Your local Thrums Vets
Our Scone practice is right on Perth’s doorstep – you’ll find us at 101 Perth Road, Scone, just a few minutes’ drive from the city centre.
As Scotland’s largest independent veterinary group, Thrums Vets have the experience and expertise to help you look after your animals, from pets to poultry and everything in between! Since 1948 we’ve been supporting pet lovers, farmers and stables across Angus and East Perthshire while living by our ethos of providing dedicated, professional care to each one of our patients, clients and team.
Day or night, your pet will only ever be entrusted to one of our vets – we provide all of our own emergency and out of hours service.
If you’re looking for a vet near Perth, we’d love to welcome you. Our four branches in Kirriemuir, Blairgowrie, Scone and Forfar are fixtures in the local communities – and our Scone team have been an active part of Perth and the surrounding area since 2020.
Dog walking spots in Perth
Perth is spoilt for choice when it comes to dog walks – these are just a couple of our favourites.
Kinnoull Hill & Deuchny Wood
Kinnoull Hill Woodland Park is Perth’s most celebrated dog walk – and with good reason. Starting from the car park on Corsie Hill Road (a ten-minute drive from the city centre), the main circular trail winds through ancient beech and pine forest before opening onto the dramatic clifftop where the 18th-century Kinnoull Tower stands, offering breathtaking views across the River Tay and the Carse of Gowrie below.
The route through Deuchny Wood extends the walk further, leading you through quieter woodland paths where keen-eyed walkers regularly spot roe deer, red squirrels and – if you’re very lucky – a peregrine falcon overhead. The full circular comes in at around four miles, though shorter loops are easy to find. Dogs are welcome off-lead through most of the woodland, but should be kept under close control near the clifftop and any wildlife. The terrain is mixed – well-maintained wide paths alongside narrower, natural tracks – so good footwear is recommended in wetter conditions. The car park at Corsie Hill Road is free and typically busiest at weekends.
North Inch & River Tay Loop
For a flat, accessible walk that starts in the heart of the city, the North Inch is hard to beat. This large expanse of public parkland on the west bank of the River Tay has been a place for leisurely strolling since Perth was the ancient capital of Scotland. The loop follows the riverbank northward before looping back through the park, giving you and your dog three miles of easy, open walking with the wide River Tay as your constant companion.
The walk is particularly rewarding for wildlife enthusiasts – it’s not unusual to see kingfishers darting low over the water, grey herons standing motionless on the banks and, on quieter mornings, otters hunting along the shallows. Occasional seal sightings have been reported further downriver. Dogs are welcome but should be kept on leads in the park and near the riverbank. Parking is available nearby on Charlotte Street and along Hay Street, and the walk is accessible year-round with no significant elevation.
Pet friendly places to visit in Perth
Perth and the villages around it are full of amazing places that welcome dogs – these are just two of our team’s favourites.
Scone Palace & Grounds
Just two miles north of Perth city centre – and practically on the doorstep of Thrums Vets Scone – the grounds of Scone Palace offer one of the most historically rich dog walks in Scotland. This is the ancient coronation site of Scotland’s kings, where the Stone of Destiny once lay. Today, its 100 acres of parkland, pinetum, walled garden and riverside woodland make it one of the finest places in Perthshire for a long, leisurely walk with your dog.
Dogs are welcome on leads throughout the grounds, and there are three marked circular walks to choose from ranging in length and terrain. Water points and poo bins are provided at intervals around the site, and the Old Kitchen café welcomes dogs inside – a welcome refuge after a morning walk in all weathers. Keep a firm hold on the lead near the resident peacocks, who have a tendency to alarm even the most unflappable of dogs. Admission charges apply to the grounds from spring through to autumn, with free entry during the winter months.
Brew & Chew, High Street
Tucked into Perth’s High Street, Brew & Chew is arguably Scotland’s most dog-devoted café. This wholly independent coffee house doesn’t merely tolerate dogs – it absolutely adores them. From the moment you walk in, your dog is greeted like a valued regular: there’s a fluffy blanket to settle on, a dedicated dog menu featuring pupcakes, doggy sausages and a puppuccino, and the kind of fuss that leaves even the most aloof of dogs looking quietly pleased with themselves.
Their human menu is equally considered, with locally roasted coffee from The Bean Shop around the corner, freshly made soups, filled baguettes and scones that are very much the star of the show. It’s the ideal place to warm up after a morning on the North Inch or Kinnoull Hill – and the kind of spot that makes Perth feel genuinely special as a dog-friendly city. Open Monday to Sunday; do check current hours before visiting.
Dog friendly events in Perth
Held each summer in the magnificent grounds of Scone Palace, Paws at the Palace has become one of Perthshire’s most popular annual dog events – and outside of the annual calendar, Perth has a thriving community of dog owners who organise regular group walks, meetups and charity events throughout the year. Look out for:
The best way to stay connected with what’s on locally is through Perth’s dog owner community groups on social media.
Part of the Perth community
At Thrums Vets, being independent means being genuinely rooted in the communities we serve. Our Scone practice has been an active part of Perth and the surrounding area since 2020 – and making a positive difference goes well beyond what happens in our consulting rooms. We treat local wildlife free of charge whenever it’s brought through our doors, and we work alongside the SSPCA to ensure the best possible outcomes for injured and stray animals in the region.
