Dogs living in urban environments face distinctive welfare challenges including restricted exercise, noise exposure, social isolation, and limited opportunities for natural behaviour.
Urban environments pose particular welfare challenges for dogs whose natural behavioural needs include free movement, sniffing exploration, and social interaction with other dogs. Apartment living restricts space and leads to longer periods alone. Traffic noise causes chronic low-level stress. Policy responses including more off-lead exercise areas, dog-friendly public spaces, and pet-friendly housing policies can significantly improve urban dog welfare at a population level.