London – Most and Least Pet-Friendly Boroughs Revealed
London leads the UK in dog theft, with an average of 368 dogs stolen annually. Only 16% of stolen dogs are successfully returned to their owners. Staffordshire Bull Terriers were the most stolen breed in London between 2012-2022, with 498 reported thefts. But dog theft isn't the only factor that makes some London boroughs better for pets than others.
Whether you've got a Staffie, a Cocker Spaniel, or a French Bulldog, choosing the right borough can mean the difference between daily park visits and struggling to find decent green space. Based on analysis of council data, veterinary service availability, and reported crime statistics, we've identified the most and least pet-friendly boroughs in London. Some results genuinely surprised us.
How We Ranked London's Boroughs
We evaluated all 32 London boroughs based on seven key factors:
- Green Space Access - Parks, commons, and off-lead areas per 10,000 residents
- Veterinary Service Availability - Number of vet practices and emergency care options
- Pet Theft Rates - Reported dog thefts per borough
- Dog-Friendly Amenities - Pubs, cafes, and businesses welcoming dogs
- Public Transport Access - TfL's dog-friendly policies and station access
- Housing Pet Policies - Rental properties allowing pets (crucial in London's rental market)
- Council Pet Services - Dog waste bins, dedicated dog parks, local policies
Top 10 Most Pet-Friendly London Boroughs
1. Richmond upon Thames
What Makes It Brilliant:
- Among London's safest boroughs with only 7 reported dog thefts in 2023
- Richmond Park: 2,500 acres where your Labrador can properly stretch their legs
- Excellent vet coverage with 12+ practices including emergency care
- Thames-side walking paths perfect for Spaniels
- High proportion of landlords accepting pets
- Multiple dog-friendly gastropubs
The Drawback: You'll pay for the privilege - grooming costs £60-£80 for a medium dog versus £40-£50 in outer boroughs.
2. Wandsworth
What Makes It Stand Out:
- Battersea Park: 200 acres with dedicated off-lead areas
- Wandsworth Common: 175 acres of open space
- Moderate dog theft (13 reported in 2023)
- Strong community of dog owners
- Good vet coverage including specialist referral centres
Ideal for: Families with energetic breeds like Border Collies
3. Kingston upon Thames
What Makes It Great:
- Richmond Park access (shares border)
- Bushy Park nearby
- Lower cost of living than central London
- Only 8 dog thefts reported in 2023
- Pet-friendly high street shops
4. Greenwich
What Makes It Excellent:
- Greenwich Park: 183 acres of World Heritage Site
- Thames Path walking routes
- Blackheath Common nearby
- 16 dog thefts in 2023 - moderate
- Good mix of affordability and amenities
5. Hammersmith & Fulham
Surprising Inclusion Because:
- Inner London but surprisingly pet-friendly
- Bishop's Park along Thames
- Multiple small parks and squares
- Good vet coverage
- Transport links excellent for vet emergencies
6. Bromley
What Makes It Great:
- London's largest borough by area
- Extensive green spaces including Kelsey Park
- Low theft rate (12 reports in 2023)
- More affordable than inner boroughs
- Good for larger breeds needing space
7. Barnet
Strong Points:
- 67 parks and open spaces
- Affordable compared to inner London
- Good vet coverage across the borough
- Lower theft rates
- Easy access to Hertfordshire countryside
8. Sutton
Pet-Friendly Features:
- Nonsuch Park: 300 acres
- Quieter, suburban atmosphere
- Low crime including pet theft
- Affordable grooming services
- Strong community feel
9. Ealing
What It Offers:
- Walpole Park, Gunnersbury Park
- Good transport links
- Balanced urban/suburban environment
- Decent vet coverage
- More space than many inner boroughs
10. Merton
Highlights:
- Wimbledon Common: 1,140 acres
- Morden Hall Park
- Moderate theft rates
- Good mix of urban amenities and green space
Bottom 5: Least Pet-Friendly London Boroughs
32. Hounslow
The Issues:
- Highest dog theft rate in London with 95 reported thefts in 2023
- Limited green space relative to population
- Fewer emergency vet options
- High traffic areas pose safety risks
31. Brent
The Issues:
- Second-highest theft rate with 50 reports in 2023
- Limited off-lead areas
- Sparse vet coverage in some areas
- Fewer pet-friendly housing options
30. Islington
The Issues:
- 39 dog thefts reported in 2023
- Congested streets with limited green space
