The most livable German cities for dogs

The Dog Wellbeing Index by Coway Europe examines how livable Germany's largest cities are for dogs. Using a standardized rating system, factors such as environmental conditions, veterinary care, and infrastructure are combined into an overall ranking. The results show significant differences between the cities – with scores ranging from 55.1 points in Hanover down to 19.2 points in Munich and Nuremberg.

Methodology

The index is based on seven indicators, each of which is rated on a scale of 1 to 10 according to its severity:

• Dogs per inhabitant
• Green space area
• Number of veterinarians
• Dog boarding kennels
• Air quality (PM2.5)
• Dog grooming services
• Dog schools

The indicators were aggregated into a total score, allowing for a direct comparison across 25 major German cities. The maximum total score is 70. It should be noted that higher PM2.5 values reflect poorer air quality, which negatively impacts the overall ranking.

Top 5 cities for the well-being of dogs

1. Hannover – Total score: 55.1

Hannover achieved the highest overall score by a significant margin. The city reached maximum marks for dog grooming (10.0) and dog training schools (10.0), the highest ratio of dogs to the population (10.0), and excellent air quality (9.0). This combination demonstrates a city with a high dog population and outstanding infrastructure. Hannover is an excellent place for dogs and their owners.

2. Duisburg – Total score: 39.4

Duisburg takes second place, thanks to the highest possible rating for veterinary care (10.0) and a strong boarding infrastructure (9.7). However, a lower air quality score (4.9) limits the overall performance.

3. Hamburg – Total score: 39.3

Hamburg impresses with a well-balanced profile across all categories. The Hanseatic city scores highly with above-average green spaces (8.0), good air quality (7.9), and reliable veterinary care (5.2). Hamburg also performs strongly in dog grooming (4.0) and the ratio of dogs to the population (5.9). This diversity makes Hamburg one of the most livable cities for dogs in Germany.

4. Bielefeld – Total score: 39.1

Bielefeld stands out due to its environmental factors: maximum green space (10.0) and excellent air quality (8.6). Despite a more moderate service network, these environmental strengths contribute significantly to the ranking.

5. Gelsenkirchen – Total score: 37.5

Gelsenkirchen achieves the highest possible score for dog training schools (10.0) and a high level of veterinary availability (8.3). The city demonstrates how targeted infrastructure – especially training facilities – can significantly improve overall performance.

Key findings

• Cities in the top group consistently show high scores in veterinary care, nursing facilities, and dog training schools. Hanover's leading position is largely due to maximum scores in several service categories.
• Cities like Bielefeld and Wuppertal (green spaces: 9.1; air quality: 8.3) demonstrate that access to green spaces and cleaner air significantly improves the results.
• Cities with poor air quality scores show measurable declines in the overall ranking. Bochum, for example, has the lowest air quality score (0.0), which contributes to a lower overall score (26.1).

Conclusion

The Dog Wellbeing Index shows that balanced urban environments outperform both densely populated metropolitan areas and cities with limited infrastructure. The most successful cities combine strong service networks, sufficient green spaces, and acceptable air quality. These findings underscore the importance of integrated urban planning that considers both human and canine wellbeing. Coway Europe comments on the results as follows:

"The data clearly shows that air quality is a crucial factor for overall well-being. Cities with poorer air conditions consistently score lower – regardless of their infrastructure. At Coway, we see this as further evidence that improving air quality is essential for healthier living environments – for people and their pets alike."