Grey seals haul out on the beach at Horsey, on the Norfolk coast, and pups arrive from late October into January. It’s a wonderful sight, and it’s also the reason dog owners need to read the rules: the charity Friends of Horsey Seals asks owners to keep dogs on leads whenever seals are nearby, and local guides say walkers are kept off the beach during pupping season, with viewing from marked areas on the dunes. Rules change, so check the signs on the day.
Norfolk has plenty besides seals: big skies, flat coastal paths, the Broads and a lively city in Norwich. We have good coverage here. Trainers, vets, swimming spots, Norwich sitters and Norwich groomers all have their own pages, and rescue is covered by our East Anglia round-up. Pet transport is the only gap, so that links to our UK-wide guide.
What’s covered in Norfolk
- Dog trainers: Dog trainers in Norfolk
- Vets: Best vets in Norfolk
- Dog swimming spots: Best dog swimming spots in Norfolk
- Dog sitters: Dog sitters in Norwich
- Dog groomers: Dog groomers in Norwich
- Adoption and rescue: Dog adoption centres and rescue shelters in East Anglia
- Pet transport: no Norfolk city page, so see our UK pet transport guide.
Coast, seals and sensible leads
Wildlife sites ask a lot of dog owners, but it’s usually simple: lead on, stay on the marked paths and don’t let your dog approach the animals. Seals can look sleepy and harmless, but they’re wild animals and a stressed seal or dog helps nobody.
Winter wind on a bare coastal path is hard going for some dogs, so pack a towel and allow extra time. If your dog’s nerves are a worry, speak to your vet.
Busy car parks and new smells
Busy car parks and new smells can be a lot for some dogs. Calmshops stocks Calmdogs calming bites, a complementary feed, not a medicine, if you’d like something extra in the kit bag. If your dog’s nerves are a worry, speak to your vet. Bring water, a towel and plenty of patience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take my dog to see the seals at Horsey?
Dogs are allowed at Horsey, but Friends of Horsey Seals asks for them to be on leads whenever seals are nearby, and local guides say the beach is closed to walkers in pupping season. Many suggest leaving dogs at home in winter. Check the signs on the day.
Does AboutDogs have Norfolk sitter and groomer pages?
Yes, for Norwich. We have a Norwich dog sitters page and a Norwich dog groomers page, both linked above.
Where do I find rescue centres for Norfolk?
Our East Anglia round-up covers dog adoption centres and rescue shelters across the region, including Norfolk. It’s linked above.
Written by Georgiana & Figo. Wrap up warm: the Norfolk coast in winter is wide, flat and windy.
