Thanks to the capital’s massive amount of green spaces and pet-friendly businesses, traveling in London with a dog is a real treat. You can stroll along the Thames, grab a pint in the pub, and even shop at a post department store with your furry friend in tow.
But if you’re not from the city, it’s an intimidating place to explore with a dog. The crowded sidewalks, busy stations, and different smells can derail your pooch–and your day out.
Luckily, a bit of knowledge and preparation will have you traveling the city like a pro.
Whether you’re renting in London with a dog or planning a holiday with your four-legged friend, these tips for getting around London with a dog will make your experience a smooth one.
Remember the rules for taking London’s public transit with dogs
Did you know that the entire TfL (Transport for London) system of trains, tubes, buses, and trams allow dogs on board? It’s great news for pet owners who want to travel across the city but don’t have access to a car.
That being said, there are a few rules you need to know about taking dogs on public transit in London.
Regardless of the mode of transportation, your dog must remain on a lead or in a carrier throughout the journey. Also, dogs are not allowed on seats or tables, so you’ll need to keep them on the floor next to you (or in your lap if they’re small enough).
If you’re taking the tube with your dog, be aware that they cannot walk on escalators. You’ll need to carry them in your arms or use a lift or stair entrance. Large dog owners should check the TfL website to see if there’s step free access or a lift available at the stations they plan to use.
On the train, you’re encouraged to keep your dog beneath your table or seat bench. Brits are famously dog-loving people, but not everyone in the city will be comfortable around your pooch. If your dog isn’t in a carrier, you’re required to relocate to a different seat or carriage if another passenger requests it.
London’s transit is notoriously crowded during peak times (6:30-9:30am and 4-7pm), so avoid traveling during these windows. The Northern, Central, Jubilee, and Victoria tube lines, in particular, are insanely packed during rush hour.
Finally, if your dog is new to public transit, it’s best to take them on a practice run or two. Riding elevators, going up and down steep stairs, and feeling the ground rumble are all uncomfortable, nerve-wracking situations for inexperienced dogs. The last thing you want is to drag your scared pup down the tube station stairs because you have an important train to catch.
Request a dog-friendly taxi for difficult journeys
Sometimes it makes sense to skip public transit and take a car instead. Fortunately, there are a number of dog-friendly taxi options in London.
The best way to secure a pet-friendly London taxi is through Addison Lee. You can book a pet-friendly car in advance, and the fee is only a few quid higher than a standard taxi.
Many London Black Cabs also allow dogs, though it’s up to the driver’s discretion (guide and assistance dogs are always welcome). Using the Gett app to book your licensed taxi allows you to enter a custom note, so you can alert your driver if you’re traveling with a small/medium/large dog.
London taxi services are notoriously expensive. If you’re traveling on a budget, a bit of advanced planning goes a long way. Use Google Maps or the Citymapper app to figure out how to split your journey between walking, public transit, and taxi to make the trip affordable.
London is dog-friendly with lots of fun things to do!
Always carry doggy bags
When dogs are in new and stimulating places, they can get over-excited. And that excitement leads to extra bathroom breaks.
Even if your dog took care of business right before you left, there’s a strong chance they’ll go again once you’re out and about, especially if you’re doing a lot of walking. Always carry extra doggy bags to clean up after your pup. Thankfully, London is overflowing with rubbish bins for a speedy disposal.
If you run out of bags and aren’t near a pet supply shop, many major London grocery stores like Sainsbury’s and Tesco sell them in the pet food section.
Get off the beaten path in London’s many commons and local parks
Hyde Park and Regent’s Park are lovely. But they’re also teeming with tourists, making your leisurely dog walk more of an obstacle course.
If you want your dog to enjoy a romp outdoors, head to one of the city’s many commons. Nearly every London borough has a sprawling green space perfect for off-leash play or on-leash walks, though South London boasts the most commons. Tooting Bec Common, Blackheath Common, Clapham Common, Wimbledon Common, and Wandsworth Common are all excellent places for dogs.
And if the weather is warm, your pooch can go for a swim in a dog-friendly pond! Hampstead Heath, Clapham Common, and Wimbledon Common all have large ponds perfect for a game of water fetch.
London also has a number of local parks that are off the tourist path. Brockwell Park, Hampstead Heath, Greenwich Park, Battersea Park, and Richmond Park are highly rated amongst dog owners. Richmond Park and Hampstead Heath in particular are full of wooded trails and wild critters, so there will be plenty of sniffing opportunities for your pup.
Save a list of dog-friendly pubs in London
As you travel in London with your dog, you’ll eventually need to stop for food and drink. And thanks to the vast number of dog-friendly pubs, you and your pooch can enjoy refreshments together in classic British fashion.
With hundreds of pubs to choose from, you’ll never run out of places to try. To make things even easier, use Google Maps to save a list of the pubs you want to visit. That way, you can pull up the app and see what’s nearby when you feel like taking a break from exploring.
Take advantage of the unique dog-friendly activities in the city
It’s no surprise that London has a ton of dog-friendly activities scattered throughout the city. From pet-friendly outdoor cinemas to free agility courses, here are some fun, dog-friendly activities to add to your London itinerary:
- Go for a ride on Epping-Ongar Railway’s historic steam engine train
- Take your (small) dog for a sky-high ride on the Emirates Air Line cable car link
- Test your pup’s skill at one of London’s agility courses
- Say hello to farm animals and fellow dogs at Mudchute Farm on the Isle of Dogs
- Arrange a pet photographer to take portraits of you and your pooch at famous London landmarks
Bring plenty of patience and treats
London is a wonderful, bustling, hectic, beautiful, and occasionally smelly place for people and dogs alike. You might be in a rush to see Buckingham Palace or meet with friends at a pub, but your pup likely has other priorities.
Remember to build in plenty of extra travel time for long sniffs, territory marking, pigeon chasing, and all the other activities that come with traveling in London with a dog. And when your pooch is behaving calmly in chaotic London, shower them with treats and love.
Author Bio: Chelsea is an American expat and travel blogger living in London. When she’s not writing or traveling abroad, she loves taking her German Shepherd on adventures around the city.
Looking for more tips for England with a dog? Try these.
- How to Move A Dog To The UK (costs, too!)
- Weekend in Cornwall With Kids (Dog, too!)
- Moving abroad? Use my ultimate MOVING ABROAD CHECKLIST
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