From the Highlands of Scotland to the south coast of England, pet ownership is part of everyday life across the UK. With more than 13 million households now caring for at least one pet, demand for reliable local services has grown enormously — and so has the variety of help on offer. Dog walkers, cat sitters, groomers, daycare centres, boarding kennels and home sitters all play an important role in keeping pets healthy and happy.
Finding the right service often comes down to location. A dog walker who lives a few streets away can drop in at lunchtime; a regional cattery may be worth a longer drive for a quieter, countryside stay. That's why our UK guide is organised by region and city, so you can quickly narrow down to options near you and compare what is available locally.
England has the largest concentration of pet professionals, with strong networks in London, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, Bristol and the South East. In Scotland, Edinburgh and Glasgow lead the way, with rural sitters covering areas across the Highlands and Borders. Wales has a growing community of independent walkers and home boarders across Cardiff, Swansea and the surrounding countryside.
When choosing a service, look for clear pricing, public liability insurance, positive reviews and a willingness to do a free meet-and-greet. Most reputable UK providers will be happy to share insurance documents, references and a clear policy on emergencies. Licensed boarding and daycare businesses in England, Scotland and Wales must also meet animal welfare standards set by their local council.
If you are travelling for work or going on holiday, plan ahead. Bookings around school holidays, bank holidays and the summer months fill up fast — six weeks' notice is sensible for boarding, and two weeks for regular dog walks. For one-off visits or emergency cover, many UK sitters now offer same-week availability through online directories.
Use the regional links below to explore guides for major UK areas, then drill down into specific cities for local service recommendations. Every page links naturally back to All Paws Directory, where you can compare verified providers and contact them directly.
Common UK pet services include:
- Dog walking — solo, group and puppy walks
- Cat sitting — daily home visits and holiday cover
- Pet boarding and home boarding
- Doggy daycare and socialisation
- Grooming, mobile groomers and hand-stripping
- Pet taxis and vet transport
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find pet services near me in the UK?
Start by choosing your region or city from the guides above, then browse listings on All Paws Directory. You can filter by service type, location and reviews to find a provider that suits your needs.
How much do UK pet services cost on average?
Dog walks typically cost £10–£20 per session, cat-sitting visits £10–£18 each, and overnight boarding £25–£45 per night. London and the South East tend to be at the higher end of these ranges.
Are pet services regulated across the UK?
Boarding kennels, catteries and daycare businesses must be licensed by their local council under animal welfare regulations. Dog walking and home pet sitting aren't licensed, so always check insurance and references yourself.
How do I know a pet service is trustworthy?
Look for public liability insurance, a clear cancellation policy, recent reviews, a free meet-and-greet and willingness to answer questions about emergencies. DBS-checked providers are a bonus for key holders.