New research from Insure Your Paws shows that more than half of UK dog owners (57%) worry their pets could be stolen, with concerns peaking in London, where 75% of dog owners share this anxiety.
In response to these fears, an increasing number of pet owners are taking preventive steps, including tracking their pets and using social media to raise awareness should their pet go missing. The survey, conducted by Opinium and commissioned by Insure Your Paws, included 1,000 dog and cat owners from across the UK, highlighting the emotional and financial lengths owners would go to recover a lost pet.
The survey reveals that pet owners have strong emotional connections with their pets, with 45% saying they would struggle to eat or sleep if their pet went missing. Women, in particular, report a heightened emotional toll, with 50% of female respondents saying they would be especially distressed, compared to 37% of men. As Andrew Simpson, Head of Pet at Insure Your Paws, explains, pet insurance policies increasingly include support services like bereavement support and coverage for local advertising and rewards, underscoring the company’s commitment to helping pet owners navigate these difficult situations.
Pet Tracking and Social Media Usage on the Rise
With concerns about pet theft high, pet tracking technology has become an important tool for many pet owners. According to the survey, one in five pet owners now use tracking devices on their pets, indicating an increasing reliance on digital solutions to prevent loss or theft. Additionally, 31% of respondents would leverage social media to find a missing pet, with women significantly more likely to turn to social media platforms (37%) than men (23%).
Financially, 33% of owners said they would offer a reward of at least £100 if their pet went missing, reflecting the substantial value placed on pet recovery efforts. Owners are also aware of other key steps, with 42% reporting they would contact their pet’s microchip database immediately to report the loss. For both cats and dogs, this level of preparation underscores the growing awareness around effective ways to recover a lost pet and prevent pet theft.
The Role of Pet Behaviour and Escape Risks
The survey also highlighted some differences in pet behaviour that contribute to owners’ concerns. More than one in ten dogs (11%) have escaped from their home garden, which adds to the risk of loss or theft. Cat owners are accustomed to a different type of risk, with 15% reporting their cats sometimes disappear for up to 48 hours before returning. This wandering behaviour is typical of many cats but still causes anxiety for their owners.
In cases where a pet does go missing, Insure Your Paws recommends a structured approach to maximise the chances of recovery. Essential actions include contacting local vets, notifying the police, and asking neighbours to check their properties for any sign of the missing pet. Using social media to share photos and details of the last sighting has also proven helpful, as has checking local online groups for recent reports of found animals.
As part of its insurance coverage, Insure Your Paws provides support for pet owners facing the loss of a pet. Along with covering advertising costs and rewards for lost or stolen pets, the insurer also offers a service called Assist Your Paws, which includes bereavement support for owners dealing with the emotional toll of a missing pet. Simpson says that these services reflect the growing need for comprehensive support beyond standard veterinary care, as pet ownership has evolved to prioritise both preventive measures and emotional well-being.
