Holidays on the Belgian coast with your dog: Where dogs are allowed on the beach

Fine sand under your paws and salty air in your nose: A beach holiday with your dog is the ultimate treat for many. But especially on the North Sea coast, many dog owners ask a crucial question: Are dogs allowed on the beach in Belgium? The answer is: Yes! But it depends on the season and the location.

Traveling the Belgian coast with your dog is generally straightforward. Many seaside resorts have established their own dog beaches or relax their rules during the off-season. To ensure a relaxing holiday for both humans and pets, it's worth planning well in advance.

In this article, we introduce you to four particularly dog-friendly beaches as well as exclusive accommodations in Belgium with a dog – with real reviews, practical tips, and all the important information about entering the country.

"De Panne was our first beach holiday with a dog – and honestly? We would come back in a heartbeat. Every morning, we walked Nala on the beach; she was even allowed to run off-leash. In the afternoon, we retreated to the areas where dogs are required to be on a leash, which was completely relaxing. We found the blue signs particularly useful. This way, you immediately know where you're allowed to go with your dog and when. And the best part: Nala was so content and tired in the evening that she fell asleep right on the terrace of our villa near Koksijde. We then treated ourselves to a really good time in our own hot tub."

-Tom & Judith with their retriever Nala

De Panne's beach zones at a glance:

De Panne is not only the westernmost beach in Belgium, but also one of the most dog-friendly – albeit under clear conditions. The entire stretch of coast is divided into four zones, which differ in terms of season, time of day, and leash requirements:

• Zone 1 – from Canadezenplein towards Koksijde: Dogs are allowed on the beach year-round, but only on a leash.
• Zone 2 – between Canadezenplein and the ramp: From October 1 to May 14, dogs are allowed here on a leash. From May 15 to September 30, this section is completely closed to dogs.
• Zone 3 – between the ramp and the sand yachting center: Permitted year-round**, but here too: only on a leash.
• Zone 4 – from the sand yachting center towards the French border to the edge of the nature reserve at the Slufter: This area offers the most freedom: From the beginning of October to May 14, four-legged friends are allowed to romp around here to their heart's content. There is no leash requirement. From May 15th through September 30th, dogs are allowed to run free early in the morning and in the evening (from 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.). This is perfect for long early morning walks or to enjoy the sunset. During swimming time (from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.), you do not have to leave your four-legged friend behind, but they must be kept on a leash.

"What we particularly liked about Koksijde was the clarity: The dog parks are well signposted, and everything was clean and well-maintained. In the mornings, we often went for a long walk before breakfast – starting at 6 a.m. on the almost empty beach, simply fantastic. Finn had room to run, and as soon as the regulations came into effect at 10:30 a.m., we simply moved to one of the dog parks. Our holiday home in Koksijde was also a stroke of luck: With a small, private wellness oasis, sunny terrace, and fully fenced garden, it was perfect for relaxing days with our dog. Finn could lie outside while we relaxed in the jacuzzi. Our vacation with our dog on the beach in Belgium couldn't have been better."

-Sylvia + Werner & their Border Collie Finn

Dog beach rules in Koksijde & Oostduinkerke in detail:

To fully experience and enjoy Belgium's coast with your dog, please note the following: Between June 1st and September 15th, special rules apply to dogs on the beach.

• From 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. dogs are only allowed in three designated dog areas.
• Outside of these times – i.e., early morning and evening – dogs are allowed on the entire beach, but only on a leash.

During the rest of the year, dogs are also allowed everywhere, provided they remain on a leash.

The three official dog zones where dogs are welcome on a leash all year round (and all day):

1. Sint-Idesbald: From the municipal border with De Panne to the level of Pieterlaan (approx. 350 m)
2. Koksijde: Between Elisabethplein and Sint-André (G. Scottlaan) (approx. 1,170 m)
3. Oostduinkerke: Between Felix Timmermanslaan and Paardevissersweg (Groenendijk) (approx. 1,625 m)

These zones are clearly marked by white and blue signs. Consideration is expressly requested: dogs must remain on a leash, and any waste must be properly disposed of.

