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Dog Walking in Edinburgh
Most famous for the Fringe Festival, its hills and long history, Scotland’s capital also has something to offer for all your doggy pals. From the smallest Shih Tzu to the biggest Bernese Mountain Dog (and everything in between), our dog friendly picks should cover all bases.
Want to walk a dog in Edinburgh? Whether your pal is borrowed or owned, the dog walking in Edinburgh won’t disappoint. Here are a few of our favourites:
Arthur’s Seat and Holyrood Park offers a spectacular view of the city and a good pant, Arthur’s Seat is a must for any dog walker in Edinburgh. This iconic landmark, standing at 251m tall, is a dormant volcano and the highest peak in Holyrood Park - a 640 acre Royal Park adjacent to Holyrood Palace. You and your doggy friend can choose from a selection of routes, from a leisurely 15 minute stroll to the summit to a 1 hour hike - the views from the top are some of the best in the city. Not to be missed.
Like Arthur’s Seat, Inverleith Park is up high so boasts some great views of the city. Located beside the Royal Botanic Gardens in the northern part of the city, Inverleith Park is “an oasis of green in the heart of Edinburgh.” If you’re looking for dog walks in Edinburgh, this is a wonderful place to head to.
Dog sitters in Edinburgh can enjoy a potter down the tree-lined paths, catch a sports game at one of the many pitches within the park or sit by the pond and watch the swans. We’ve heard this park is the best place to watch the fireworks from the Castle on Hogmanay (though we’d recommend leaving your dog with the dog sitter for that part!).
In the heart of Edinburgh and extremely popular with residents and visitors alike are The Meadows. The Meadows are a hive of activity and boasts something for everyone with playing fields, large grassy areas, a cafe and much more. It’s also a bit of a student hub, thanks to its proximity to university buildings, so if your pooch likes socialising then a trip to The Meadows is a must.
The Meadows Festival, which takes place in June, has a dog show and one of the pawsome charities that BorrowMyDoggy supports, Dogs Trust, also attend the festival with their mobile re-homing unit and free microchipping for all dogs! Also, note Saiko Kitchen below if you get peckish.
Where to eat in Edinburgh with your dog
Swing by Saiko Kitchen, serving delicious pan-asian street food, you can spend more time walking a dog in Edinburgh if you make Saiko Kitchen your pit stop. They’re happy to have dog guests as well as their human counterparts. Located near two massive parks (Meadows and Holyrood) this is an ideal place to do some dog sitting in Edinburgh.
Try some rustic French dining in an award winning restaurant: Cafe Tartine. This family run affair knows where it’s at - family and dog friendly, they serve all the great French classics (croque monsieur anyone?) as well as sweet and savoury crepes. It’s located north of the city centre on Commercial Street - just a moment from the sea, we recommend trying their fish dishes.
The Caley Sample Room is a unique place boasting a special dog menu containing snuffle dog beer and various other treats. Located only minutes from Harrison Park and the Union canal which is popular amongst dog walkers in Edinburgh. We recommend settling in for a Sunday roast or popping in for a swift one. If they’re not careful this will become the most popular dog day care centre in Edinburgh!
Local vets in Edinburgh
Who can look after my dog’s health in Edinburgh? Well if you need a vet in Edinburgh, check out either Dundas Veterinary Group or West End Vets. Both places are well established local practices with over 70 years of experience between them.
If you’re after some Veterinary advice we have a few articles which may be helpful, or alternatively a 24/7 vet line is included in a BorrowMyDoggy membership.
Pet shops in Edinburgh
Who can look after my dog’s snacking in Edinburgh?! You’re in for a treat if you’re a dog lover in Edinburgh seeking some retail therapy. Check out these two notable pet shops:
Harry's Treats
Harry’s treats is an actual real life dog bakery selling nutritious homemade treats and quality toys and accessories. Get your dog walker in Edinburgh to swing by, or pop in next time your dog walk takes you along Portobello High Street. The shop is adorably grassroots - you can’t help but smile at their mission: “Harry’s gourmet treats were created so that Harry and his friends could enjoy handmade, healthy treats made with quality ingredients.” You can also buy online.
House of Hound
If you are resolutely a dog person (no cats welcome) - this is the place for you. House of Hound exclusively sells dog-related products and pitches itself as “a local hub for the many dog owners in the area and beyond”. Who knows, you might meet your next dog sitter in Edinburgh in the aptly named House of Hound. The shop is located one mile from the city centre and can be reached by various walkways, including via the cycle path or along the Water of Leith.