Dog friendly Cornwall

Porthkidney Beach

Dogs in Cornwall

Several of Cornwall's beaches are currently experiencing an invasion of a hydrozoan known as the Portuguese man o' war (Physalia physalis).

These marine creatures have been washed onto beaches in unprecedented quantities during the last month (October 2017).  

Exercise extreme caution when walking your dog as the tentacles of this hydrozoan can be up to to 10 metres long and have a very painful sting which can sometimes be fatal. 

The "sail" looks like a plastic bottle or elongated balloon with a bluish, purple tinge and the tentacles are bright blue. 

If your dog comes into contact with the venomous tentacles visit the nearest vet immediately.  

Signs that your dog has been stung include sudden onset of yelping, limping, difficulty breathing or visible tentacle material on your dog. 

You may not be able to see any sign of the tentacles on your dog but if if your pet suddenly appears distressed and there is a possibility that he/she has been stung then seek treatment from a vet urgently.  The severity of the reaction is directly related to the amount of stings your dog has received.  All sizes of dog are vulnerable.

If you try to remove tentacles from your dog use a stick, wear gloves or protect your hands as humans also suffer painful stings from these creatures. 

Cornwall is not only a great place for families, couples and independent travellers but also for our four-legged friends. Why leave your dog at home when Cornwall is the ideal place to enjoy with your family pet.

Cornwall welcomes dogs with its miles and miles of glorious sandy beaches, scenic coves with rock pools, hundreds of miles of public footpaths and fascinating trails, rugged moorland, acres of woodland and not forgetting the Cornwall Coast Path.

If you're going cycling along any of Cornwall's multi-use trails such as the beautiful Camel Trail, your dog can go with you, even if he's getting on a bit and not so good on his legs anymore. Dog buggies can be hired to tow behind your bicycle.

All types of accommodation throughout Cornwall welcome dogs as do many pubs and restaurants.

Of Cornwall's hundreds of beaches at least 159 welcome dogs all year round, 47 have seasonal restrictions between Easter and the 1st of October and only 7 beaches do not allow dogs at any time of the year. Of the seasonal restrictions, 32 only restrict dogs between 7am - 7pm or 8am - 7pm so there are plenty of beaches for you and your dog to enjoy whatever time of year you choose to visit.

As dog owners ourselves we know how much our own dog loves being in Cornwall: meeting up with doggy friends while playing ball on the beach, enjoying a splash while bounding through the waves and experiencing the new smells of the countryside on coastal foot paths and moorland walks.

During the summer months many towns and villages in Cornwall hold country fairs and village fetes with dog shows awarding everything from fun, waggiest tail to more formal, pedigree events. Cornwall even holds its own dog festival, where your dog can invite you along to enjoy the day (dog and owner entertainments on the day).


How to use this website to find dog friendly places to stay, dog friendly beaches, dog friendly pubs and dog friendly attractions and places to visit. Wondering where you can take your dog in Cornwall?

See the information below for details of beaches, our map of dog friendly beaches and seasonally restricted beaches and other dog friendly locations in Cornwall to help you plan your holiday.

For dog friendly accommodation, visitor attractions, pubs and more dog friendly places see our adjacent listings.

You can also use the 'Search intoCornwall.com' tool on the top of all our pages to search for dog friendly accommodation and locations. Just enter dog friendly in the box and click Search.

Seaton and Downderry Beaches

    Beaches
with Partial or All Year Dog Bans

  Dog Friendly Beaches
where dogs are allowed all year round.
(always check if your dog needs to be kept on a lead)

Before You Travel

Check with your accommodation to make sure you know their policy on accepting pets. Think about what you'll do with your dog whilst visiting restaurants or attractions that do not accept dogs. If you're travelling by public transport check the travel company's policy on carrying dogs.

Trains in the UK will allow two dogs per passenger at no extra charge provided the dogs are kept on a lead or in a basket and they do not cause inconvenience to other passengers or staff. A charge will be made for per extra dog if the allowance is exceeded.

Buses and trains in Cornwall do allow dogs. Coaches to Cornwall do not allow dogs except for guide dogs, hearing dogs or assistance dogs.


