Dog walker in Madrid, free

In Madrid, dogs must be on a lead in the street and in parks, with two exceptions: the fenced dog areas spread across all 21 districts, and parks without a dog area, where dogs may be off the lead from 7pm to 10am in winter time and from 8pm to 10am in summer time. Playgrounds, areas for older people and anywhere signposted are always off-limits.

Madrid Río, Casa de Campo, Dehesa de la Villa and the Retiro are the city's big dog walks, but the best park is usually the one five minutes from home. That's why a walker from your own neighbourhood, whether Chamberí, Vallecas or Carabanchel, fits into the week more easily than one crossing the city.

In July and August the pavement gets hot by mid-afternoon: walk early or after sunset, and tell whoever walks your dog. On Guauly, walks are done by community neighbours for free; pro walkers set their own price per walk.