BRIGHTON and Hove has been named among the most dog-friendly cities in the UK.

According to pet care company Rover.com, Sheffield topped the list of most dog-friendly cities.

The research is based on the quality and quantity of dog-friendly amenities, such as shops, grooming parlours, bins for pet waste and retailers.

Brighton and Hove sits in second place behind Sheffield, with London and Derby in third and fourth respectively.

 Bristol ranked fifth, followed by Milton Keynes, Glasgow, Manchester, Liverpool and Newcastle.

The news comes as 41 per cent of UK dog owners revealed they are willing to spend more to rent or purchase a home in a dog-friendly location.

The study also revealed that the majority of pet parents (63 per cent) willing to move to live in a house or apartment that better suits their pet.

Under half (43 per cent) of pet owners admitted finding a dog-friendly rental was not always easy, while 60 per cent said expensive pet deposits and fees are the biggest challenge when renting with a dog.

Adem Fehmi, Rover canine behaviourist, said “They say it’s colder up north, but it certainly doesn’t appear this is the case in terms of the very warm welcome our pups are receiving.

“In recent year, there has been a huge increase in pet amenities and dog-friendly policies which I expect to see continuing long into the future. Hopefully cities across the UK can look to emulate the progress of Sheffield and the others who have made the top ten.”

The data also revealed the top cities for increases in dog ownership across the UK, with Cardiff, Bristol and Reading completed the top three, while Brighton and Hove came fourth.

A fifth (21 per cent) of dog owners have purchased or rented a bigger or more expensive home to better accommodate their dog, the study found.

Nearly one in three (30 per cent) dog owners have been inspired to move in favour of their dog’s happiness and wellbeing, while 29 per cent said they’re willing to spend 10 per cent more on their purchase or rent to accommodate their dog.