Mindful dog walks
Rover.com and Mental Health Mates join together to launch mindful dog walks
Mental Health Awareness Week
To mark Mental Health Awareness Week (12–18 May), Rover.com has joined forces with Mental Health Mates to launch a series of mindful dog walks across the UK – highlighting the powerful role pets play in supporting emotional wellbeing, and helping more people access the comfort that canine companionship can bring.
How much our dogs do for us
The initiative comes as new research reveals just how much our dogs do for us – especially during life’s toughest moments. Whether it’s navigating mental health struggles, coping with grief, or bouncing back from burnout, a whopping 84% of UK pet owners say their dog is the one they turn to most for comfort during the hard times.
For some, that connection goes even deeper. One in five (21%) believe their dog has saved their life after significantly improving their mental health, with half (50%) saying their dog gives them a reason to keep going – showing how these small, everyday connections can carry profound emotional weight.
Bryony Gordon adds:
“We know that getting outside, moving our bodies, and connecting with others can have a profoundly positive effect on mental wellbeing. When you add dogs into the mix, that impact is even greater. Dogs provide us with love and connection. Our partnership with Rover will help more people access these benefits, bringing communities together to support each other in a safe and welcoming space.”
Many dog owners think that dogs are their life support. In fact, the research shows...
And it’s often the smallest things that matter most – the quiet companionship that makes a heavy day feel lighter (62%), the gentle nudge that gives you a reason to get up in the morning (54%), and the wagging tail that greets you at the door (40%).
In fact, for nearly a third (29%), walking their dog is often the only reason they leave the house when feeling low. And for many, those walks provide more than just fresh air – 83% say they feel less isolated when walking with their dog, while 67% find it easier to open up when walking with others.
That’s why Rover is encouraging dog owners to bring their canine companions along to one of the selected Mental Health Mates walks – sharing the simple, powerful benefits of dog ownership with others who may really need it.
Walk details
The Rover x Mental Health Mates walks are free to attend and offer a safe, welcoming space for anyone looking for companionship, fresh air, and a gentle reminder that they’re not alone.
Click the location of your choice for more information and to register.
Durdham Downs (Bristol)
- 3pm, Sunday 18th May
- The Downs Cafe, Durdham Downs, BS9 1FG
- Walk leader: Rachel
- Free
Register here
Perth (Scotland)
- 11am, Sunday 18th May
- Albert Memorial on Charlotte Street
- Walk leader: Lynne
- Free
Register here
Roundhay Park (Leeds)
- 11am, Saturday 17th May
- Outside the mansion in Roundhay Park
- Walk leaders: Jess & Liz
- Free
Register here
Didcot (Oxfordshire)
- 11am, Saturday 17th May
- Next to the the Swirl sculpture outside Robert Dyas in the orchard Centre
- Walk leaders: Emily
- Free
Register here
Greenock (Scotland)
- 12pm, Sunday 18th May
- Gourock Promenade, Ashton Road, Gourock. We meet at the water fountain across from the Spinnaker hotel
- Walk leaders: Angeline
- Free
Register here
Cambridge
- 11am, Sunday 18th May
- Outside Stir Coffee Shop, Chesterton Road
- Walk leaders: Nicola and Paul
- Free
Register here
Higham's Park (Greater London)
- 1pm, Sunday 18th May
- Highams Park Station (the Avenue Side)
- Walk leaders: Steve
- Free