Walking the dog is not just about getting your four-legged friend some exercise and do its ‘business’. It also concerns you as a dog owner also getting some exercise, clearing your head which is good for your mental health. Dogs and mental health make a good combination.

Modern day life is stressful. City life can be fast paced. Walking the dog gives you the ability to ‘take a breather’, get away from your desk if you are part of the increasing number of people working from home.

The dog is really ‘a best friend’ and deserves to be treated as such. They always welcome you home. Make sure you reciprocate that warm feeling when they come to live with you.

What makes life easier is having your dog and cat by your side during those calls, whether they are sitting on your lap, on your desk or on their beds next to you. It brings comfort to you, especially when the meetings are back to back during the day. Others do not mind if they see a ‘furry face’ in the picture. It is no longer a case of being ‘unprofessional’ if your dog or cat or child is seen or heard in the background. Lockdown has made people generally more relaxed during working hours.

Wild at Heart Foundation’s mission is to compassionately reduce the global stray dog population through rescue and rehoming, sterilisation campaigns, and international education projects.

Pets Lets is happy to be working with Veterans With Dogs who train and provide assistance dogs exclusively for current and former members of the British Armed Forces with service-related mental health conditions

The Cuddle Club believes that giving attention to dogs lowers blood pressure and heart rate, helping us to be calmer and more mindful.

Increasingly more scientific studies are showing that having a pet is positive for people’s mental health. Pets make people happy, they are part of the family. It is difficult to find dog and cat friendly rentals, which can be stressful for people.