At Rover.com, we know that dogs are more than just pets — they’re confidants, companions, and sometimes, quite literally, lifesavers. That’s why this Mental Health Awareness Week (12–18 May), we’ve teamed up with our friends at Mental Health Mates to launch a series of mindful dog walking across the UK. We’d love you and your pup to join us.
Whether it’s a wagging tail when you walk through the door or a quiet moment of calm on a daily stroll, dogs have an incredible way of helping us through life’s toughest moments. In fact, a survey of 2,000 UK dog parents conducted by Rover via Pollfish in April 2025 revealed that 84% of dog owners say their pup is their biggest source of comfort during hard times, with 50% saying their dog gives them a reason to keep going. One in five say their dog has saved their life.
Reasons to Walk With Rover
Nearly a third (29%) say that walking their dog is often the only reason they leave the house when feeling low. For many, those walks offer 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. The survey also revealed that 97% of pet owners believe their dog has a sixth sense for human emotion, with 41% saying their dog is more attuned to their feelings than most people are.
TV presenter and mental health campaigner Chris Packham is also supporting the campaign, sharing how his dogs, Sid and Nancy, helped him through suicidal thoughts and burnout. “Dogs don’t judge – they just love and listen,” he says. “And sometimes, that’s exactly what saves you.”
So, Rover is hosting a space for these connections to grow. Across the nation, you’ll find Rover x Mental Health Mates walks with a host to help open up conversation or just be there as silent support. These walks are designed to help people feel less alone, more understood, and supported – by both their dogs and their fellow neighbors.
You don’t need to be an expert walker or even a chatterbox – just turn up with your furry friend and enjoy some fresh air and good company.
Chris Packham teams up with Rover.com for Mental Health Awareness Week
Where You’ll Find Us
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. Our free walks are popping up in cities and towns across the UK, including:
- Bristol
- Perth (Scotland)
- Leeds
- Didcot (Oxfordshire)
- Greenock (Scotland)
- Hingham’s Park (Greater London)
Each walk is hosted by Mental Health Mates volunteers who know that sometimes, the simple act of walking and talking can be life-changing – especially when there’s a dog involved.
Let’s Walk Together
Find your nearest Rover x Mental Health Mates walk and sign up here.
