Hastings is highly dog-friendly, offering year-round access to Hastings Pier, the East Hill Lift, and various coastal walks. Enjoy scenic walks in Alexandra Park, explore the Hastings Country Park Nature Reserve, or visit dog-friendly attractions like the True CRIME Museum and Smugglers Adventure. Many cafes and pubs in the Old Town welcome four-legged friends.
The deck building also has two cafes, 'The Top Deck' which is open when the sun is shining, and 'The Memories Cafe' which is cosy and warm when the weather's not so nice. Hastings Pier has free WIFI and dogs are allowed on the Pier and in the Memories cafe, but not in the Pavilion Restaurant.
The East Hill Lift has step-free access and has space for a wheelchair or pushchairs. Unfortunately, it is not suitable for larger mobility scooters. Well behaved dogs are welcome to join you for the ride too.
Dog-friendly Sussex is well-known for its reserves, and Hastings boasts several for you and your best pup pal to explore, including the clifftop Hastings Country Park Local Nature Reserve.
The "5-second rule" for dog walking is a safety test for hot surfaces: place the back of your hand on the pavement or asphalt; if you can't comfortably hold it there for five seconds, it's too hot for your dog's paw pads, which can burn quickly on surfaces much hotter than the air temperature, so walk during cooler times like early morning or late evening.
We love to see you enjoying yourself at Priory Meadow. So to keep things running smoothly and faces smiley, we have a few simple rules below we hope will keep everyone happy: with the exception of guide dogs, please leave pets and animals outside… including seagulls!
Dogs are always welcome to take their owners for a ride on the Cliff Railway. We do take a small charge for doggy travel (lapdogs no charge) and they must be kept on a lead and ride inside the carriage at all times. Assistance Dogs travel for free.
The Alexandra Park PSPO order requires all dogs must be on lead during the hours of 8am to 6pm daily on Lower Alexandra Park between Dordrecht Way and Bethune Way.
Dogs are not allowed inside the Ferry Building. Small pets are allowed on ferries so long as they are stowed and remain inside a kennel or pet carrier for the duration of the trip. Visit SF Bay Ferry or Golden Gate Ferry for most accurate information. Service animals are welcomed.
The "7-7-7 Rule" for dogs is a puppy socialization guideline, suggesting that before 7 weeks old (though often adapted for later, post-vaccination stages), a puppy should experience 7 new surfaces, 7 different people, and 7 new objects/challenges to build confidence and prevent fear, fostering a well-adjusted adult dog. Key elements include varied textures (grass, carpet, tile), meeting people of different ages/appearances, and gentle exposure to things like toys, crating, sounds, and simple obstacles (steps, tunnels).
The 10-10-10 rule for puppies refers to a schedule to help dogs master toilet training with a set routine. Its structure involves 10 minutes outside for your puppy to run around, whilst staying 10 feet away from their toileting area, and finishing off with 10 minutes of supervision afterwards.
The 3-3-3 rule for dogs is a guideline for new owners, especially of rescue dogs, indicating they need 3 days to decompress, 3 weeks to learn the routine and bond, and 3 months to feel truly at home, helping manage expectations by acknowledging stress and allowing time for trust and security to build, though timelines vary. This rule helps owners understand initial overwhelm (3 days), developing comfort (3 weeks), and full settling in (3 months), reducing anxiety for both dog and owner by promoting patience and consistency.
Well-behaved dogs on leads with responsible owners are welcome to promenade the Pier decking. However, dogs are not permitted at events, in buildings, food areas or on the Upper Deck (with the exception of assistance dogs).
No, Jacob's Ladder (Polemonium caeruleum) is generally considered non-toxic and safe for dogs, according to the ASPCA and other pet resources, though eating large quantities might cause mild stomach upset, so keeping it out of reach is still a good idea.
An hour for a dog isn't a fixed "dog minute" but feels longer because of their higher metabolism and focus on routine; an hour can feel like a long time when bored, but they also perceive time through scents and body cues, making short waits feel longer or longer periods feel shorter depending on stimulation, though a simple (but less accurate) idea is a ratio of about 7 dog minutes to 1 human minute.
In conclusion, dogs are sensitive creatures that can remember and react to raised voices. While they don't hold grudges, repeated negative experiences can impact their behavior and emotional well-being. Understanding your dog's emotional states and body language is crucial for building a strong and loving relationship.
