An agency owned by Foxtons says there’s been a 120 per cent surge in demand for pet-friendly rental properties since the start of lockdowns in 2020.

Douglas & Gordon, acquired by Foxtons in 2020, says that nine per cent of London households now have a dog – and across the UK as a whole, 45 per cent own a pet of some kind.

The agency also says London has been carving a reputation as being sympathetic to pet owners with London Underground and many of the capital’s facilities regarded as highly pet-friendly.

However, it acknowledges that for prospective tenants it can be stressful to identify and secure a pet-friendly let.

But the agency insists that four boroughs in particular are appropriate for dog or pet owners who want to buy rather than rent, because of the relatively high proportion of homes with gardens.

Of those currently listed for sale, says Douglas & Gordon, 58 per cent of homes in the borough of Kingston have gardens; some 47 per cent of properties advertised to let in that borough also have gardens, although the agency’s research does not make clear whether the landlords allow pets. 

Unsurprisingly, the City of Westminster offers the least property with outdoor space, whether you’re renting with 23 per cent of property available; or whether you’re buying which only has 35 per cent of property available. 

The agency says easy access to dog walkers and vets is essential for owners in London. Research shows the average price for a dog walker in the capital is £13.45 per walk. 

However it says London has more than 200 RCVS-registered vets across almost every postcode across the city.