Pet owners are warned to microchip pets due to the increased risk of missing dogs & cats. Cats go missing eight times more than dogs in the UK.
Terriers top the list of missing dog breeds. Crossbreeds and Jack Russells are also often lost, as are spaniels. Yorkshire and border terriers are frequently missing.
Cats make up most of the lost pets. Missing cats are eight times more numerous than dogs, with nearly 150,000 cats going missing across the UK.
Domestic shorthairs, also called “moggies,” are the most lost cat breed. Bengal, Siamese, and ragdoll cats also often go missing.
Microchipping can help people find their lost pets. A microchip identifies them and helps owners reunite. It is mandatory for cats and dogs.
Petlog reported over 25,000 missing pets in 2023/24. From January 2023 to June 2024, 5,000 dogs went missing. During that time, over 20,000 cats went missing too. Microchips helped reunite many pets with their owners.
The most commonly lost dogs are terriers, crossbreeds, and Jack Russells. Spaniels, Chihuahuas, and Bulldogs also make the list. Border collies, Labradors, Lurchers, and Huskies are also on the list of frequently lost dogs.
The most commonly lost cats are domestic shorthairs. Tabbies and British shorthairs go missing too, as do semi-long hair and mixed-breed cats. Bengal, tortoiseshell, and Maine coon cats also get lost, with ragdoll and Siamese cats also on the list.