Getting a dog in Jersey

Me, Sully and his sister on the boat home back

We have the info you need in one place such as:

• Finding the right dog; Adoption or finding a reputable breeder.

• Pet transport services.

• How to collect a dog yourself from the UK.

• How to collect a dog from outside of the UK.

(All information is up to date as of the 20th of February 2025, ensure you double check information if reading past this date)

Finding the perfect match

Adoption: A second chance at love

Adopting a dog is a beautiful way to give a deserving pup another chance at happiness. There are so many good dogs out there waiting for a loving home, and bringing one into your life can be just as, if not more, fulfilling than buying a puppy. Here are some of the amazing benefits of adoption:

1. Saving a Life

   Every year, countless dogs face being put down simply because there isn’t enough shelter space. By choosing adoption, you’re not just getting a pet—you’re saving a life.

2. Finding Your Perfect Match

   Rescue centers are dedicated to pairing dogs with the right families. They take the time to understand your lifestyle and needs, helping you find a dog that’s just right for you.

3. Skipping the Puppy Stage

   Puppies are adorable, but they’re also a lot of work! By rescuing an older dog, you get to skip the sleepless nights, chewed-up shoes, and potty training. Instead, you can jump straight into enjoying life with a lovable couch potato.

4. Fulfillment Beyond Measure

   Many rescue dogs have faced challenges, but with patience and love, they blossom. Helping a dog regain its confidence and trust is an incredibly rewarding experience that creates a unique and unbreakable bond.

5. Puppies Are Available Too!

   Think adoption means saying goodbye to puppy cuddles? Think again! Many rescue centers also have puppies looking for homes, so you can still find a young companion through adoption.

6. Lower Costs

   Adoption is often more affordable than buying from a breeder. Most rescue centers cover initial vet checks, vaccinations, and spaying/neutering, saving you money upfront.

Adoption in Jersey

The three main rescue/adoption companies in jersey for getting dogs are, their websites are linked below:

1. Jersey Rescue Dogs

2. JSPCA

3. Company of Dogs

Jersey Rescue Dogs:

Jersey Rescue Dogs is a volunteer-run charity that has been tirelessly working to find loving homes for dogs since 2007. Their dedication ensures that every dog is matched with the perfect family who can meet their specific needs. If you’re considering adopting a dog from them, here are their key requirements:

• Someone Home Part-Time or a Dog Walker: Dogs should not be left alone for more than four hours at a time. If you’re out for longer periods, you’ll need to have a dog walker arranged.

• Secure Garden: A minimum 4 to 5-foot fence or wall is required for homes with gardens. For those in flats, some dogs are suitable, but you’ll need to consider how toilet trips will be managed.

• No Cats (Unless Cat-Friendly): Most dogs require homes without cats unless the dog is specifically stated as cat-friendly.

• Children Over 5: Typically, the charity re homes dogs to families with children over the age of five, unless the dog has already lived with younger children.

• Average cost: The average cost per dog is around £1000. If you are able to, please consider an additional donation so they can continue to help rescue dogs for more families.

By following these guidelines, Jersey Rescue Dogs ensures that each dog is placed in the right environment to thrive, and you’re on the way to welcoming a new furry friend into your life!

Company of dogs:

The Company of Dogs is dedicated to helping people adopt dogs in need rather than buying from questionable sources. Based in Jersey, Channel Islands, and working with associates in the UK, Guernsey, and Europe, they believe there’s a perfect home for nearly every dog. Their mission is to match dogs with adopters who have the right circumstances and time to commit. With a small, passionate team, they’ve successfully rehomed many dogs, understanding that sometimes the rescue dog becomes the rescuer. Their goal is to ensure a great fit for both the dog and the adopter.

Here are some key considerations:

• Full-Time Employment: While full-time workers are not automatically excluded, the organization prefers homes where the dog will not be left alone for extended periods. Applicants working full-time must ensure the dog’s needs, including exercise, mental stimulation, and companionship, are met. Dog walkers may be an option if arrangements are in place and confirmed.

• Living in a Flat: Adoption may be possible for people living in flats if the home is suitable and the dog will be given frequent opportunities for outdoor time. The potential for neighbors’ and landlords’ approval should also be considered.

• Without a Garden: While a garden is preferable, homes without one may still be suitable as long as the owner is committed to providing the dog with plenty of outdoor time.

• With Cats or Other Dogs: Families with other pets will be considered, as long as the dog and the family's existing pets are compatible. For some dogs, having another dog may even be beneficial.

• Children Over 6: Typically, the charity rehomes dogs to families with children over the age of five, unless the dog has already lived with younger children.

