The dog community needs YOU! Dogs Trust's National Dog Survey 2026 is now open

Dogs Trust is calling on the people of the North West to have their say about the role dogs play in our lives as the National Dog Survey 2026 launches.

With the launch of the National Dog Survey 2026 Dogs Trust, which has rehoming centres in  Manchester and Merseyside, is giving people in the North West the chance to share their stories about the vital role that dogs play in our lives, whether they have a dog or not. The survey helps Dogs Trust, the UK's largest dog welfare charity, to improve dog welfare and understand the needs, concerns and realities of owning or being around dogs. 

What do you do with your dog? What does being a committed dog owner mean to you? What would you like to see change for dogs? These are just some of the questions people can answer as Dogs Trust celebrates five years of its landmark National Dog Survey. 

The survey, available at www.dogstrust.org.uk/NDS is open until Tuesday, 30 June. It takes just 15 minutes to complete and celebrates dog lovers, admirers, and the proud members of the dog community and their commitment as owners to their four-legged friends. 

Over the past five years, the National Dog Survey has received more than 1.4 million responses from dog owners and non-owners, capturing insights, stories and concerns that have helped shape animal welfare across the UK. 

These findings have enabled Dogs Trust to open dog food banks, launch its free Behaviour Support Line to support thousands of owners across the UK, and highlight the challenges of renting with a pet, contributing to the Renters’ Rights Act coming into law in England in May 2026, meaning landlords can no longer unreasonably refuse a tenant’s request to have a dog. 

Owen Sharp, Chief Executive of Dogs Trust, said, "Being a dog owner means you are part of a wonderful community, and for our fifth annual National Dog Survey, we want to bring all of these experiences together. This year, we're looking to dig deeper into the incredible commitment of owners and explore what our dogs mean to us. 

"And it isn't just dog owners we want to hear from. Whether you've always wanted a dog, are unsure if one fits your lifestyle, or simply prefer to admire them from afar, we want to hear from you.  

"We're calling on the people of the North West - don't be left out! We want to hear your stories, from the funny bits and the tricky bits to the quirks that make dogs one of a kind. The insights from this year's survey will help ensure Dogs Trust can support dogs and their owners, and help us all live the best lives possible, together." 

Last year, over 342,957 people took part in the survey, sharing information about over 423,175 dogs, which uncovered insights such as: 

• 80% said their dog is their best friend. 

• UK dog owners spent most of their daily time with their dogs on walks, averaging 67 minutes per day. 

• 95% of dog owners agree that having a dog is good for their mental health. 

• The UK's dog owners are huge crossbreed lovers, with 42% of dogs in the UK being a type of crossbreed. 

• 94% of dog owners said dogs should be treated as members of the family. 

To take part in the National Dog Survey 2026 and find out more about how its responses can impact your local area and the nation, visit www.dogstrust.org.uk/NDS.