Paws for Thought: Adopting a standardised, holistic approach towards managing the impacts of dog walking on the environment in the UK
Resource type
Research report
Date published
2025
Abstract
Dogs are important to the lives of many people in the UK, and dog walking is a popular activity that encourages people to exercise, providing physical and psychological benefits to them and their animals. Ownership of a dog is positively associated with the amount of time people spend outdoors. However, the presence or behaviour of dogs can have adverse effects on wildlife and ecosystems. With an estimated 12.5 million dogs in the UK this impact could, in some places, be substantial. Managing interactions between dog walkers, wildlife, other domestic animals, and other people is a major priority for land managers. In this document, we highlight considerations and make recommendations intended to support a more consistent approach towards facilitating and managing sustainable and equitable coexistence. These were co-developed with experts, practitioners, policy makers and professional bodies and individuals.
Funder
| Funder name | Awards |
Natural Environment Research Council | |
Publisher
University of Exeter and National Trust / RENEW
Official URL
Rights statement
In Copyright