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CRITERIA USED INCLUDE NUMBER OF DOG PARKS, DOG-FRIENDLY PUBLIC TRANSPORT POLICIES, AND HELP FOR VULNERABLE OWNERS AND ANIMALS DO YOU RECEIVE THE CONNEXION'S FREE WEEKDAY NEWSLETTER?

Sign up here If your dog could choose where to live, where would they pick? A new study published this week could help you and your pooch find the perfect place in France (and Bordeaux makes

the top three for the first time). The ninth annual barometer from animal welfare association and monthly magazine la Fondation 30 Millions d’Amis has ranked the best towns (of more than

100,000 residents) where dog owners can live most easily. The top three? Lille, Nice, and Bordeaux. CANINE CRITERIA The barometer uses several criteria to make its decision, including: * The

accessibility of public green spaces (parks and gardens that allow dogs) * The availability of public transport systems that allow dogs * The number of dog parks (fenced-in green spaces

specifically for dogs) * Tools to improve cleanliness, including poop bag distributors, and availability of dog waste bins * The local services for dog owners, including animal cemeteries,

and rescue centres * Whether the local authority has an elected member in charge of animal welfare * Help for vulnerable and disadvantaged pet owners * Sterilisation campaigns and

identification of stray animals * Campaigns to help stray animals, including feeding programmes and compassionate shelters “This year, we have awarded a higher coefficient to these [last

four] criteria,” said Katia Renard, editor-in-chief of 30 Millions d'Amis. “In the current inflationary climate, it was important for us to highlight the initiatives of towns and cities

that support local associations, promote animal welfare, and help the most vulnerable and disadvantaged people to keep their pets with them.  “In this way, we can combat the forced

abandonment of animals due to a lack of financial resources,” she said. Read also: France’s new animal welfare law passes: What will it change for pets? Read also: Animal suffering becomes a

key presidential election topic in France  LILLE At the top of the ranking for the second year running, Lille stands out due to its animal welfare campaigns. For example, in 2023, Lille

welcomed charity vet and stray animal associations such as Vétérinaires pour Tous and Gamelles Pleines. NICE In second place comes Nice, mainly due to its many dog-accessible green spaces,

and its policy of allowing municipal employees to bring their dogs to work, which has been running for more than a year. Read also: We visit a dog-friendly beach in Nice BORDEAUX Bordeaux

reached the podium for the first time this year, due to many dog-friendly policies. For example, all dogs in a basket or on a lead (and muzzled) can travel for free on all Bordeaux Métropole

transport services. THE TOP 10 Rounding out the top 10 are: 4. Montpellier 5. Limoges 6. Grenoble 7. Le Havre 8. Reims 9. Boulogne-Billancourt 10. Strasbourg  The ranking aims not just to

highlight the towns and cities that are doing well, but also to raise awareness of dog-friendly policies.  “The aim of this ranking is to highlight great initiatives in each city, so that

they can be replicated in other cities,” said Ms Renard.