Visiting the Island of Guernsey with your dog
Fancy visiting Guernsey with your dog on your next vacation? This Channel Island in the English Channel has some wonderful surprises in store that are perfect for dogs. Discover how to plan your getaway to Guernsey with your furry friend.
Visiting the Island of Guernsey with your dog is an excellent idea if you are looking for a change of scenery less than 2 hours from the French coast.
This small Channel Island, located in the English Channel, captivates visitors with its spectacular cliffs, beaches, charming villages, and quintessentially British atmosphere. Before setting sail with your dog, however, it's essential to be aware of the specific entry requirements, as the island is a British Crown Dependency.
In this article, I explain how to get to Guernsey with your dog, what the best walks are to share together and on which beaches you can enjoy the coastline in complete tranquility.
Summary
Practical Memo
Here are the best QUALIDOG-certified accommodations for your holiday with your dog!
Porthole of Cherbourg
No supplement for animals
Gites of the manor of Dur-Ecu
With a beautiful sea view!
Didn't find what you were looking for in our selection? Here are a few websites where you can find dog-friendly accommodations. They are not QUALIDOG-certified partners, so I don't know their standards of hospitality.
- Want to explore the coastal landscapes and unique atmosphere of Guernsey with your dog? Discover our ultimate hiking guide ! You will find all my advice there to prepare your walks and adopt the right habits.
- On the island of Guernsey, offshore winds and sudden downpours can quickly cool the air. A good dog raincoat will allow your pet to stay nice and dry and warm on the coastal paths.
- Explore the spectacular coastline of Guernsey with your dog! Our comparison of dog life jackets gives you all the keys to choosing the perfect protection and ensuring your safety in the waves.
How to get to the island of Guernsey with your dog?
Before visiting the Island of Guernsey with your dog, it is essential to know the entry formalities and transport options.
Guernsey has a rather unique status in Europe . The island is not part of the United Kingdom, but it is not an independent state either. It is a Crown Dependency, with its own administration. This status entails specific entry rules for pets.
If you are travelling from France, your dog must:
- be over 15 weeks old ;
- to be identified by microchip, or by a clearly legible tattoo done before July 3, 2011;
- to own a European passport ;
- but wish to remain conscious vaccinated against rabiesthe vaccination must have been carried out after identification and be valid for at least 21 days after the primary vaccination;
- to have received a deworming treatment against tapeworms (praziquantel), administered by a veterinarian between 24 and 120 hours before arrival in Guernsey and recorded in section VII of the passport.
The journey must also be made with an approved shipping or airline company. Arrivals by private plane or private boat are not permitted under the animal travel scheme.
Finally, certain breeds are banned in Guernsey. Pitbulls, Tosas, Dogo Argentinos and Fila Brasileiros, as well as dogs with a similar appearance, are not allowed on the island, regardless of their official breed.
To reach Guernsey, the ferry remains the simplest solution when travelling with your dog:
- The company Brittany Ferries offers crossings depending on the time of year since Saint Malo ou Cherbourg.
- There are also crossings with Channel Islands Express departing from Granville, Diélette or Carteret.
However, I advise you to always check the pet acceptance conditions before booking, as they can vary depending on the ship and the season, especially if there are too many people.
It's also possible to fly to Guernsey with a dog, but this option is generally more complicated. Direct flights from France are few and far between, and each airline has its own regulations regarding animal transport. For a tourist stay, the ferry remains, in my opinion, the most comfortable and practical solution.
Once you arrive on the island, all you have to do is enjoy the magnificent landscapes of Guernsey with your companion.
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Activities to do with your dog on the Island of Guernsey
Visiting the Island of Guernsey with your dog allows you to enjoy many walks between cliffs, countryside and charming villages.
If there's one activity I highly recommend, it's hiking the famous Cliff Paths . This trail runs along the entire south coast of Guernsey and offers magnificent views of the cliffs, coves, and the English Channel. Dogs are welcome, provided they respect other walkers and the local wildlife.
Among the most beautiful sections of the Cliff Paths, I particularly recommend:
- Saint Peter Port → Fermain Bay : this first section gradually leaves the bustle of the port to join one of the prettiest coves in GuernseyThe path already offers superb views of the English Channel and crosses through dense vegetation which provides some shade during the walk.
- Fermain Bay → Moulin Huet Bay This is certainly one of the most spectacular sections of the coastline. You walk along the cliffs above coves with turquoise waters while enjoying numerous viewpoints on the south coast of the island.
- Moulin Huet Bay → Petit Bot Bay This final section alternates between stairs, coastal paths, and wilder passages before reaching Petit Bot Bay, a small beach nestled at the foot of the cliffsThe atmosphere there is particularly well preserved and the landscape is well worth the effort required by the terrain.
Just remember to bring water for your dog, especially on the hottest days, as some areas are quite strenuous.
If you prefer a more leisurely stroll, explore the aptly named " Quiet Lanes "! These small country roads are a true specialty of Guernsey. The speed limit is 24 km/h to give priority to pedestrians, cyclists, and horse riders.
I really enjoy this way of exploring the island's interior. You walk through flowering hedgerows, along stone-lined paths, through fields and small hamlets in a particularly peaceful atmosphere. Guernsey's tourist office even recommends the Quiet Lanes as one of the best routes for discovering the island in a different way.
A visit to Guernsey wouldn't be complete without a stop in Saint Peter Port . The capital is full of charm with its cobbled streets, lively harbor, and numerous colorful facades. The town center is easily explored on foot , and many terraces, cafes, and shops are dog-friendly. This allows you to enjoy the harbor atmosphere without having to leave your furry friend waiting outside. You'll also find several gardens and viewpoints where you can take a break during your visit.
Among Guernsey's most famous landmarks is the Little Chapel , a tiny chapel decorated with seashells, pebbles, and mosaics. The gardens and grounds are open to the public and make a pleasant stop during a tour of the island with your dog.
After these lovely walks, it's time to discover where your dog can enjoy the coastline, paws in the sea!
Are dogs allowed on the beaches of Guernsey?
Good news: visiting the Island of Guernsey with your dog also allows you to enjoy many accessible beaches.
Unlike many beach destinations, Guernsey remains particularly dog-friendly for much of the year.
Some beaches remain open to dogs all year round:
Furthermore, between October 1st and April 30th, dogs are also welcome on the following beaches:
If you're planning a trip to Lihou Island , be aware that dogs are prohibited year-round on the island and on the Lihou Causeway . This regulation helps protect nesting birds and the particularly sensitive natural habitats of this reserve. Lihou Island offers a unique wilderness escape in Guernsey, ideal for observing seabirds and swimming in its famous natural pool, Venus Pool.
Before each walk, I still advise you to consult the local regulations , as some restrictions may change over the seasons or depending on biodiversity protection work.
Visiting the Island of Guernsey with your dog is an excellent way to enjoy your stay amidst nature, coastal hikes and heritage discoveries in a destination that is particularly welcoming to dogs.
For a successful stay in Guernsey, consider the QUALIDOG-certified accommodations I mentioned at the beginning of the article . These establishments offer a fantastic welcome for your dog and are eagerly awaiting your arrival!
👉 Want to visit other islands with your dog? Many await you, whether on the English Channel coast or out into the Mediterranean! Check out our guide to islands to visit with your dog to find them all and choose your next trip!
And if you've already been to Guernsey or are planning a trip there soon with your little one, tell me about your experience in the comments – I'd love to hear your tips! 👇
