At the dawn of 2026 and its good resolutions, the results of this survey highlight a simple but powerful phenomenon: animals transform walking and walks into a healthy routine, while offering a concrete impact on mental well-being and quality of life.
When walking becomes a healthy routine
The observation is clear: living with a dog profoundly changes everyday life. Nearly three in four French people (72%) say they have increased their level of physical activity since the arrival of their partner. A change that is not based on a gym membership, but on simple and regular actions.
Before having a dog, only 13% of French people walked more than an hour a day. With their animal, 34% of them now reach this milestone daily. Between the morning walk, the mid-day outing or the evening walk, the dog structures the day and imposes a rhythm which, over time, establishes itself as a beneficial habit for the body.
When it comes to resolutions at the start of the year, this motivation proves particularly valuable. Among those who set a sporting goal for 2026, 76% believe that their dog motivates them more than a traditional coach. And even when the desire to move is lacking, “half (49%) admit that their dog keeps them moving even on “off” days”underlines the study. The animal’s imploring gaze then becomes a little daily trigger: 88% of owners indulge in a daily walk thanks to their companion, and almost half (49.1%) transform their weekends into long outings or hikes.
The dog: an antidote for morale and mental well-being
Beyond the movement, the impact on morale is tangible. According to the Rover survey, 96% of owners believe their dog has a positive effect on their mental wellbeing. The main benefits are concrete: an improvement in morale for 27% and a reduction in stress for 19%.
The dog plays a protective role: it requires you to take breaks, get some fresh air, and allow yourself moments of complicity. In a world where “doom scrolling” has become a national sport, 26% of respondents even say that their pet helps them get off their smartphone, bringing their gaze back to reality and the small pleasures of everyday life.
When the dog is not present, the effect is felt. In the event of a temporary absence, 46% of respondents feel a little worse and 18% more stressed. Its presence then appears as a real landmark, an emotional as well as physical stabilizer.
A complete well-being companion
The survey confirms that the dog goes far beyond the traditional role of a simple pet. For 47% of French people surveyed, he is a companion of well-being and, for 22%, a full member of the family. It structures the days, encourages physical activity, improves mood and encourages disconnection from screens.
At a time when mental health is being proclaimed a major national cause of 2026, these results remind us that well-being can be achieved through simple, daily actions. A walk, a look, a contact. The dog is not only an engine for the body: it is a stimulant for the mind, a daily ally and a life companion who reminds, day after day, that taking care of yourself can start by walking together.