Travelling by Car

Never leave your dog unattended in a vehicle, even for a short time, when it's warm or hot outside. Dogs left in warm cars will suffer from heat exhaustion and could die. If you have to leave your dog alone in your car at any other time, leave a note stating when you will be returning to your vehicle and do return on time. This will avoid concerned members of the public from contacting the RSPCA or Police to free the dog.


Travelling from the EU

If you are bringing your dog on holiday with you you must comply with UK Pets Travel Scheme (PETS)

Before travelling to the UK, you must take your dog to a vet so that it can be:

• fitted with a microchip
• vaccinated against rabies
• issued with a pet passport (if it's travelling in the EU) or has a third country veterinary certificate

Dogs must also be treated by a vet for tapeworm, not less than 24 hours and not more than 120 hours before its scheduled time of entry into the UK.

You must wait 21 days from the date of the rabies vaccination before travelling.

Once these steps are carried out, you can travel from most EU countries and some non-EU countries


If you are travelling from an Unlisted Country

An 'unlisted' country is any country not included in the list of EU or non-EU countries. You need to take extra steps if you return from an unlisted country

You must book your return journey in advance with a PETS-approved sea, air or rail route.

Most major ferry companies, airlines and rail operators are approved.

For full details please check: www.gov.uk/take-pet-abroad

Perranporth Beach

When in Cornwall

If your dog is elderly or frail it will be better to exercise them during cooler times of the day such as early morning or late evening to avoid over exerting them in hot weather. The law requires that all dogs wear a collar and tag with the name and address of their owner. You may find it useful to place a temporary tag on your dog with the address of your holiday accommodation. If your dog goes missing in Cornwall please contact the Cornwall Dog Welfare Service on the number below.

Be responsible and keep your dog under control. Depending on the circumstances or the location short leads, extending leads or even off lead may be appropriate. Remember, you may know your dog is friendly and just likes to greet people but a family on the beach with small children may find the sight of your Great Dane bounding towards them somewhat daunting.


Useful numbers

RSPCA in Cornwall

Tel: 01637 881455 Day

24-Hr Cruelty Line 0300 1234 999

Cornwall Dog Welfare and Enforcement Service

If you lose your dog while visiting Cornwall: 0300 1234 212

Police 101


Animal Rescue Centres in Cornwall


Vets in Cornwall




Send a picture of your dog enjoying Cornwall and be featured in our Doggie Gallery

Perranporth Beach

Books:
Books can be purchased online by clicking on the links below :

Dog friendly

Click here to find
accommodation for
Dog friendly Cornwall

Dog friendly Cornwall
Photo Gallery

View more Dog friendly Cornwall photos

Riviere Towans, Hayle

Chapel Porth Beach allows dogs from 1st October until Easter Day 

Some beaches have a partial dog ban at certain times of the year. Look out for these signs.

Place your bagged dog waste in the red dog bin. Dog bins are usually located adjacent to the beach or walking areas.

Cornwall Council's One Stop Shops have dog waste bags available at £2 per 100

The One Stop Shops
are located in:

Bodmin
Bude
Callington
Camborne
Camelford
Falmouth
Fowey
Hayle
Helston
Launceston
Liskeard
Looe
Newquay
Penryn
Penzance
Redruth
St Austell
St Ives
Saltash
Torpoint
Truro
Wadebridge

Maps of Cornwall :

The Ordnance Survey publishes the Explorer series of maps which are ideal for walkers.

Scale 1 : 25 000
2.5 inches to 1 mile /
4cm to 1km.

Available in local bookshops or click on the links below to order online.

Those covering Cornwall:

• 102 Land's End, Penzance and St Ives
  
  
• 103 The Lizard, Falmouth and Helston
  
  
• 104 Redruth and St Agnes
  
  
• 105 Falmouth and Mevagissey
  
  
• 106 Newquay and Padstow
  
  
• 107 St.Austell and Liskeard
  
  
• 108 Lower Tamar Valley and Plymouth
  
  
• 109 Bodmin Moor
  
  
• 111 Bude, Boscastle and Tintagel
  
  
• 112 Launceston and Holsworthy. Roadford Lake
  
  
• 126 Clovelly and Hartland
  
  

Map of Isles of Scilly:

For more information: www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk