London Dog: Pangpang the London Pug

Yes, it's great being a London dog! Even though it's my hometown, I still love exploring London and the city's amazing parks and landmarks. Some of my favourite places to visit in London include Covent Garden, Green Park, Tower Bridge, Greenwich Park, IFS Cloud Cable Car, and Chinatown (after all, pugs originate from China, whilst my mama is Chinese and baba used to live in China so they love the food there too!),

Being a London pug is also pretty sweet. My favourite thing to do is to go to the pug meetup in Green Park. I haven't been in ages but it is definitely my favourite thing to do in the city.

Next on my list of places for a London dog day out are Richmond Park, South Bank and Primrose Hill. I can't wait!

I was a little surprised to hear that London is considered to be not only one of the most dog-friendly cities in Europe but, indeed, the world. Very few shop and restaurants I've been to allow dogs inside (some restaurants won't even let a dog sit outside on a lead) but perhaps I just haven't been to the right areas yet. There are supposedly lots of dog-friendly places to visit in the capital, so I'll need to do some investigating and get back to you. I'll do a new dog blog post soon about dog-friendly places and activities in London.

On the whole though, I'm yet to be convinced that London is more welcoming of dogs than ant other area of the UK. I'll have to provide an update after taking Pangpang the Pug to Europe which I'm hoping to start doing soon (although even that has to be by ferry as dogs aren't allowed on the train to Europe)...

Personally, I would never go anywhere in London with Pangpang without first checking that they are dog-friendly. I've found out the hard way too many times that there are many places that don't accept dogs except assistance dogs. With that in mind, it's important to check before planning a day out with your doggo (otherwise you'll be sitting outside with your dog in the rain watching your friends through the window of your favourite restaurant).

So, in summary, 'can you live in London with a dog?' Yes, but be prepared to have difficulties finding apartments / accommodation, restaurants, stores, hangouts and venues that allow dogs - just like most places in the UK.

One of the best things about life in London with a dog is the parks and gardens, many of which are dog-friendly places. Pangpang loves going to these and it's a great outdoor activity for the family. One of my favourite dog-friendly things to do is going to the pug meetup held in Green Park. It usually has a good turnout and it's so cute seeing all the happy pugs going crazy with their pug buddies. Highly recommend this as the pug have more room to roam and explore than in a pug cafe.

One of my biggest disappointments is the fact that, despite being a London dog, most of London's iconic tourist attractions do not allow dogs to accompany you (with the obvious exceptions being assistance dogs (guide dogs, seeing eye dogs and hearing dogs) which are permitted in most cases). However, to avoid disappointment I would always check beforehand to avoid disappointment. (Please note, the information provided is believed to be correct at time of writing but may change if the policy of the London tourist attractions are updated.)

Can dogs visit Tower Bridge?

Yes! A few years ago we were invited to do a promotion for Tower Bridge (which has always been one of my favourite London attractions as it looks stunning and is located close to my office). Pangpang had a blast exploring the Bridge and even braved the glass viewing platform looking down onto the River Thames from 42 metres above. Highly recommend this London landmark for a visit with your dog.

Can dogs visit the British Museum?

It would be pretty cool to take Pangpang to see the amazing exhibits at the British Museum; however, this is not permitted. According to the official website, service, assistant and emotional support animals (including service dogs in training) are permitted.

Can dogs ride the London Eye?

Of all the tourist attractions in London, I was most excited to go on the London Eye as I'd seen a certain famous pug from the US with a huge following sharing photos on the London landmark. However, I was surprised / disappointed to be informed that Pangpang would not be allowed to go on..The official line on the website reads 'Assistance dogs including guide dogs, seeing eye dogs and hearing dogs are permitted on The London Eye. Please note that other therapy pets and/or emotional support animals are not permitted onboard.'

Can dogs visit the Tower of London?

Again, this was a tourist site I was keen to take Pangpang to but sadly it is not permitted. The official line on the website reads 'Trained assistance dogs are welcome inside the Tower. This includes medical alert dogs....Unfortunately, due to conservation concern and the nature of items on display, we do not allow emotional support animals to enter the palace at this time'.

Can dogs visit Westminster Abbey?

Westminster Abbey is a beautiful tourist attraction that I highly recommend visiting. However, it's not one that allows animals to accompany visitors (except guide dogs, hearing dogs and assistance dogs)

So the main takeaway is that most tourist attractions in London do not allow dogs to visit unless they are assistance dogs (guide dogs, seeing eye dogs, and hearing dogs). Big shoutout to my dog buddies who are assistance dogs as the training they go through to dedicate their lives to helping their hooman companions is truly remarkable. With that in mind, I would always check first before taking your doggo with you to a tourist attraction in London.

We did a promotion for Wembley Park (which was rebranding as a dog-friendly area) and I was really impressed as there were lots of dog-friendly shops, restaurants and new apartment blocks that allowed pets. I think it's important to do your research to check how dog-friendly a place is but having an area set up to cater to dogs and pawrents certainly makes life a little easier.

Yes! And this is an important consideration for all dog owners as it makes life so much easier. Dogs are allowed on the Tube (subway), trains, buses, trams, and cable cars (as long as they are kept on a lead or in a pet carrier) which makes travelling around the city a breeze. Passengers are permitted to take up to two dogs on the Tube, trains, buses and trams free of charge, though dogs are not allowed to sit on the seats; three or more dogs will result in a charge being applied. Please check with the relevant provider prior to travelling.

Meanwhile, I've also never been turned away from an Uber or taxi due to having Pangpang with me so in this respect London is doing very well and deserves its title as a dog-friendly city.

Know somewhere dog-friendly that I don't? Please drop me a DM on Instagram or use the contact form on my website. Thanks in advance!

Pangpang the London Pug & Dan 🐶💖