Pet-Friendly Guide to London, United Kingdom

Why Pets Love London

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London has a centuries-old love affair with dogs. The British pub tradition of welcoming dogs has made the city one of the most naturally pet-friendly destinations in the world. With eight Royal Parks offering vast green spaces, a tube and bus system that allows dogs for free, and thousands of pubs and cafes that roll out the welcome mat for four-legged visitors, London is a dream for traveling pet parents.

The city’s dog culture runs deep. From corgis in Kensington Gardens to terriers in East End pubs, dogs are woven into the fabric of London life. You will see water bowls outside shops on nearly every high street and dog treats behind the counter at most pubs.

Pet-Friendly Accommodations

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London’s hotel scene is remarkably pet-welcoming. The Lanesborough, Kimpton Fitzroy London, The Egerton House Hotel, and Rosewood London all have outstanding pet policies. Many boutique hotels across Chelsea, Notting Hill, and Marylebone welcome dogs warmly.

Budget travelers can find pet-friendly Airbnbs and serviced apartments throughout South London and East London. Mid-range pet-friendly hotels run $100-180 per night. Some luxury hotels provide dog beds, bowls, and even room service menus for pets.

Dog Parks and Outdoor Spaces

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London’s parks are legendary, and most are wonderfully dog-friendly:

• Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens — Vast royal parks with designated off-leash areas and the famous dog swimming pond at the Serpentine
• Hampstead Heath — 790 acres of wild parkland with swimming ponds and off-leash areas
• Regent’s Park — Beautiful formal gardens with generous off-leash sections
• Richmond Park — 2,500 acres of deer park where dogs can run free (on-leash during deer birthing season)
• Victoria Park — East London’s beloved “People’s Park” with off-leash dog areas

Pet-Friendly Restaurants and Cafes

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The British pub is perhaps the most dog-friendly dining institution in the world. Most traditional pubs welcome well-behaved dogs:

• The Churchill Arms — Iconic Kensington pub draped in flowers, dogs adored
• The Lamb and Flag — Historic Covent Garden pub with a warm welcome for dogs
• Barkney Wick — East London cafe built entirely around dog culture
• The Flask — Charming Hampstead pub where dogs are part of the furniture

Many restaurants with outdoor seating also welcome dogs, particularly in neighborhoods like Bermondsey, Dalston, and Shoreditch.

Local Pet Rules and Regulations

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The UK has no mandatory dog licensing, but dogs must be microchipped by law and wear a collar with an ID tag in public. Dogs must be kept under control in public spaces — there is no universal leash law, but individual boroughs may have specific rules. Most Royal Parks allow dogs off-leash in designated areas. The UK has strict import requirements: dogs need a microchip, rabies vaccination, and tapeworm treatment before entering. Dogs travel free on London buses, the Tube, Overground, and most National Rail services.

Getting There With Your Pet

The UK does not allow pets in aircraft cabins on most airlines, so dogs typically travel as checked cargo or via specialized pet transport services. Alternatively, you can take the Eurostar from Paris with a pet (small dogs in carriers) or use ferry services from France. Once in London, dogs ride all Transport for London services for free. Black cabs are required to accept guide dogs and most will welcome well-behaved pets.