New research has pinpointed the UK locations where man's best friend enjoys the highest quality of life, revealing a surprising regional divide in canine contentment.
The Top Tails and the Trailing Packs
In a comprehensive study, the charity Dogs Trust surveyed over 5,000 dog owners to create its 'Happy Place index'. The findings, released on Friday 21 November 2025, show that while all of Britain is a good place to be a dog, some cities are clearly better than others.
Topping the chart with a Canine Happiness Score of 7.26 out of 10 was the coastal city of Plymouth. It was closely followed by Liverpool, which scored 7.21, and Belfast, which achieved a respectable 7.20.
At the other end of the scale, Cambridge found itself in last place with a score of 6.32. It was joined in the lower ranks by Bristol (6.65) and Durham (6.71).
What Makes a Dog Truly Happy?
The report used a sophisticated matrix to assess three key areas of a dog's life. The first, 'animal goods', accounted for 40% of the total score and covered the fundamentals of physical health, such as regular veterinary check-ups.
Also weighted at 40% was 'social goods', which measured companionship. This critical factor assessed how often a dog was left alone, the quantity of time spent with its owner, and how integrated the pet was in daily family activities.
The final element, 'individual goods', made up the remaining 20% and evaluated how well owners understood their dog's unique personality and needs.
Community Over Affluence
The research yielded an intriguing insight: a region's wealth does not directly correlate with its dogs' happiness. The Dogs Trust report explained, "The highest-scoring regions are not necessarily the most affluent or urban, but those that combine community, routine, and outdoor access."
Conversely, it suggested that larger metropolitan areas, despite often having superior access to vets and training services, can face challenges like time-poor owners, limited green space, and smaller living quarters.
Dr Rob Christley, honorary professor at the University of Liverpool and head of research at Dogs Trust, was keen to offer perspective on the results. "It's important to note that there always has to be a last place, but this does not equate to failure," he stated.
He emphasised that with all regions scoring over 6 out of 10, the nation clearly has an excellent understanding of canine care. "With opportunity for improvement, we can all work together to rise up the ranks with no better incentive than even happier dogs," Dr Christley added.
The study also highlighted the profound devotion UK owners have for their pets. A significant 72% of owners confessed they take more steps to look after their dog's health than their own, and 67% have cancelled plans specifically to stay home with their canine companion.
In conclusion, the report affirms that "the UK's dogs are loved and well cared for everywhere," but their day-to-day joy is subtly shaped by the unique rhythms and resources of their local environment.
