Visiting Jersey Island with your dog
The island of Jersey, off the English Channel, is an ideal destination for a holiday with your dog. Between coastal walks, charming villages, and dog-friendly beaches, discover all our tips for organizing your stay in Jersey with your dog and making the most of this Channel Island.
Visiting Jersey Island with your dog is a great idea if you are looking for a dog-friendly destination less than 2 hours from the French coast.
The largest of the Channel Islands, located in the English Channel, captivates visitors with its rugged cliffs, long beaches, hiking trails, and charming British villages . However, before embarking with your dog, a few formalities are essential, as Jersey is a British Crown Dependency and has specific health regulations for pets.
For this article, I had a helping hand from Nat, who visited the island of Jersey with her dog Anka, the magnificent malamute pictured! She recommended loads of spots. You can find her Instagram at the bottom of the article to follow her.
Let's go and see together how to get to Jersey Island with your dog , what the best hikes and activities are to share together, as well as the best places to cool off by the water during your stay.
Summary
Practical Memo
Where to stay near Jersey with my dog? Here are the best QUALIDOG-certified accommodations for your holiday with your dog!
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.
- Before lacing up your hiking boots, take the time to consult our ultimate guide to hiking with your dogYou will find all our tips for planning your routes and walks.
- The island's maritime climate can be very humid and windy, even during the summer months. dog raincoat will allow your pet to stay nice and dry and warm along the coastal paths.
- Don't forget your passport and your dog's! You'll need them to travel to the Channel Island of Jersey. A flea and tick treatment must also be administered by a veterinarian before your departure. All the information you'll need is in the rest of the article!
How to get to Jersey Island with your dog?
Traveling to Jersey Island with your dog is very simple, provided you prepare your trip a few days before departure.
If you're departing from France, I recommend taking the ferry from Saint-Malo . It's the fastest and most convenient option with a dog. From Brittany, you can reach Saint Helier , the capital of Jersey, in just 1 hour 25 minutes to 1 hour 55 minutes, depending on the crossing.
The DFDS company operates this route between Saint-Malo and Jersey. When booking, remember to declare the presence of your dog. To travel with your dog, you must use your own car . Your dog must remain in your vehicle for an additional fee of €23 per dog, per journey.
Before leaving, check that your dog has all the required documents . Even though Jersey is not part of the United Kingdom, it is a British Crown Dependency and therefore applies its own health regulations.
Your dog must therefore have :
- by microchip ;
- by valid rabies vaccination ;
- of European passport for a pet (or an accepted health certificate depending on your situation);
- of treatment against echinococcus (tapeworm), administered by a veterinarian between 24 hours and 5 days before your arrival in Jersey. This treatment must be recorded in your European passport.
You can also fly to Jersey with your dog, but only via an approved airline and under much stricter conditions . For a tourist stay, the ferry remains by far the simplest, most comfortable, and least stressful option, both for you and your pet.
Once you arrive on the island, all you have to do is put on your walking shoes: Jersey is an ideal destination for nature lovers.
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What activities can you do on the island of Jersey with your dog?
Jersey Island is full of dog-friendly hikes, charming villages and coastal scenery that can easily be explored with a dog.
- It's impossible to talk about Jersey without starting with La CorbiereThis hike is among the most famous on the island. The trail follows the cliffs to the famous La Corbière lighthouseconnected to the mainland only at low tide by a paved causeway. Between the windswept moors, the cliffs and the panoramas over the Atlantic, this walk is one of those I would prioritize during a stay.
- If you prefer wilder landscapes, head towards Sorel Point, on the north coast. The cliffs there are among the most impressive of the Channel IslandsThe trail connecting Sorel Point to Devil's Hole It is particularly popular with hikers. The viewpoints follow one another all along the route and allow you to admire a coastline that has remained very natural.
- Another must-see place: Plémont BeachThis beach is famous for its sea caves accessible at low tide. I simply recommend that you check the tide times Before setting off, remember that the landscapes change completely depending on the sea level, and it would be a shame to have to turn back. Outside of the peak summer season, the walk is pleasant with a dog on a leash.
When temperatures rise, Jersey also offers several very pleasant wooded areas.
- St. Catherine's Woods is a pretty forest crossed by several shaded pathsThe small streams that meander under the trees provide a pleasant feeling of coolness during the summer.
- The locals also appreciate it a lot Waterworks Valley for their daily walks with their dog. This green valley offers a much calmer atmosphere that the coastline while remaining easily accessible.
- I also recommend the area of Val de la Mare ArboretumBetween the arboretum, the reservoir, and the forest paths, several loops They allow you to vary your routes without any particular difficulty. It's an excellent choice if you're looking for a peaceful walk away from the tourist crowds.
Jersey also has a particularly rich heritage.
- Site Noirmont SSI allows you to discover several old fortifications and bunkers dating from the Second World WarEven without visiting the structures (dogs are not allowed inside), the paths along the coastline offer magnificent views of the island's south coast.
- The villages of Saint-Aubin Or, the lively streets of Saint Helier are easily explored on foot with a dog. Between the small shops, the quays, and the terraces, The atmosphere is particularly pleasant.
- It's finally impossible to miss the Mont Orgueil CastleEven though dogs are not allowed inside the monument, The ramparts, the village's narrow streets, and the coastal paths that surround it are well worth a visit. and already offer a superb view of the bay.
After all these walks, it's time to find the best places where your dog can enjoy a refreshing break.
Where to cool off with your dog on the Island of Jersey?
The good news is that dogs are allowed on all Jersey beaches all year round!
However, between May 1st and September 30th, they must be kept on a leash from 10:30 am to 18 pm . Outside of these hours, they can freely enjoy the sand under your supervision.
Remember to pick up their droppings too : bins are installed on many beaches and fines are planned for failure to comply with this obligation.
Among the most beautiful beaches to take a break with your dog, I recommend:
Each beach offers a different atmosphere. Some charm with their long stretches of sand, others with their small coves or cliffs. You'll easily find a place to let your dog soak its paws after a hike, while enjoying the magnificent scenery for which Jersey is famous.
Before each outing, I still recommend checking the tide times . They greatly influence access to certain beaches, sea caves, and several coastal paths, particularly around La Corbière and Plémont Beach. A quick glance at the tide calendar will prevent any unpleasant surprises and allow you to fully enjoy your stay.
Jersey Island is a dog-friendly destination that brings together all the ingredients for a great holiday with your dog: magnificent hikes, a rich heritage and many beaches where you can share wonderful moments together.
To prepare your stay in Jersey in the best conditions, remember the QUALIDOG accommodations I mentioned at the beginning of the article : they are perfect for a holiday with your dog and will welcome you with pleasure!
Thanks again to Nat and Anka for the invaluable advice! You can find them on Instagram: @ridelifeanka
Have you ever visited Jersey with your four-legged friend? Tell me about your experience and share your favorite spots in the comments! 👇
