A major new study on canine welfare has delivered a surprising verdict, naming Cambridge as the least happy place for dogs to live in the United Kingdom. This finding comes despite the city's abundance of parks, scenic riverside walks and dog-friendly pubs that would seemingly make it a perfect canine paradise.
The Happy Place Index: How Dog Happiness is Measured
The comprehensive 'Happy Place Index', compiled by the Dogs Trust, analysed the lives of man's best friend across the UK. Researchers surveyed 5,002 dog owners, asking questions that covered all aspects of dog welfare. The study was built upon a system devised by Professor Mark Rowlands, a philosopher at the University of Miami, who created a formula to calculate an overall 'canine happiness score' out of 10.
Professor Rowlands explained the core principle behind his system: "More often than not, we follow a similar routine to our dogs. We eat, sleep, rest and repeat. However, if we're not interacting with friends, family, or even strangers, we lose the joy and wonder that life has to offer. It's the same for dogs." He emphasised that "as much as they need their food and water, they also need an element of community and quality time doing what they love with people they love."
The scoring system evaluates three key areas:
- Animal goods: The physical wellbeing of dogs, covering basic necessities like food, water, shelter, and healthcare.
- Social goods: The quality of a dog's social life, including companionship, security, and quality time with owners.
- Individual goods: The emotional core of canine happiness, which includes mental stimulation and the unique bond between a dog and its owner.
Cambridge Tops the List for the Wrong Reasons
Overall, Cambridge was the lowest performing of all cities included in the study, achieving a score of just 6.32 out of 10. The report suggests that the city's culture of long working hours and demanding schedules is squeezing the amount of quality time owners can dedicate to their pets.
Professor Rowlands noted a poignant contradiction for Cambridge residents, stating that 38 per cent of owners liken their dog to their child, indicating deep affection. However, the city fell down the rankings primarily due to owners walking their dogs less during winter months and leaving them alone for extended periods.
The report highlighted that "cities such as Bristol and Cambridge reflect the pressures of urban life. High-density living, smaller properties and longer working hours restrict both outdoor access and the amount of time owners can spend with their dogs."
National Trends and Paths to Improvement
Following Cambridge, the next worst cities for canine happiness were Bristol with a score of 6.65 and Durham with 6.71. Meanwhile, Plymouth and Liverpool were crowned the happiest places to be a dog, with scores of 7.26 and 7.21 respectively.
On a national level, the study revealed that UK dogs are generally well cared-for. Almost three-quarters of owners reported taking more steps to support their dog's health than their own. Over half provide daily mental stimulation for their pets, and a significant two-thirds of people have cancelled plans just to stay home with their dog.
However, a critical area for improvement was identified. The national average for leaving dogs alone is five hours, which exceeds the Dogs Trust's recommended maximum of four hours.
Professor Rowlands offered simple advice for owners looking to boost their dog's happiness: "Taking the time to ensure our dogs are left alone for that little bit less, and trying to ensure walking consistency all year round can pay dividends for our four-legged friends."
Dr Rob Christley, Honorary Professor of Epidemiology & One Health at the University of Liverpool and Head of Research at Dogs Trust, provided reassurance, noting that all regions scored over six out of ten. "This demonstrates the nation has an excellent understanding of what it means to provide a Happy Place for their dogs," he said.
The report concluded by celebrating the "profound, mutual bond between people and their dogs" as a defining feature of British life, a commitment that remains deep and widespread across the UK despite the regional variations uncovered by the study.
