Islington is home to some quite marvelous specimens of canine and feline life, not to mention birds, reptiles and small mammals. A quick walk around Highbury Fields is enough to prove how much Islingtonians love their pets. But where do they go for those all-important vaccinations, check-ups and anti-flea treatments? Read on for some information on local vets and other services to help keep coats glossy and tails perky.

Islington Vets and Pet Shops

Abbeyvet is an established North London vetinary chain that has branches in Islington, Dalston, Finsbury Park and Stamford Hill - so if you can't get a quick appointment at the Cross Street branch, there are many other nearby surgeries to try.

More than just a surgery, the Canonbury Vetinary Practice has a well-stocked pet store that describes itself as an "Aladdin's cave" for any cat, dog, hamster, rabbit or bird. The practice even runs "puppy socialisation parties" to ensure that your new pet pooch will be suitable company at any civilised Islington dinner party!

Of course, once you've got your dog well trained, you'll want him looking his absolute best - and as one might expect, there are plenty of smart canine boutiques in Islington to help keep local dogs as well-groomed as their owners. Love My Dog is one of our favourites: here you'll find everything from Harris Tweed collars and leads to bespoke coats for seriously posh pets. For your pet's more day-to-day needs you might want to check out Cally Pet Store on Caledonian Road.

Pet Sitting

If you're planning on a bit of winter sun or are planning your summer holidays early, pet-sitting is another considerating. Cat owners might want to check out Gill's Cat Care on Lofting Road; a long-established service that allows your cat to stay exactly where it wants to be: in the familiar surroundings of its own home.

Cat lover Gill visits each home once or twice a day, puts down food and water and empties litter trays. We're not aware of any similar local services for dogs, so do get in touch if you know of a dog-sitter or kennel you can recommend!