In the UK, we’re a nation of pet lovers. In fact, a whopping 34% of us own a dog. And it’s easy to see why, with so many vibrant, quirky cities to explore, it’d be rude not to take your pooch next time you go on a city break.
If you’re wondering which city your four-legged friend will like best, we’ve rounded up our choices below.
What are the best city dogs?
City life often comes part and parcel with apartment living. Although you might think that flats don’t provide ideal dog-parent conditions, the truth is that many dogs live fulfilled, happy lives within apartment blocks.
Those dogs just tend to be smaller in size. While you might struggle to fit an Alaskan Malamute into an apartment block (as much as you may try!), smaller dogs tend to thrive in cities.
Some of the best apartment dogs are French Bulldogs, Miniature Dachshunds, Shih Tzus, and – for the spaniel lovers – Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.
The most accommodating cities in the UK for dogs
Now you know the best dog breed for city life, we’ll delve into the most dog-friendly cities.
Luxury dog bed company Lords & Labradors conducted research into the most welcoming urban areas to take your dog in the UK. Looking at 48 UK towns and cities and measuring them against the following factors.
- Number of dog-friendly restaurants and cafes
- Number of green spaces and parks in each city
- Number of vets per city that treat dogs
- Number of local pet shops
- Number of dog walkers and sitters
- Number of dog groomers
- Number of dog-friendly shops
From the findings they found the following cities to be the most dog-friendly.
1. London
London; It might be the largest city in the UK but that hasn’t stopped it from taking the top spot, with a dog-friendly score of a whopping 99%. Home to a staggering 3,000 parks and a plethora of dog-friendly cafes (our favourite being Ozone coffee), dogs are welcomed, thriving and living it up in the cap
2. York
Taking our search up north, we found that York is an excellent option if you’re looking to explore a new city with your (furry) best friend, claiming second place with a dog-friendly rating of 87%. With a smattering of twee pet shops and an impressive 45 dog-friendly cafes and restaurants, you can be confident you won’t be short of things to do in York.
York is also home to 25 parks and green spaces where your pooch can frolic until their heart’s content.
3. Glasgow
Crossing the border into Scotland and you’ll stumble across another dog-friendly spot and third on our list: Glasgow.
As well as being a vibrant city full of culture, Glasgow has plenty of green open spaces for you and Fido to explore.
And if you want to head out solo? In Glasgow, you’ll also find plenty of reputable dog sitters and walkers to keep your beloved pooch entertained while you explore the city.
4. Manchester
A list of dog-friendly locations wouldn’t be complete without a nod to Manchester, a close 4th place on our list with 85%. Aside from being one of the UK’s largest cities, Manchester has an array of parks for you to discover.
Then once you’ve worked up an appetite strolling around, head to one of the 66 restaurants for some grub with your furry friend.
5. Cambridge
Finally, there’s Cambridge. As well as being an idyllic dog-walking backdrop, Cambridge is a superb place to own a dog.
With a high number of veterinary practices and almost 100 parks, Cambridge is a safe place to explore with your pooch – even if they do get up to mischief.
Wherever you choose to go exploring, make sure to pack all the essentials including their collar, leash and poo bags. Now all that’s left to do is grab Fido – it’s time for an adventure.
