Find Trusted Dog Walkers in Bromley

Popular locations

The borough's parks and commons are varied, and that suits higher energy dogs. High Elms Country Park is a hundred hectare wooded site used for longer walks with plenty to sniff, and it has shade in summer. Scadbury Park Nature Reserve covers around 102 hectares and is one of the largest green spaces in the borough, with room for active dogs without it feeling crowded. Keston Common is a mix of heath, woodland and open ground, so off lead walks there are varied.

In the east of the borough, Goddington Park has open grass and mature trees and is used for everyday walks and socialising. Ravensbourne has two ponds, wildflower meadows and a nature trail, and is used for shorter walks. Havelock Recreation Ground is an open field used for quick walks before or after work.

Local requirements and standards

Bromley's public space protection order requires dogs to be on a lead on roads and pavements across the borough, and keeps them out of some areas, including water bodies and children's play areas. Anyone walking dogs in public can take up to three at once, or up to four with the council's dog walking licence, which costs £200 a year. Licensed walkers must have at least £1 million of public liability insurance, keep dogs on the lead between the vehicle and the park, wear the licence in a fluorescent armband when walking four dogs, and pick up after every dog straight away.

Before booking, check that the walker has public liability insurance of at least £1 million, which covers you if a dog causes damage or injury. A DBS check gives some basic reassurance if the walker will be collecting your dog from your home. Ask whether they have a pet first aid certificate, because the borough's parks are large and longer woodland walks bring a higher risk of heat stress, falls and ticks. A local walker should know the three dog limit and when a licence is needed. Ask how they keep within the limit, which parks they use when it is muddy or on busy summer weekends, and whether dogs are on the lead between the vehicle and the park.

Neighbourhood insights

Demand varies across the borough. Bromley town centre and Bromley South have commuters, flats and green space nearby at Church House Gardens, and are the busiest areas for midday and commuter walks. Shortlands and Chislehurst have more houses with gardens and are close to longer walks at Keston Common, Scadbury Park and Hawkwood, so most of the work there is regular exercise walks. Orpington and Hayes have steady daily work based around Goddington Park and High Elms.

Seasonal considerations

The parks and commons are at their best in summer, but popular sites such as High Elms, Scadbury and Keston Common also get busy with people and dogs. In winter the woodland and heath get muddy, and walkers use shorter or better lit routes near town centres and recreation grounds. A lot of the borough is important for wildlife, and walkers keep an eye on wildlife sensitive areas and dog restrictions in individual parks throughout the year.