What Britain’s Dog Happiness Can Teach Us This Festive Season – and Why It Matters

Many people think cities are not the place for dogs but according to a new Canine Happiness Score (CHS) which ranks the UK’s happiest place to be a dog, London, ranks 5th out of 12 regions. 

As Dogs Trust unveils its Happy Place Index, a vast survey of more than 5,000 owners and a new Canine Happiness Score devised by Professor Mark Rowlands, one thing is clear: Britain’s dogs are cherished, stimulated and increasingly woven into our social life.

But the report also reveals one habit that quietly erodes their wellbeing – and suggests that supporting dog welfare is more closely connected to sustainability than we might realise.

The Index ranks Northern Ireland as the UK’s happiest region for dogs, with urban London unexpectedly cracking the top five thanks to exceptional access to veterinary care and essential “Animal Goods”. 

Yet in an interview with Smiley News, Mark reminds us that true canine happiness goes beyond the basics. Dogs flourish when their social and individual needs are met – time with their human “pack”, consistency of routine and personalised enrichment time.

The research shows many owners are already going the extra mile. Nearly all respondents (97%) consider their dog part of the family. More than half provide daily enrichment, from puzzle toys to varied walking routes. 

Younger owners, and many from minority ethnic backgrounds, are especially diligent with healthcare.

These behaviours not only strengthen the human–animal bond but also align with the ethos of fostering harmony with nature. Every walk in a local park, every moment spent outdoors strengthening trust and confidence, contributes to a culture that values green spaces, biodiversity and coexistence with other species.

The Hidden Issue: Time Spent Alone

Despite overwhelmingly positive trends, the Index highlights a persistent problem: UK dogs are left alone for around five hours on average. This is more than Dogs Trust’s recommended maximum of four.

Marks explains: “Dogs, as deeply social beings, struggle with prolonged isolation. Separation anxiety can manifest in distress behaviours, but small changes – shorter absences, midday check-ins, or dog walkers, can make a significant difference.”

As many people commute again and juggle hybrid work, this issue mirrors broader sustainability challenges. Just as SDG 15 calls for protecting ecosystems and wildlife through responsible human choices, responsible pet guardianship means considering how our lifestyles impact the animals who share our environments and our homes.

Winter Walkies and Year-Round Responsibility

The winter months bring a dip in daily walks in some regions – up to half of owners admit they head out less. But Dogs Trust stresses that consistency matters more than temperature. Even short, frequent walks support physical and mental wellbeing.

And as festive routines shift, dogs often find new joy in increased family time. Mark recalls his own dog’s excitement for Christmas dinner, while many owners – including this writer – marks the day with special canine feasts. These traditions reinforce the message that dogs, like landscapes, thrive on familiarity, care and sustainable habits.

The Happy Place Index ultimately shows a nation of devoted dog lovers. But it also nudges us toward reflection: Are we meeting our dogs’ individual needs every day? Can we adjust our routines – especially over Christmas and into the New Year – to support their social and emotional wellbeing?

To explore the full Happy Place Index and discover how to make your dog’s world even brighter, visit here.

Photo credits: Dogs Trust