A survey of 2,000 cat and dog owners has revealed that three in 10 pet owners worry about their companion going missing at least once a week. The research, commissioned by Pet Database, found that 67% of owners said their biggest fear is losing their four-legged friend, yet 17% are unsure of the first steps to take when they go missing.
Microchipping and awareness campaign
Pet Database teamed up with TV presenter and animal lover Chris Hughes to launch the 'Microchip Shop' on the Brighton seafront to raise awareness of the importance of microchipping pets. Indy Sangha, CEO of Pet Database, which helps reunite missing pets with their owners, said: "Acting quickly can make all the difference when a beloved pet goes missing. Microchipping your pet is only half the battle, it's important to keep your contact details up to date so you can easily be reached and reunited if your pet goes missing."
What to do if a pet goes missing
Indy Sangha advised owners to stay close to the area where the pet was last seen, as dogs typically try to return to that spot or head back to the car or home. For cat owners, he recommended checking nearby hiding spots, notifying neighbours, and leaving familiar scents like bedding outside. He added: "Reporting the loss will instantly flag your pet as missing and ensure you can be contacted by whoever finds them. Calling local vets and pet wardens can also help with a speedy and safe return of your furry friend."
Survey findings on pet loss fears
The survey, conducted by OnePoll, found that nearly nine in 10 (88%) owners said losing a pet would feel like losing a family member. Owners pay an average of £1,522 to secure the safe return of their pet. A door or gate being left open was believed to be the main situation in which animals go missing (53%), followed by chasing wildlife (43%) and fireworks, thunder or loud noises (43%).
Four in 10 owners are more worried about losing their pet than their wallet, with 43% saying their furry friend going missing worries them most compared to their phone or wallet being taken (13%). Almost three in 10 (28%) worry about their companion going missing at least weekly.
Top 10 actions when a pet goes missing
When asked which actions should be taken within the first few hours after discovering a pet has gone missing, 75% said they would search the immediate local area, 74% would ask neighbours to check gardens, and 51% would opt for sharing photos and details online. Other actions include contacting local vets, animal charities, and putting familiar bedding or scents outside the home.
Indy Sangha also warned against common mistakes: "When our pets go missing, we often go into a blind panic, but it's important to remember the things to avoid doing. If your dog goes walkabout, avoid having groups of strangers out searching, calling, making noise and confusing scents. Or if you see them, do not call, chase or try to grab and catch your pet, as this might spook them - staying calm, still and quiet is the best thing you can do. Our cats require a slightly different approach."
The Microchip Shop event
The Microchip Shop event aims to rally a community-wide search for missing pets, with fish and chips being served in newsprint featuring local lost pet listings and scannable QR codes to help bring lost animals home. Chris Hughes took to the Brighton seafront to support the initiative.
