I’ve been a dog walker for about three years now, and I know all too well the feeling of heading out into the dark, cold weather, dreading those numb fingers and wet socks!

To help you tackle the chilly Jersey winters, I’ve put together a list of my tried-and-tested winter dog walking essentials. These aren’t products I sell—just personal recommendations from countless hours spent braving the cold, wet weather while walking dogs. Whether you’re a fellow dog walker or a pet owner, these products are my go to help you stay warm, dry, and prepared for whatever winter throws your way.

A Great Coat

My go-to coat for winter dog walking is the Manao Anu Waterproof Changing Robe, which I found on Amazon. While these coats are typically marketed for swimmers, they’re absolutely perfect for dog owners, too.

The Manao Anu coat is on the pricier side (about £135 in checkout after the additional tax is removed), but after trying countless options, this is the only one that truly checks all the boxes for me. Here’s why:

Incredible Warmth: This coat is lined with fleece and is incredibly cozy. It’s spacious enough to layer up as much as you need underneath. In fact, it’s so warm that even in autumn, at around 10°C, I sometimes overheat wearing just a T-shirt and leggings underneath. Basically, it’s a seriously warm coat.
Practical Hood Design: The hood offers great protection from the elements without obstructing your vision. As a dog walker, being able to clearly see your surroundings is vital for keeping track of dogs and spotting potential hazards.
Adjustable Sleeves: The coat has adjustable sleeves, which is a fantastic feature. I keep them loose while walking to keep my hands dry and warm, but tighten them when I’m driving so they don’t get in the way.

If you’re not ready to invest in the Manao Anu coat, I’ll also share a few more budget-friendly options I’ve heard great things about. That said, remember: investing in a high-quality coat now means you won’t need to replace it for years, making it well worth the cost in the long run.

Me trying out my new coat for the first time - this is a small and i am generally size 8

Here is the link to the coat on Amazon

Manao Anu Adult Waterproof Changing Robe with Soft Fleece Lining - https://amzn.to/3OdbNcL

And here are a few budget friendly options (I have not tried these but they seem very similar with good reviews at a lower price):

FREESPIRIT Aquarobe Pro Jacket with Hood - £60 - https://amzn.to/4fvM0sd

Sundried Waterproof Changing Robe - £55 - https://amzn.to/3YUnZUL

Good Shoes

I’m a big fan of wellies—they’re a lifesaver for mucky weather and make cleaning up after a walk stress-free. They’re perfect for all sorts of conditions, especially when walking dogs.

The boots I rely on are Hunter Wellies. Yes, they’re an expensive choice, but they’ve never let me down. These wellies are incredibly flexible, durable, and high quality. Unlike many other wellies, they don’t have that stiff, uncomfortable feel, and they’re roomy enough to fit thermal socks for added warmth on colder days.

I always keep a pair in my car, ready to go whenever the skies look a little cloudy. I prefer the long boots for maximum protection against the elements—even if they’re less fashionable than some shorter styles. That said, Hunter does offer some stylish options if that’s a priority for you.

All of the wellies have a choice of colours and sizes and can be found on amazon here

The Long wellies can be found here: https://amzn.to/4fU00vK

The Short Wellies can be found here: https://amzn.to/4hPX2Kx

The Medium Wellies can be found here: https://amzn.to/3AOtJYk

If you’re not keen on splurging on a pair of Hunters, I’ve got a few more budget-friendly options I was seriously considering before committing to my Hunters. While they might not last as long, they’re still great choices for keeping your feet dry and comfortable on dog walks.

Short Wellies (Love these and might get a pair) : https://amzn.to/3AYLnIJ

Long Wellies: https://amzn.to/3CrDlbJ

Gloves

Gloves have been a constant struggle for me. I’ve learned the hard way that there’s no single pair of gloves that works for every situation when dog walking. I need to handle leads, stay warm and dry, and avoid gloves that are too bulky or those woolly ones that soak up water instantly. That’s why I’ve settled on two go-to pairs of gloves, each suited for different needs.

1. The Stretchy, Functional Gloves

Toolant thin Gloves

Find here: https://amzn.to/3APIfPt
These gloves are my everyday heroes. They’re snug and grippy, making it easy to manage leads, open poop bags (yes, even without taking them off—win!), and handle all the little tasks a dog walker has to deal with. They keep my hands dry and warm while allowing full dexterity, which is a must when you’re out in all kinds of weather. The only pair of thin gloves that i’ve found actually protects me from the rain. Great for heavy rain when its not super cold.

2. The Big, Ultimate Protection Gloves

coskefy Thermal Gloves,

Find here: https://amzn.to/3ANGsu7
For the coldest months, especially in January, I turn to these thermal gloves. They’re perfect for keeping the chill out and ensuring my fingers stay toasty. While they don’t offer as much dexterity as the toolant gloves, the warmth they provide more than makes up for it. On particularly freezing days, I’ll even layer up with these over thinner gloves.

With these two options, I’m covered (literally!) for all kinds of winter dog walking scenarios. Whether I need full functionality or maximum warmth, these gloves have me sorted.

Welly Socks

Finally, let’s talk about welly socks—a must-have addition to my winter survival kit! Adding extra layers under your wellies transforms them into cozy, insulated heat pockets for your feet, perfect for those chilly dog-walking days.

I personally struggle with chilblains, which used to flare up on my feet every winter. Over time, I’ve learned that layering up with good socks is the best way to keep them at bay. My top tip? Always size up your wellies and welly socks to ensure proper blood flow. Tight-fitting boots can restrict circulation, which is one of the main reasons our feet and hands feel so cold in the winter.

Investing in thick, quality welly socks is a small change that makes a huge difference, keeping your feet warm, comfortable, and ready for hours of dog walking—even in the harshest Jersey weather.

Here is the link to the ones i ordered: https://amzn.to/3CyIoY4

Thanks for reading

I hope my recommendations help you tackle the challenges of Jersey’s winter dog walking with both style and comfort—though, if I’m being honest, I always prioritize comfort over style! These are just a few of my go-to picks that I wanted to share with our local dog-walking community because it’s always nice to lend a helping hand to our fellow dog lovers.

You’re welcome in advance!

Stay warm out there,
Charlotte
Your local cozy dog walker and pet sitter at Dogs Best Friend

Winter Walking essentials