Pet Sitting in London

790 acres of ancient parkland in North London, one of the best places to walk dogs in the city. Dogs can be off-leash in most areas. The Parliament Hill section offers stunning views of the London skyline. Three swimming ponds (human only, but dogs can paddle in natural streams). Very popular with dog walkers — expect to see dozens of dogs on any given morning.

Hampstead Heath, London NW3

London's largest Royal Park at 2,500 acres, home to 630 free-roaming deer. Dogs are allowed but must be kept under close control (on a lead during deer birthing season, May–July). Incredible open spaces, woodland trails, and the Isabella Plantation (dogs allowed on leads). A paradise for long walks.

Richmond Park, London TW10 5HS

East London's beloved park with a dedicated fenced dog area, wide open lawns, canal-side paths, and a lake. Very social dog walking community. Sunday morning is particularly popular. Close to the Regent's Canal towpath for extended walks.

Grove Road, London E3 5TB

Central London's flagship parks covering 625 acres combined. Dogs are welcome off-leash in designated areas (check signage). The Diana Memorial Playground area restricts dogs. The Serpentine lake area is excellent for walks. Very convenient for pet sitters in central London.

Hyde Park, London W2 2UH

Microchipping

All dogs in England must be microchipped by 8 weeks of age, and all cats by 20 weeks. Details must be kept up to date on an approved database. Failure to comply carries a fine of up to £500.

Collar and Tag

Dogs must wear a collar with a tag showing the owner's name and address when in a public place. The dog's name is not required. This applies even if the dog is microchipped. Fines up to £2,000 for non-compliance.

Fouling Laws

Every London borough has strict dog fouling bylaws. All owners must pick up after their dogs in public spaces. Fixed penalty notices range from £50 to £100 depending on the borough (commonly £80), increasing to £1,000 if taken to court. Most parks and streets have waste bins and bag dispensers.

Borough-Specific PSPOs

Individual London boroughs enforce Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) that may require dogs on leads in specific areas, limit the number of dogs one person can walk (commonly 4–6 dogs maximum for professional dog walkers), or exclude dogs from certain spaces like playgrounds and sports pitches.

Dangerous Dogs

The Dangerous Dogs Act applies across London. Pit Bull Terriers, Japanese Tosas, Dogo Argentinos, Fila Brasileiros, and XL Bully dogs are banned. XL Bully dogs may be kept with an exemption certificate. Any dog 'dangerously out of control' in a public place can be seized by police.

Source: Dangerous Dogs Act 1991

East London's creative hub with excellent dog walking along the Regent's Canal, Victoria Park, and London Fields. High density of dog-friendly cafés and pubs along Broadway Market and Mare Street. Young, active dog owner community.

Southwest London's green paradise with Richmond Park, the Thames towpath, and Kew Gardens nearby (dogs not allowed in Kew). Quieter, more suburban feel with large houses that often need pet sitters. The Richmond riverside is packed with dog-friendly pubs and restaurants.

North London's leafy villages centered around Hampstead Heath. Charming high streets with independent shops that welcome dogs. The Heath provides endless walking opportunities. Affluent area with high demand for pet sitting services.

Urban but surprisingly green with Highbury Fields, Barnard Park, and canal walks. Excellent selection of dog-friendly restaurants and gastropubs along Upper Street. Compact and walkable — ideal for cat and small dog sitting.