Pet Sitting in London: what to know
London's pet owners juggle flats, long commutes and busy diaries — from Zone 1 mansion blocks in Chelsea and Kensington to family streets in Clapham, Fulham and Wimbledon. A trusted local provider makes weekday walks, holiday cover and vet trips far easier.
Many Londoners live in flats with shared entrances and tenancy pet clauses. Share access instructions, key arrangements and any building rules with your provider.
Heat and weather in London
London's weather is mild but changeable: wet winters, muddy parks and the occasional summer heatwave. On hot days walk early or late and carry water; in winter, dry and check paws after muddy walks.
Before you leave, check the air-conditioning schedule, leave the sitter a backup plan if the power or AC fails, and make sure fresh water is available in more than one room.
Planning around the seasons in London
If you travel during school holidays and Christmas, book your sitter early and arrange a meet-and-greet before you leave. During summer heatwaves, confirm the air-conditioning stays on while you're away.
Before you book
Sitters who host or visit are reviewed with photos of their home or boarding area as part of verification, and you can agree visit times and routines in the chat.
Keep your dog's microchip details and vaccination records up to date.
OnlyPaw is available worldwide. Availability in London depends on how many pet sitters have been approved near you — the app shows who's available before you book.
Pet Sitting in London — FAQ
Is pet sitting available in London?
OnlyPaw is available worldwide. Availability in London depends on how many pet sitters have been approved near you — the app shows who's available before you book.
How much does pet sitting cost in London?
Pet sitters in London set their own prices in GBP, so you see each provider's rate before you book. At checkout OnlyPaw adds a service fee of 10% of the service price, with a minimum of USD 2 and a maximum of USD 20 (or the equivalent in your local currency), shown before you pay. Your payment is held and only released to the provider after the service is completed.
How are pet sitters in London vetted?
Every pet sitter in London must submit a government ID, a selfie and photos of their home, and pass a pet-safety knowledge test with a 70% pass mark. The OnlyPaw team reviews each application — and each additional service — before it goes live.
Can a pet sitter in London look after my cat?
Yes. Cats often do best staying in their own home, and many OnlyPaw sitters care for cats — feeding, litter, play and medication. Mention your cat's routine and any hiding spots in the booking notes.
What if I need to cancel?
One cancellation rule applies to every booking: you get a full refund (including the OnlyPaw service fee) if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start, and no refund after that. If the provider cancels, you always get a full refund.
What happens in an emergency?
Every active booking has an SOS button in the app. It alerts the other party and the OnlyPaw team straight away. If your pet needs urgent medical care, contact a vet or emergency clinic first.
