What to do if your pet is missing

If your pet goes missing, it's very distressing for both you and your pet. To make sure you have the best chance of being reunited with your pet, make sure that your pet's microchip is registered correctly on an authorised UK database, that the registration is in your name and your contact details are up to date.

Out-of-date information is the biggest reason for lost, missing or stray animals not being reunited with their owners.

So, report your pet missing to the microchip database and take the opportunity to make sure all your details are up to date, including any additional phone numbers.

If a vet practice or rescue organisation scans your pet's chip they will either call the microchip database for your contact information or they will log in the database to find it. They will routinely scan any animal that is found and brought in to them. If you haven't done so already, it may be an idea to contact local vets and rescues, the local authority animal warden and also any local lost and found groups. Also use posters and flyers in your local area and ask neighbours if they've seen your pet.

If you think your dog has been stolen, contact the police.

If your cat has gone missing, check all its favourite haunts and hiding places and ask neighbours to check outbuildings, sheds, garages etc. in case it's been shut in.

I have found a pet

Find out more about what to do if you've found a lost or stray pet.