Can I take my dog to the polling station during local elections 2021?

AS people prepare to vote in the local election there are some important rules you should know if you plan to take your pooch with you.

Here's the rules on dogs at polling stations.

Read our Elections 2021 live blog for the very latest updates

Are dogs allowed in polling stations?

Yes. Polling stations are pooch-friendly so your canine companion is free to join you - although they sadly can't vote.

All dogs are welcome but must be kept under control and not cause disruption.

Your political pooch can come into the polling station but you must keep it under control.

You can even bring a horse, although it must be tied up outside.

It’s become traditional for people to post pictures of their dogs outside.

Even London mayor Sadiq Khan took his pup to the polls in 2018.

However, if they're not well behaved and disrupt the vote you will be asked to take them outside.

There are official guidelines for canines accompanying owners into the booths.

If you happen to bring two or more dogs with you the polling staff may hold their leads while you cast your vote.

The Electoral Commission has advised that dogs may have to be tied outside while you vote unless they are a guide dog.

Why is #dogsatpollingstations trending?

Snaps of dogs at polling stations have become a hit on social media.

For many, sharing a cute picture of their dog shows they have done their duty and voted, but in perhaps a less smug way.

Politicians have been known to show off their pooches - including Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who shares Dilyn the dog with Carrie Symonds.

The dogs at polling stations trend is always met with a smart remark by Downing Street cat Larry.

During the 2021 local elections he tweeted: "#dogsatpollingstations makes me laugh every time: a parade of dumb mutts tied to a lamppost, sitting on a cold pavement while I’m chilling at home like the complete boss that I am."