About pet sitting in Richmond upon Thames

Richmond upon Thames is one of the most desirable outer London boroughs for dog owners, with Richmond Park and the Thames towpath providing two of the best exercise environments in the capital. The park's deer herd means dogs must be kept on leads at all times within its boundaries, and during the deer birthing season between May and July and the rutting season in autumn the park recommends extra caution around the herds. Sitters working in Richmond and Kew need to be familiar with these rules, as off-lead exercise within the park is not permitted regardless of the time of year.
Popular locations
Richmond town draws consistent demand from professionals in houses and flats close to the park and river, where dogs are often used to long daily walks and owners want a sitter who can maintain that routine. Twickenham sees strong bookings from commuters using South Western Railway services into Waterloo, with morning and evening visits being the standard arrangement for owners who are out for long working days. Teddington and Hampton at the southern end of the borough tend toward longer holiday sits, with family households booking extended cover during school breaks when they travel and want their pets to stay in familiar surroundings.
Neighbourhood demand and local patterns
High-energy breeds are common across Richmond upon Thames, reflecting the borough's outdoor character and the expectation among owners that their dogs will get proper exercise every day. Kew and St Margarets attract a mix of families and professionals whose dogs are used to the towpath and park as daily fixtures, and sitters who know those routes well tend to build strong long-term client relationships. The seasonal restrictions in Richmond Park during May to July and the autumn rutting period mean sitters need alternative routes planned for those months, particularly for dogs based closest to the park gates.
Seasonal considerations
Richmond Park operates lead-only rules year round, but the deer birthing season between May and July and the rutting season in October and November are periods when the park advises particular care around the herds. Sitters covering Richmond and Kew routinely plan alternative exercise routes during these months for owners whose dogs are used to off-lead runs elsewhere.
Areas covered
- Richmond
- Twickenham
- Teddington
- Kew
- Hampton
- St Margarets