recognized Better Cities for Pets program by Mars, Inc. The project is already bringing new energy to our downtown by encouraging residents to bring their four-legged companions along as they shop, dine, and explore.

"I got interested in this project because I’m a huge pet person, but I always want to do whatever I can to help things or people," Madilynn shared. "I’m hoping this project brings the community together and helps pet owners feel more comfortable downtown."

Working in partnership with the Ortonville DDA, Village Council, and local businesses, Madilynn is helping downtown take steps toward becoming more accessible and enjoyable for pet owners. From dog-friendly landscaping to welcoming signage and hydration stations, the upgrades are about more than just convenience—they’re about community.

This initiative supports our broader goals of:

• Increasing foot traffic and local business engagement
• Improving the visual appeal of downtown with fresh, pet-safe plantings
• Encouraging healthy lifestyles and social connection
• Building local pride and a sense of belonging
• Creating new reasons to linger, explore, and return

The Ortonville Farmers Market, held every Saturday from 9 AM – 1 PM, is now your pet’s favorite weekend hangout! Each week this summer, we’ve introduced pet-friendly features to help pets and owners alike feel welcome:

Pet Photo Booth – Snap a photo of your furry friend with our market backdrop for a chance to be featured as “Pet of the Week” on our social media!
Hydration Station – Stop by for fresh water bowls, treats, and even surprise pup cups on special days.
Pet-friendly vendors & free goodies – Many of our booths now offer pet-safe items, samples, and more.

Whether you’re shopping for farm-fresh produce or enjoying live music, your leashed pets are always welcome to join in the fun.

We’re thrilled to announce the return of our Annual Pet Day at the Ortonville Farmers Market, happening on Saturday, September 27th from 9 AM – 1 PM. 

Last year’s event was such a hit that it was recognized with the Main Street “Community Event of the Year” Award, celebrating the event’s positive impact on downtown vitality.
From costume contests to pet-themed vendors, giveaways, and special guests, Pet Day is our way of saying thank you to our animal-loving community.

Don’t miss this year’s celebration—it’s going to be bigger, better, and bark-worthy!