Searching for the best dog sitters in Portsmouth? Whether you are based in historic Old Portsmouth, leafy Cosham, vibrant Southsea, or coastal Eastney, the “Island City” is a marvellous haven for pets, offering a dedicated community of highly-rated animal care professionals.
With premier walking destinations like Southsea Common, Portsdown Hill, and the stunning trails of Farlington Marshes, local sitters have no shortage of enriching environments to keep your dog active and happy. Below, we have profiled five of the highest-rated dog sitters, walkers, and boarding providers in Portsmouth, all verified through genuine local performance and 2026 feedback.
At Calmshops, Your pet’s emotional and physical wellbeing comes first, which is why our guide focuses on experts who provide calm, structured, and professional care for your furry family members — it’s the same priority Calmshops puts at the heart of its products. Looking for dog sitters elsewhere in the UK? Search in our full UK database of dog sitters near you.
Top 5 Dog Sitters and Walkers in Portsmouth
1. The Pet Butler – ★★★★★ 5.0/5
Established 2005 · Comprehensive Coverage
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Location: Serving Portsmouth, Southsea, Waterlooville, and Denmead.
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Hours: Flexible schedules via online booking.
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Key Highlight: Fully insured, and every team member is canine first aid qualified and DBS checked — worth asking to see their current council licence when you enquire, as most home boarders and walkers need one.
Why They’re Great:
As one of the first pet care companies in the region, The Pet Butler has built a trusted reputation for reliable and compassionate care over two decades. They offer personalised services ranging from daily walks to cat companion visits, ensuring your pets receive the love they deserve while you are at work or on holiday.
Perfect for:
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Owners seeking a long-established company with a large, professional team.
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Residents in surrounding areas like Waterlooville needing a city-standard service.
2. Fudge’s Furry Friends – ★★★★★ 5.0/5
PDWA Member · 1-Hour Full Walks · Air-Conditioned Transport
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Location: Based in Southsea, covering all surrounding areas.
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Hours: Operates in all weather conditions.
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Review Highlight: “At Fudge’s Furry Friends, your dogs’ happiness is top priority.”
Why They’re Great:
Run by Lisa, Fudge’s Furry Friends guarantees a full hour of exercise, as they do not include travel time in their walking sessions. They are verified members of the Professional Dog Walkers Association and utilise a fully air-conditioned van with secure crates for safe transport. Every dog is washed down and towel-dried before being returned home. For a proper groom, our list of Portsmouth dog groomers is worth a look. For anything beyond a groom, it’s worth having a trusted practice on speed dial — see our round-up of the best vets in Hampshire.
Perfect for:
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High-energy breeds that need a guaranteed full hour of vigorous exercise.
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Owners who value professional accreditation and high safety standards during transport.
3. The Woof Pack – ★★★★★ 5.0/5
Nervous Dog Specialist · Home Boarding · Ethical Ethos
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Location: Hayling Avenue, Baffins, Portsmouth.
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Hours: Flexible visits and boarding available.
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Review Highlight: “Rachel spent hours working with them, gaining their trust… she is my dogs’ guardian.”
Why They’re Great:
Rachel at The Woof Pack is renowned for her ethical approach and deep understanding of canine body language. She specialises in working with nervous or reactive rescue dogs, spending the necessary time to build trust before taking them on adventures. She also offers home boarding, providing a calm and diligent environment for overnight stays — as with any home boarder, it’s worth asking to see her current council licence. If the reason you are looking for a sitter is that your dog cannot cope on his own at all — pacing, howling, or damage at the door within minutes of you leaving — a patient handler helps, but it is worth working on the underlying problem alongside it. Our guide to helping a dog who struggles when left alone goes through what actually shifts it.
Perfect for:
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Nervous or reactive rescue dogs that require a calm, patient handler.
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Owners seeking an ethical, one-to-one or small group boarding experience.
