Wild boar live in the Forest of Dean, which is not something you expect to be thinking about on a dog walk in England. Gloucestershire stretches from that forest across the Severn to the Cotswold hills, so a walk can mean anything from woodland trails to wide sheep country, and your dog will have opinions about both.
Gloucester has its own sitters and groomers pages; for the rest of the county those two fall back on the UK-wide directories. Rescue sits inside a South West England round-up rather than a Gloucestershire page of its own. Read the list below as a map of the guides that exist, not a full list of local professionals.
What’s covered in Gloucestershire
- Dog trainers: Dog trainers in Gloucestershire
- Vets: Best vets in Gloucestershire
- Dog swimming spots: Best dog swimming spots in Gloucestershire
- Dog sitters: Gloucester. For elsewhere in the county, try our UK dog sitters directory.
- Dog groomers: Gloucester, with the UK dog groomers guide for other towns.
- Adoption and rescue: there’s no Gloucestershire-only guide, but the county is covered by our South West England adoption and rescue round-up.
- Pet transport: we don’t have a Gloucestershire city page, so see our UK pet transport guide. Bristol, just south, has its own pet transport page.
Boar, sheep and the Severn
In the Forest of Dean, keep your dog close and don’t let it chase or approach wildlife. Wild boar are best left well alone, and a dog rushing into the undergrowth is the quickest way to cause a problem. A lead in the woods is no bad idea.
On the Cotswold hills, sheep and cattle are common, so a lead is needed around livestock. If you head for the Severn, be careful with muddy banks and tides, and remember that open water isn’t always safe or permitted for dogs. Our swimming guide has the details.
For the dog who finds the countryside exciting
Some dogs get wound up on woodland and farm walks. Calmshops stocks Calmdogs calming bites, a complementary feed to use alongside training, not a replacement for it. For more serious worries, talk to your vet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a Gloucestershire dog rescue guide?
There isn’t a Gloucestershire-only one. The county is included in our wider South West England adoption and rescue round-up.
Which Gloucestershire towns have their own sitter and groomer pages?
Gloucester has its own dog sitters and dog groomers pages. For other towns, use our UK-wide guides.
Should I keep my dog on a lead in the Forest of Dean?
Wild boar live there, so keep your dog close and under control, and follow any local signs. A lead is a sensible choice.
Written by Georgiana & Figo, with a nod to every dog who has ever met a Cotswold sheep and lived to tell the tale.