• Average cost: The minimum adoption donation is £450, plus an additional £60 for the required training package for dogs adopted in Jersey. In certain cases, the minimum donation may be lower for specific dogs, and this will be communicated during the adoption process. Please note that the minimum donation is non-negotiable.

JSPCA:

The JSPCA is committed to finding loving homes for animals in need. They offer a wide variety of pets, from dogs and cats to smaller animals, all waiting for their forever family. Anyone interested in adopting can view the available pets on the JSPCA website, through their Facebook page, or by visiting the shelter in person. Dog availability is quite rare however its good to keep an eye out.

Understanding the Rehoming Process

To ensure a smooth adoption experience, JSPCA provides clear Rehoming Process Guides for potential adopters on their website for each animal. These guides help explain each step of the journey, so families know what to expect. The criteria changes on a case by case basis however for dogs they would likely follow requirements similar to other charities.

Before adopting, all interested parties must complete a Registration Form, which can be filled out online or picked up at the JSPCA Reception. This form helps the JSPCA match animals with the right homes. Once submitted, the JSPCA will contact applicants if an animal matching their preferences becomes available.

Finding a Reputable Breeder

Sometimes adoption may not be the right option, or you may have a specific breed in mind. In these cases, it’s crucial to find a reputable breeder. Buying a dog without proper research can inadvertently support unlicensed, backyard breeders who may be unsafe, untrustworthy, and contribute to the issue of over breeding.

In Jersey, many KC-registered, licensed breeders can be found through the Kennel Club of Jersey website. You can also check out the Guernsey Kennel Club for additional resources. These breeders are local and licensed, but it’s always important to do your own research to ensure you’re supporting ethical, responsible breeders.

If you're unable to find your perfect match locally, websites like Champdogs.co.uk offer a wide range of dog breeds. While these websites are reputable, keep in mind that being listed on them doesn’t automatically guarantee the breeder’s ethical practices, so be sure to do your due diligence before making any decisions.

Pet Transport Services: Getting your furry friend home

Congrats! You’re one step closer to bringing your best friend furr-ever home. Noiw you need to figure out how to get your cainine companion onto our little rock. Luckily, theres people who do that for you so it avoids the hassle.

Popular choices:

1. The Pet Bus

2. Pets4Transport

3. Iris Freight (Guernsey/Jersey only)

The Pet Bus and Pets 4 Transport travel between Jersey and the Uk. Iris Freight only provides inter island travel.

Approximate Costs and additional information: The Pet Bus

As of when we had been in contact with them, their base cost was around £500 for one puppy. This was a quote for picking up a puppy in Portsmouth which is right near the harbour.

We then looked into getting a puppy from London and the price increased to £695. An increase of £195 for an additional 70 miles

At the time Jersey was using Condor, we have now changed to DFDS so pricing could be different. This information is purely for budgeting purposes and is not up to date with the current DFDS sailing.

Sailing Frequency:

From our chats with The Pet Bus it seems like they sail weekly as all the dates we were given were on Mondays.

Approximate Costs and additional information: Pets4Transport

We got in touch with Pets4Transport and requested a quote for bringing over a puppy from the south of England. We received a quote of £1000 for a solo dog, on any day of your choosing. We also received a quote for group travel at £695.

Again, at the time Jersey was using Condor, we have now changed to DFDS so pricing could be different. This information is purely for budgeting purposes and is not up to date with the current DFDS sailing.

Sailing frequency:

Pets4Transport stated they usually travel to Jersey once a month for the group transport, however solo transport is very flexible, pretty much any day depending on their work load.

Approximate costs and additional information: Iris Freight

Unfortunately we couldn’t find any information regarding prices and we don’t have a quote from them so for jerseyguernsey travel it would be best to get in touch with them directly.

Collecting your dog yourself.

Me and Sully

Our Journey

We decided to take the ferry and collect our puppy. Not only was it amazing to be able to meet our puppy earlier and spend time bonding, but it was surprisingly cheaper!

We took the overnight ferry to Portsmouth on foot, this worked out well for us, but you might want to take your vehicle depending on your situation.

We arrived the next morning at 6 am and got an Uber straight to our hotel. We chose a Holiday Inn in Gunwharf Quays which was only 10 mins from the harbour. We went straight there to drop off our crates and luggage and they were so lovely that they and also let us stay for breakfast! (Which was amazing as it was a Sunday so nothing opened until 10am).

We spent the day exploring Gunwharf Quays which has lots of shops, eateries and attractions, and the people are really helpful and friendly. We bought a few puppy bits too of course!