4. Homes and Hounds – ★★★★★ 5.0/5
Established 2003 · Team of Local Carers · Home Boarding
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Location: Citywide coverage across Portsmouth and Hampshire.
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Hours: Flexible services designed around pet needs.
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Review Highlight: “I know I never need to worry… June is super reliable and comes in twice a day.”
Why They’re Great:
With a large team of local carers, Homes and Hounds offers unmatched flexibility for last-minute requests and diverse pet needs. They have provided reliable care since 2003, ranging from daily walks (starting at £14/hour) to home boarding and 24-hour house sitting — worth confirming their current council boarding licence when you enquire.
Perfect for:
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Owners who need a highly reliable service that can accommodate last-minute changes.
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Pets that prefer to stay in their own home with a 24-hour house sitter.
5. PawActive – ★★★★★ 5.0/5
All Breeds Welcome · Personalised Service
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Location: Portsmouth Area.
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Hours: Reliable daily schedules.
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Review Highlight: “They were taken on the most wonderful and stimulating walks… she knows exactly what she is doing.”
Why They’re Great:
Georgina at PawActive has built a loyal local following, praised for her personal and friendly approach to dog care. She offers a variety of services including solo walks for dogs that need full attention, group walks for socialisation, and comfort stops for older pets or puppies.
Perfect for:
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Owners seeking a warm, personal service with a focus on cuddles and care.
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Dogs that enjoy stimulating, varied walking routes.
Portsmouth’s Premier Dog-Walking Destinations
Local Portsmouth sitters often utilise these iconic green spaces to keep your pup engaged and physically fit:
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Southsea Common & Seafront: A classic urban-dog experience offering flat grassland for fetch and a promenade for scenic on-lead walks.
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Portsdown Hill: A commanding vantage point with sweeping views, ideal for dogs with good recall to enjoy off-lead stretches on rugged terrain.
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Farlington Marshes Nature Reserve: A wildlife-rich haven providing low-impact, scenic exercise. Note that seasonal on-lead rules apply to protect nesting birds.
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Hilsea Lines: Offering a mix of woodland and waterside paths, perfect for dogs that love a sniff-heavy adventure. There is proper swimming to be had across the county too — see our Hampshire dog swimming spots.
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Alexandra Park: A flat, pathed park walk near the Mountbatten Leisure Centre, offering free parking and designated off-lead areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions dog owners may have about this topic.
What should I look for when choosing a dog sitter in Portsmouth?
When selecting a dog sitter in Portsmouth, consider their licensing, insurance, and qualifications such as canine first aid. Check if they have positive local reviews, offer flexible scheduling, and provide personalised care tailored to your dog’s needs, ensuring a professional and compassionate service.
Are local dog sitters in Portsmouth familiar with good walking areas for dogs?
Yes, many Portsmouth dog sitters are well-acquainted with popular walking spots like Southsea Common, Portsdown Hill, and Farlington Marshes. These locations offer enriching environments that help keep dogs active and mentally stimulated, contributing to their overall wellbeing.
How do dog sitters in Portsmouth ensure the safety of my pet during walks?
Local dog sitters often have safety measures such as secure transport in air-conditioned vehicles and use of secure crates. Many are also trained in canine first aid and DBS checked, which helps ensure your dog is in safe, responsible hands throughout their care and walks.
Can I find dog sitters in Portsmouth who accommodate specific needs like high-energy dogs?
Absolutely. Some Portsmouth sitters, like Fudge’s Furry Friends, specialise in providing full hour-long walks specifically designed for high-energy breeds. They focus on adequate exercise and personalised care to meet the energy levels and requirements of different dogs.
Is it possible to book dog sitting services online in Portsmouth?
Yes, many reputable dog sitters in Portsmouth offer online booking options for convenience. This allows you to schedule flexible appointments easily, ensuring your dog receives timely care whether you’re at work, on holiday, or otherwise engaged.
