Beaches & Dogs Safety In Kent

    Young girl in a dress on a beach playing with a black and white dog for Dogs & Beaches in Kent with safety tips, link for beaches to visit and those where dogs are banned and lots more information about dogs and beaches in Kent for 2024

    Beaches & Dogs Safety In Kent guide to top tips for dogs and beaches in Kent for 2024.

    FAMILY SEASIDE FUN
    Dogs and beaches go together like sun and ice cream, but Summertime leash laws mean some restrictions for your pooch’s coastal outings. Luckily in Kent, there are plenty of beaches for fur babies to visit that are canine-friendly with the family – see our blog post for Dog-Friendly Beaches in Kent for a full round-up of where they can visit the seaside this Summer.

    This Beaches & Dogs Safety In Kent guide helps pawsome pets safe on the Kent coastline, plus highlights where there are Summer beach bans. 

    POOCH COOL
    Beaches are great for families but do take care of your dog in the heat. Here are our highlights to keep them safe at the seaside.
    Tip tips to keep dogs safe on the beach from the vet charity for pets in need, the pdsa

    SHADY SPOTS: Take a parasol or a beach tent so your dog can get out of the sun if it gets too hot.
    PAWSOME TOYS: Use toys that pick up less sand – like a frisbee – sand is not great for dogs to ingest.
    SAND SAFE: Check for broken glass or sharp objects.
    WATER WATER: Don’t forget water and a bowl, and don’t let them drink salt water.
    BATH TIME: If they love a dip in the sea, make sure you have fresh water when you get home to prevent them from licking any salt from their fur – and don’t forget to clean their ears, as water in the ear canal can cause infections to develop.
    CLOCK IT: In the height of the Summer keep them out of the sun during the hottest part of the day – it is best to do early mornings and evenings.

    Paw image in orange with Woof Woof Underneath for See Kent - Dogs & Beaches Safety feature 2024

    SEA SAFETY
    ⋅ Pay attention to signs or flags – a red flag or a sign showing a white circle with a red line through it means you shouldn’t swim – and neither should your fur baby!
    ⋅ If the sea looks dangerous, don’t let your dog swim.
    ⋅ Don’t let your pup swim in the sea if it’s very cold – dogs can struggle when swimming in very cold water!
    ⋅ If your dog does get into trouble in the water – call 999 immediately and ask for the coastguard.
    Beaches & Dogs Safety In Kent.



    BEACH BEAUTY
    The Beauty of the Beach, supported by Dover District Council #beautyofthebeach
    B – Bag It – pick up your dog’s poop and bin it
    E – Enviroment – take away your litter – it can be lethal for wildlife
    A – Annoying bird mess – the more you feed them the more they poop – so don’t give them a morsal or leave food behind
    U – Unblock drains – don’t block the sewers only throw pee, poop and paper down the toilet
    T – Teamwork – join in a litter pick
    Y – Your home – keep your systems tip top to help beach beauty.

    SUMMER FIREWORKS
    While visiting during peak season and for events such as coastal carnivals, Summer fireworks and celebrations, these can startle dogs. To help check out our Dogs & Fireworks – How To Keep Pets Calm feature for advice.

    SEA CLEAN
    In addition, check the quality of the sea for you and your fur baby if you love to swim. To check the storm overflows use the Southern Water Beachbouy checker  – click here. Though they advise they cannot make safety or water quality recommendations as Beachbuoy is simply a reporting tool. You are advised to use your discretion when entering the water or letting your pooches dive in.

    DOGGY DON’TS
    Never Let your dog chase wildlife. In addition, please note the Thanet coastline is a Marine Protection Area as it is home to important wildlife.

    DOGS SEE KENT
    For ideas of where to visit in Kent with dogs – whether for events or attractions, for instance, you can filter by clicking on the dog tag. If you are heading to the beach and want to see what else there is to explore, then our area pages have great ideas and inspiration for your visit. To find things to do that are dog-friendly then you can filter for things to do in Kent and What’s On in Kent that allow fur babies too.

    See our blog post for Dog-Friendly Beaches in Kent for 2024 for a full round-up of where they can visit the seaside this Summer.



    BEACH BANS
    Beaches and places on the coast that are a no-go areas for dogs in Kent for 2024 – seasonal and all year round.

    DEAL & DOVER
    NOT ALLOWED
    At any time
    Sandwich Bay  – dogs are not allowed on the mudflats and salt marshes.
    SEASONAL BAN
    Between the 1st of May and the 30th of October, dogs not allowed
    Dogs are not allowed on Dover Seafront, Waterloo Crescent and Marine Parade.
    More information here

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    FOLKESTONE & HYTHE
    SEASONAL BAN
    Between the 1st of May and the 30th of October, dogs not allowed
    Sunny Sands, Folkestone
    Sandgate – on certain stretches, dogs are restricted
    Hythe Beach – from Twiss Road to St. Leonard’s Road
    Dymchurch Beach – from Sycamore Gardens to Martello Car Park
    St Mary’s Bay – from the Fairway to river outfall
    Littlestone Beach – not allowed from the water tower at Madeira Road to Clark Road
    Greatstone – from the Jolly Fisherman car park through to 17 The Parade and  114 The Parade through to 172 The Parade
    Herne Bay Central – from Herne Bay pier heading west to Lane End, dogs are not allowed on the beach and must be kept on a lead on the promenade.
    Tankerton Beach, Whitstable – level with Pier Avenue West to The Street, dogs are not allowed on the beach and must be kept on a lead on the promenade.
    More information here.

    ISLE OF SHEPPEY
    SEASONAL BAN
    Between the 1st of May and the 30th of October, dogs not allowed
    Sheerness, Isle of Sheppy– the beach from an imaginary line at 90 degrees from the centre point of the headland Jacobs Bank (adjacent to Beach Street Car Park) eastward to an imaginary line at 90 degrees from the west side of the steps leading over the sea wall immediately to the east of Sheerness Swimming Pool.
    Minster Leas – the beach from an imaginary line at 90 degrees from the east side of the Lifeguard Station on the seafront opposite the Playa Public House eastwards to an imaginary line at 90 degrees from the west side of the vehicle ramp leading to the beach, opposite the Little Oyster Café, 4 Sea Side Avenue.
    Leysdown on Sea – the beach from an imaginary line at 90 degrees from Stokes Amusements, eastwards to an imaginary line at 90 degrees from the west of the beach steps opposite the small roundabout at the seaward end of The Promenade Road
    More information here.

    THANET
    NOT ALLOWED
    At any time
    Pegwell Bay, CT12 5JD and Pegwell Bay mudflats & saltmarsh, CT12 5J
    SEASONAL BAN
    Between the 1st of May and the 30th of October, dogs not allowed
    Viking Bay, Broadstairs
    Ramsgate Main Sands
    Margate Main Sands
    Minnis Bay, Birchington
    More information here

    PICK IT UP
    Again – don’t forget please remember to clean up after your pooch! If you do not pick up after your dog you can be fined.

    See Kent, Know Kent
    Picture Credit: © Fernanda Greppe at unsplash.com

    Front of a property, shot of a table and chairs and a boat for holiday let in Broadstairs in Kent - Broadstairs Terrace

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