Richmond Park’s deer don’t care that your dog has a flawless recall in the garden. London’s green spaces are brilliant, but they come with their own rules and their own surprises, and the city around them is vast.
Whether you’re in a Zone 1 flat or out towards the edge of the M25, you’ll want local help that actually suits where you live. This page gathers every AboutDogs guide that covers London in one spot. We’ve linked to what exists and been upfront where it doesn’t, because we’d rather send you to a UK-wide guide than pretend to a level of local coverage we haven’t built. Treat it as a map to our directories, not a list of every dog professional in the capital.
What’s covered in Greater London
- Dog trainers: Dog trainers in London
- Vets: Top London vets
- Dog swimming spots: Where to take your dog for a swim in London
- Dog sitters: London is split into ten area pages: Central, West-Central, East-Central, West, East, North, North-West, South, South-West and South-East.
- Dog groomers: Top dog groomers in London (one page for the whole city)
- Adoption and rescue: Dog adoption centres in London
- Pet transport: Pet transport in London, including the Heathrow Animal Reception Centre
Parks, deer and the London lead question
London has some enormous open spaces, but what’s allowed off the lead depends entirely on which one you’re in. Richmond Park is the clearest example. The Royal Parks say dogs must be on a lead in all areas of the park from 1 May to 31 July, when the fawns are born, and that deer can feel threatened by dogs even at a distance. The autumn rut, roughly September to November, is another time to keep well clear.
Beyond that, rules vary between the Royal Parks, borough parks, commons and heaths, and many have dog-free zones, bird-nesting areas or lead requirements around ponds and playgrounds. Check the signs at each entrance and the park’s own website, and keep a lead handy even if your dog is usually reliable. Public transport rules for dogs differ by operator, so check before you travel.
For the dog who finds London a lot
Sirens, buses, crowded pavements and a lift to the flat can add up for some dogs. The Calmdogs calming bites at Calmshops are a complementary feed to use alongside training. They aren’t a treatment, so for genuine distress, talk to your vet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there dog sitters listed across London?
Yes. Our London dog sitters coverage is split into ten area pages, from Central and West London to the South-East, and each one is linked from this page.
Is there a London dog swimming guide?
Yes, we have a guide to ten dog-friendly swimming spots in London. Rules change, so check the venue before you go.
Does my dog have to be on a lead in Richmond Park?
According to the Royal Parks, dogs must be on a lead in all areas of Richmond Park from 1 May to 31 July. The deer are wild and can feel threatened by dogs even at a distance, so at any time of year keep your dog well away from them and check the Royal Parks website for the latest rules.
Written by Georgiana & Figo. London changes fast, so we’ll keep this page up to date as new area guides go live.
