Travelling with Pets to London: Pet-Friendly Hotels & Tips

More and more London hotels are welcoming four-legged guests, with dedicated pet menus, in-room dog beds, and concierge services that rival what they offer human guests. But even at the most pet-friendly properties, there will be times during your stay when you need a trusted hand to look after your dog. Here's your complete guide to travelling with pets to London — including the hotels we recommend, the paperwork you'll need, and how to arrange professional pet sitting on demand.

Best Pet-Friendly Hotels in London

London's five-star scene has quietly become one of Europe's most dog-friendly. These are the properties that consistently impress with their approach to pets:

• The Langham — the long-running "Pampered Pooches" package includes a plush bed, ceramic bowls, treats from the pastry kitchen, and a turndown biscuit. Regent's Park is a ten-minute walk away for morning strolls.
• Kimpton Fitzroy — welcomes pets of all sizes with no extra charge, no weight limit, and a genuinely relaxed attitude. A favourite for families travelling with larger dogs.
• The Egerton House Hotel — widely considered one of London's most dog-friendly boutique hotels, with a dedicated dog menu and direct access to Hyde Park.
• Claridge's — welcomes well-behaved dogs with their own room-service menu, monogrammed bowls, and a discreet staff who genuinely love four-legged guests.
• The Goring — a Royal favourite, providing dog beds, water bowls, and an unflappable concierge team who can recommend nearby green spaces.
• Rosewood London — the elegant courtyard, dog menu, and central Holborn location make it an excellent base for travellers with dogs.
• Hotel Café Royal — pets are welcome in most public areas, including the bar, and the Regent Street location is moments from Piccadilly.

Always confirm your pet's size, breed, and stay length when booking — pet policies vary even within the same hotel group, and most properties appreciate advance notice so they can prepare the room.

Pet Travel Documents and Requirements

If you're travelling into the UK with a pet, paperwork matters. The rules tightened after Brexit and getting them wrong can mean your pet is held at the border. The essentials:

• Microchip — your pet must be microchipped before vaccination for the records to count.
• Rabies vaccination — administered after microchipping, at least 21 days before travel.
• Animal Health Certificate (AHC) — issued by an official vet no more than 10 days before entering the UK, valid for one return trip.
• Tapeworm treatment for dogs — given by a vet 24–120 hours before arrival, recorded in the AHC.
• Approved route and carrier — pets must enter via an approved route (Eurotunnel, certain ferries, or designated flights). Cabin travel is rare in the UK; most pets travel in the hold or by ground.

For the latest official requirements, always check the UK government's pet travel guidance before booking. Your hotel's concierge can usually recommend a London vet for boosters or check-ups during your stay.

When Do You Need a Pet Sitter During Your Trip?

Even at a pet-friendly hotel, your dog can't follow you everywhere in London. These are the moments families most often book sitters with us:

• Visiting museums, galleries, or palaces that don't allow pets (almost all do not).
• Dining at restaurants without outdoor seating, especially in winter.
• Attending a West End show, concert, or sporting event.
• Shopping at Harrods, Selfridges, or other indoor centres where pets are restricted.
• Taking a day trip outside London — Windsor, Oxford, or the Cotswolds.
• Long meetings, weddings, or evening events where your dog would be more comfortable resting in the room.

What Does a London Pet Sitter Do?

A professional pet sitter from Stays comes directly to your hotel or apartment and looks after your dog on your schedule. Bookings typically include:

• Dog walking in nearby parks and green spaces — Hyde Park, Green Park, Regent's Park, or whichever is closest to your hotel.
• Feeding to your routine, with fresh water and any medication you've left out.
• Companionship, play, and cuddle time — many sitters bring their own treats and toys.
• Toilet breaks and clean-up, handled discreetly.
• Real-time updates and photo check-ins sent straight to your phone, so you can enjoy your evening with full peace of mind.

All Stays pet sitters are DBS-checked, fully vetted, and genuinely passionate about animals. Many have grown up with dogs, worked at veterinary clinics, or hold qualifications in animal care. We match the sitter to your dog's size and temperament — a confident terrier owner is not always the right match for an anxious giant breed.

Tips for a Stress-Free Pet-Friendly Stay in London

• Tell the hotel in advance. Even at the most welcoming properties, surprises are unwelcome. Confirm your dog's breed, size, and any specific needs at booking.
• Pack familiar items. A favourite blanket, toy, or food bowl helps your dog settle faster in an unfamiliar room.
• Plan walks around quiet hours. Central London pavements get hectic — early mornings and late evenings are calmer for nervous dogs.
• Use the concierge. They know which parks are off-lead friendly, which cafés allow dogs at outdoor tables, and which routes avoid busy traffic.
• Book your sitter early. Last-minute pet sitting is possible, but 24–48 hours' notice gives us the best chance of matching the right person to your dog.

Book a pet sitter for your London hotel or apartment stay at staysgroup.co.uk, or speak to your hotel concierge — most of London's leading hotels work with us directly.