Citroen has unveiled the ‘Pawlingo’ concept, specifically designed for professional dog walkers. Based on the Berlingo, which was the UK’s best-selling small van in 2025, the Pawlingo was developed in partnership with the Blue Cross pet welfare charity.
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The interior features two dog beds designed with Citroen’s ‘Advanced Comfort Technology’ high-density foam, similar to those in the Berlingo. The van includes cameras to monitor the pet travel areas and air conditioning that maintains a temperature between 15 and 22 degrees Celsius, deemed optimal for alleviating canine stress.
Additionally, the Pawlingo is equipped with a washing facility featuring a built-in shower, while a designated storage area for dog treats is located on the opposite side of the van.
Citroen's research highlights a significant increase in pet ownership, noting there are now 15.5 million pet dogs in the UK. Approximately 41 percent of households have at least one dog, up from 33 percent five years prior. This rise has contributed to the growing demand for professional dog walking services.
Nearly a third (31 percent) of dog owners reported using a professional walker, with London residents nearly twice as likely at 57.4 percent. Among those who have utilized a walking service, 90 percent emphasized the importance of their dog's wellbeing during travel; however, just over half (53 percent) expressed confidence in the comfort of vehicles used by these services.
Greg Taylor, managing director of Citroen UK, stated that as more dogs accompany professional walkers, owners expect their pets to travel comfortably. He pointed out that over half of dog owners worry about their pets' comfort when in a vehicle, and 51 percent would be more inclined to hire a dog walker with a vehicle tailored for canine wellbeing.
Ryan Neile, head of behaviour services at Blue Cross, remarked on the importance of considering dog welfare in transportation as pet ownership increases in the UK.