Ponies wander across the road in the New Forest as though they own it, and in a way they do. Hampshire is that sort of county: ancient forest and open heath in the west, the South Downs in the east, and the busy port cities of Southampton and Portsmouth along the coast.
Between those very different corners, there’s a lot of ground to cover when you’re looking for a trainer, a vet or someone to mind your dog. Every AboutDogs guide for Hampshire is gathered below. Where a family of guides has no local page, we say so and point you to the UK-wide version. Hampshire is big enough that the right guide for Portsmouth may not suit someone further inland, so we’ve named the city each link covers.
What’s covered in Hampshire
- Dog trainers: Dog trainers in Hampshire
- Vets: Best vets in Hampshire
- Dog swimming spots: Best dog swimming spots in Hampshire
- Dog sitters: Southampton and Portsmouth. For other Hampshire towns, try our UK dog sitters directory.
- Dog groomers: Southampton and Portsmouth, with the UK dog groomers guide for the rest.
- Adoption and rescue: there’s no Hampshire rescue directory yet, so please see our UK-wide dog adoption and rescue guide.
- Pet transport: Southampton (the M27/M3 position and Isle of Wight ferries, plus an honest note that dedicated local operators are thin) and Portsmouth (the Brittany Ferries crossings to Spain)
The New Forest and other livestock
The New Forest’s ponies and cattle roam freely, and they’re not pets. Keep your dog well away from them, don’t let it chase, and never feed the ponies. Ground-nesting birds on the heathland are another reason to stay on the paths and keep a lead on in spring and early summer.
Summer weekends can be very busy with visitors, so car parks fill early. Pick a quieter corner, or go early in the day. As with anywhere, check local signs for seasonal rules before you let your dog off the lead.
Active days, daily routines
Forest days are active ones. Calmshops has a dog vitamins and supplements collection if you want to browse, and your vet is the best person to ask what suits your dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Hampshire cities have dog sitter and groomer pages?
Southampton and Portsmouth each have their own dog sitters and dog groomers pages. For other Hampshire towns, use our UK-wide guides.
Is it safe to walk my dog in the New Forest?
Many owners walk there happily, but ponies and cattle roam freely, so keep your dog under close control and away from them. Follow local signs, especially in spring and early summer when ground-nesting birds are about.
Does AboutDogs have a Hampshire rescue guide?
Not yet. We link to our UK-wide adoption and rescue guide rather than imply local coverage we don’t have.
Written by Georgiana & Figo. Heading to the New Forest? Pack water, poo bags and a bit of patience for the ponies.
