Nextdoor crowns dog walkers as the UK’s most sociable neighbours
Dog walkers are emerging as the UK’s most socially connected group, according to new research from Nextdoor (NYSE: NXDR), the essential neighbourhood network.
More than a quarter (28%) of Brits say dog walkers have the strongest social bonds in their local area – ahead of parents at the school gate (21%) and pub-goers (20%). The findings highlight the role pets play in bringing neighbours together. Across the UK, nearly two-thirds (65%) of people say pets help neighbours connect.
These everyday encounters are translating into real-world interaction. One in five (21%) Brits say they are most likely to strike up a conversation with a neighbour while walking the dog, while 58% say their street feels more welcoming when neighbours are out with their pets and 57% say seeing pets in their neighbourhood has boosted their mood.
“Pets have a unique way of breaking down barriers between neighbours and creating natural moments for connection” said Alice Skeats, Head of Partnerships at Nextdoor.
“A quick chat while walking the dog can be the starting point for getting to know the people around you – and sometimes that simple hello makes more of a difference than people realise. Nearly half of Brits say a simple hello from a neighbour lifted their mood, and more than one in four say a neighbour stopped for a chat when they needed it most. Those small, everyday interactions matter more than we realise and Nextdoor can help make them easier.”
The findings reinforce the importance of small, informal interactions in building local ties, with pets acting as one of the most visible and consistent drivers of connection in neighbourhoods across the UK.