- High density makes dog ownership challenging
- Premium grooming costs without corresponding service quality
Key Safety Tips for London Pet Owners
Given the high theft rates across London, take these precautions:
- Never leave dogs unattended outside shops or cafes
- Microchip and register your pet (legally required)
- Vary your walking routes to avoid predictable patterns
- Use secure fencing in gardens
- Consider pet insurance that covers theft
- Take photos regularly for identification purposes
- Be cautious on social media - don't broadcast your location
Finding Pet Services in Your Borough
No matter which borough you're in, you'll need reliable groomers. Grooming costs vary significantly across London:
- Central/Premium boroughs: £50-£100 for full groom
- Outer boroughs: £35-£65 for full groom
- Mobile groomers: Often £10-15 premium but offer convenience
UK Breed-Specific Grooming Costs:
- Cocker Spaniel: £45-£65 (regular clipping needed)
- Border Terrier: £50-£70 (hand-stripping adds cost)
- French Bulldog: £35-£50 (short coat but facial folds need attention)
- Labrador: £50-£75 (deshedding treatments help with moulting)
Find Pet Groomers in Your Borough
Compare prices, read reviews, and book trusted groomers across London.
Find GroomersThe Bottom Line
Best boroughs for dog owners: Richmond, Wandsworth, Kingston, Greenwich, Hammersmith & Fulham
Avoid if possible: Hounslow, Brent, Islington, Tower Hamlets, Newham
If you're stuck in a lower-ranked borough:
- Join local dog walking groups to find hidden gems
- Consider doggy daycare for exercise/socialization
- Build relationship with good local vet
- Be extra vigilant about theft prevention
- Use weekends to visit better parks in neighboring boroughs
London can be brilliant for dogs - or absolutely rubbish. Choose your borough wisely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Richmond upon Thames is the most pet-friendly borough in London. It has Richmond Park (2,500 acres), only 7 reported dog thefts in 2023, excellent vet coverage with 12+ practices, and a high proportion of landlords accepting pets. The main drawback is higher costs - grooming is typically £60-80 for a medium dog.
Hounslow has the highest dog theft rate in London with 95 reported thefts in 2023. Brent is second with 50 reported thefts, followed by Islington with 39. London leads the UK in dog theft overall, with an average of 368 dogs stolen annually and only 16% successfully returned to owners.
London can be excellent or challenging for dog owners depending on the borough. Outer boroughs like Richmond, Wandsworth, Kingston, and Greenwich offer abundant green space and lower theft rates. Inner boroughs like Islington and Tower Hamlets have limited space and higher risks. Choose your borough wisely and budget for higher grooming costs (£50-100 for a full groom).
Major off-lead areas in London include Richmond Park (2,500 acres), Wimbledon Common (1,140 acres), Hampstead Heath, Battersea Park (dedicated areas), Greenwich Park, and numerous smaller commons and parks. Check individual park rules as some have seasonal restrictions or designated off-lead zones only.
Dog grooming in London costs £50-100 for a full groom in central/premium boroughs, and £35-65 in outer boroughs. Mobile groomers typically charge £10-15 extra. Breed-specific costs vary: Cocker Spaniels £45-65, French Bulldogs £35-50, Labradors £50-75. London prices are 50-80% higher than the UK average.
The safest London boroughs for dogs based on theft rates are Richmond upon Thames (7 thefts in 2023), Kingston upon Thames (8 thefts), and Bromley (12 thefts). These outer boroughs also have extensive green spaces and lower traffic. Avoid Hounslow (95 thefts), Brent (50), and Islington (39) if theft risk is a concern.
Yes, but it's challenging. Since the Tenant Fees Act 2019, landlords can't charge extra pet deposits, but many still don't accept pets. Outer boroughs like Richmond, Kingston, and Bromley have higher proportions of pet-friendly rentals. Use pet-specific letting sites and be prepared to provide references and pet CVs.
Most London parks allow dogs, including Royal Parks like Richmond Park, Greenwich Park, and Hyde Park (on leads). Popular dog-friendly parks include Battersea Park, Hampstead Heath, Wimbledon Common, Victoria Park, and Clapham Common. Some parks have designated off-lead areas while others require dogs on leads throughout.