Forget gym memberships - for nearly half of UK dog owners, the daily walk is their main form of exercise, according to new research¹ from award-winning² pet insurance provider Insure Your Paws. 

Almost half (45%) of dog owners say dog walks are their main form of exercise, while nearly six in ten (59%) say owning a dog has made them more physically active overall. 

The benefits go beyond fitness. The research, conducted by Opinium among 1,000 UK cat and dog owners, found that 61% of dog owners say walking their dog is good for their mental health, and 45% say walks help them think more clearly. More than one in three (35%) also say their dog has helped them meet new people. 

Andrew Simpson, Head of Pet at Insure Your Paws, said: "Sometimes a dog walk can feel like just a chore to tick off the list, but our research shows it's doing double duty for both body and mind, keeping us active and helping us feel mentally better too.  

“For a lot of owners that daily walk isn't just exercise, it’s also their thinking time, and often the reason they've got to know their neighbours or fellow dog walkers. Our pets depend on us, but in many ways we're relying on them too. Looking after a pet can encourage healthier habits while providing comfort, companionship and emotional support.” 

Andrew Simpson continued: "At Insure Your Paws, we understand how important protecting our animals' health is. That's why choosing the right pet insurance matters. We offer comprehensive, flexible lifetime cover of up to £20,000. Customers also have access to a free 24/7 Assist Your Paws careline, open all year round, as well as additional benefits including emergency boarding and third-party liability for eligible dogs." 

Find out more about how Pets Ease Loneliness, Build Routine & Boost Wellbeing, or have a read of our other recent articles.

Sources 

¹ Opinium online survey conducted with 1,000 cat or dog owners in the UK from 3-6 March 2026.   

² Insure Your Paws - Winner of the Pet Insurance Award at the National Insurance Awards 2026.