As a dog owner, it’s not always clear whether your faithful four-legged friend is allowed to run free on the beach or not. The regulations also differ from one coastal municipality to another. We provide some tips for when you are at the seaside with your dog. Focusing on the ideal dog locations, with a clear emphasis on De Haan and Bredene. In general, we can say that dogs are not allowed to run free everywhere. For example, this is prohibited along public roads, in most forests, and in public places such as playgrounds, cemeteries, and public buildings.

At the Seaside with Your Dog in De Haan and Wenduine

In the popular coastal municipality of De Haan and its sub-municipality Wenduine, also known as ‘the Princess of Seaside Resorts’, dogs are prohibited between 10 AM and 7 PM during the bathing season (from June 1 to September 15). This applies to the supervised beach areas, with the exception of the Vosseslag bathing zone where dogs are allowed if kept on a short leash. In the dune forests, you should also keep your dog on a leash. This means that dogs can enjoy the beach freely outside the supervised zones, or in the supervised zones before 10 AM or after 7 PM in the evening and outside the bathing season. De Haan also organizes an annual Sea Dog Walk every last Sunday of September, a unique experience for dogs and their owners.

At the Seaside with Your Dog in Bredene

Bredene is the ideal place to be at the seaside with your dog, at least from October 15 to March 15. During this period, they are allowed to run free almost everywhere on the beach. This is with the exception of the surfing zone. During the high season, from July 1 to August 31, dogs are prohibited on the beach and in the dunes between 10:30 AM and 6:30 PM. Outside these hours, they are welcome on a leash, as long as you keep the beach clean. In the zone between the border with Oostende and the Twins surf club, and the zone between lifeguard post 6 and the nudist beach, they are welcome on a leash all day. Bredene also provides two dog parks, offering plenty of space for your four-legged friend to enjoy all the pleasure and freedom.

Measures for Violations

Those staying at the seaside with a dog also have some responsibilities. You should always carry dog poop bags with you, dispose of these filled bags in a suitable trash can, and of course, comply with the regulations. Those who do not adhere to this and are caught violating the rules risk an administrative fine that can amount to up to 350 euros.

Lastly, we want to give an extra tip for those who are going to enjoy their well-deserved rest at the seaside with their dog. For them, it is certainly advisable to look up some useful addresses in advance, such as those of a veterinarian in the area.

Feel like enjoying some time at the seaside with your dog? Feel free to come with your dog to Zeeparken.