"We deliberately chose a somewhat quieter holiday home in Middelkerke – about twelve minutes by car from the beach in Ostend. The house was ideal: family-friendly, with plenty of space to retreat, a lovingly designed living area, and exactly the kind of peace and quiet that one often misses in everyday life. The dog park just outside of town was particularly convenient for us: Lilo could run free, the children had a picnic at the edge of the forest, and we simply had a really lovely, relaxing afternoon together. For us, Ostend was the perfect Belgium vacation with dog and the whole family."

-The Mertens family with their beagle, Lou

Overview of dog regulations in Ostend:

When are dogs allowed on the beach?

• October 1st to March 31st: Dogs are allowed on the entire beach without restrictions.
• April, May, June & September: Dogs are only allowed before 10:00 AM and after 6:30 PM.
• July & August: Dogs are only allowed before 10:00 AM and after 8:00 PM.

Where are dogs allowed on the beach year-round (at any time of day)?

• Oosteroever – between beach area 5 and the border with Bredene
• Klein Strand – between Westerstaketsel and the Westelijke Strekdam (leash required!)
• Raversijde – from Westlaan (beach head 15) to the border with Middelkerke, at the beach head 19 to 20 (leash required!)

Note: Certified assistance dogs and those in training are allowed on all beaches at any time – regardless of season or regulations.

Bonus tip: Dog park in Ostend

Between Karperstraat (near Groene 62) and the highway is a marked dog park where dogs are allowed to run off-leash – under supervision, of course. Ideal for a change from the beach and especially popular with locals with active dogs.

"We were traveling with the entire extended family—plus friends, a total of almost 20 people. That's why we booked a large holiday home near Knokke-Heist, just three kilometers from the beach. The house was ideal: plenty of space, 18 cozy bedrooms, common areas for the kids, even a private garden. And honestly, no one would have wanted to leave their dog at home. In the morning, we went to the beach together, often before breakfast. In the evening, we always walked with the whole group toward Zoute, where dogs are allowed to run off-leash even during the day. For us, this was the perfect place to vacation with lots of people (and a very happy dog)."

-Family Adlberger (12 adults, 6 children) & German Shepherd Walter

Discover the Belgian coast with your dog - Important information:

In Knokke-Heist, dogs are allowed to run free if they are outside built-up areas on public land and no prohibition sign is posted.

Particularly relevant for beach visits:

• October 16 to March 14: Dogs are allowed to run free on the entire beach – off-leash.**
• March 15 to October 15: From 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, dogs are not allowed. From 8:00 PM to 10:00 AM, dogs are allowed everywhere on the beach, even off-leash.**

Also permitted: In the area of Het Zoute, east of the easternmost point Water sports clubs are located on Appelzakstraat. Dogs are allowed to run free there all year round, all day long.

Tip: Dog park nearby

Right on Gustave Van Nieuwenhuysestraat is a well-maintained dog park with a fenced-in area. Ideal if you want to skip the beach for a while but still want to allow plenty of exercise.

The uniform EU entry regulations apply to holidays with dogs in Belgium. To ensure a smooth start to your coastal getaway, please note the following:

What you need:

• EU pet passport
• Microchip identification of your dog
• Valid rabies vaccination

Important to know:

• Puppies under 15 weeks old are not permitted to enter. (Reason: Minimum age for vaccination + 21 days until validity)
• A maximum of 5 dogs may be taken on private vacations
• In Belgium, there is no entry ban for certain dog breeds – even so-called listed dogs are permitted

Whether it's expansive dunes, well-marked dog parks, or generous off-leash areas: the Belgian coast with dogs offers a surprising amount of freedom and structure at the same time. If you're well-informed about the local regulations in advance, you can relax and enjoy the fresh sea air with your four-legged friend.

The holiday will be especially pleasant if the accommodations are also suitable: Many dog-friendly holiday homes offer fenced gardens, plenty of space for togetherness, and often even a wellness area for owners. At casapilot, you'll find hand-picked accommodations where not only you but also your dog is welcome – for a holiday without compromise.