Luckily our breeder was kind enough to drop the puppies off to us, which saved us the journey however if you can’t have your puppy dropped off you may want to look at bringing your vehicle or pet Ubers (More info on this in the next section)

We got back to our room for a 3pm check in and set everything up ready for the pups.

Our cozy set up

Outside our hotel - The first time meeting Sully!

The puppies arrived at about 8pm and it was so lovely just being able to spend time with them in a calm cozy environment.

Our puppies were so well behaved and slept through the night. Be aware though, the floor was carpet so make sure to bring an enzyme cleaning solution to clean up any accidents straight away.

At the harbour snoozing in their crate

We got a pet Uber the next morning to the harbour, we booked it the night before as you have to book in advance. We put them in their crate in the boot of the car but this isn’t necessary for older well behaved dogs.

We arrived at the harbour 70 mins before our departure. The process was super smooth and everyone LOVED the puppies, going through security was a dream as they all helped us hold the puppies while they checked our things. They transported us to the ferry and gave us our room key really quickly so we were able to get the puppies out super fast. One great thing about the pet friendly cabins is the hard floors so you don’t need to be as worried about accidents. It was a long trip but we were all exhausted so there was lots of time for cuddles, play time and naps.

Snoozing in the pet cabin

Some treats of course!

And then we were back! I left my car at the harbour which was £25 for Saturday evening to Monday evening so we drove straight home to start getting Sully settled in.

I absolutely loved my experience, and I would definitely recommend doing things this way if it’s possible for you, below I’ll mention a few things that were great and some things we might have done differently.

Do’s and Don’ts:

DON’T use a metal crate: We had both a metal crate and a travel crate with wheels as we had 2 pups however we actually ended up donating our metal crate to Portsmouth harbour! The metal crates are so heavy and just too big to fit anywhere, it wouldn’t fit in most cars and it was a huge pain to carry around as it is SO heavy. We ended up only using it at the hotel.

DO invest in a travel crate: The one that worked well for us is the ATLAS 40 although any plastic crate with wheels would do the trick.

DON’T over pack: You might be tempted to bring lots of treats, food, blankets and toys but you don’t want duplicates as you’re going to be bringing home a lot of stuff - including your new puppy/dog!

DO check what your breeders bringing you: If purchasing from a breeder they will likely give you loads of stuff, be sure to check what they’re bringing for you so that you’re not bringing back double.

Most breeders give you:

• A bag of puppy food

• Toys

• Scent blanket/blankets

• Flea treatment

• Poo bags

• Collar

Extras you should bring (Breeders don’t usually provide):

• 2 small bowls for food and water

• Travel crate

• Puppy pads

• Enzyme cleaner + Cloths (For accidents)

DON’T bring a car if:

• If it’s cheaper to collect them by train and Pet Uber: You can check out the cost of your journey before you go, with train-line and Uber, just enter your dates and times and see if it works out cheaper than bringing your own car+fuel. Even if our breeder wasn’t able to drop our puppies off, the plan would have been to catch a train to them and pet uber back to the hotel. It was quite a bit cheaper than bringing our own car and if you’re not super confident on bigger roads like in the UK it is less stressful.

• If your breeder can drop them off to you: Traveling is stressful, and Portsmouth is lovely! I would definitely recommend spending the day there even if it means waiting a bit longer before you get to see your pup - just be aware, you may want to/have to pay for their fuel as most breeders expect for you to pick them up.

• DON’T stress: I know it’s hard but if your trip goes anything like ours did it will be an amazing experience! All of the people were so friendly and helpful and everyone loves dogs/puppies, from transporting them to handling them we always had a helping hand.

Approximate costs for traveling yourself

By far, the most stressful part of the process was figuring out the costs, so although we traveled with condor we also did some research for DFDS, our new ferry service, to save you the hassle. Again, please only use this information for budgeting purposes as it is not up to date.

DFDS Pet Friendly Cabins

• Pet friendly cabin prices range by availability, the cheapest that we’ve found was £115 and the most expensive we found was £160.

• Unlike condor, there is no cost per dog as that is included in the price of the cabin.

HOTEL - Holiday inn

• We payed £98 per night and £10 per puppy, be sure to check though as online prices for puppies can be different.

Pet Uber + Trains

• You can check this yourself on their website.

Thank you

We hope your journey goes as smoothly as ours did and wish you the best of luck.

Once you get your pup, remember to get in touch for pet sitting + dog walks - we would love to meet your new family member.

If you have any questions or suggestions about this free guide, feel free to get in touch.

Winter Walking essentials

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