By Mark Gill, CEO of Petasure –

Every pet parent’s worst nightmare is the thought of their beloved companion vanishing without a trace. Sadly, pet theft and disappearances are on the rise. Recent figures from Direct Line reveal that almost 2,000 dogs are stolen in the UK each year – that’s around five dogs every single day (Direct Line Pet Theft Report).

While the figures are sobering, the good news is that swift and strategic action can dramatically improve the chances of being reunited with your pet. 

Here’s exactly what you need to do if your dog goes missing or is suspected stolen.

Immediate Steps to Take When Your Pet Goes Missing

1. Stay Calm and Start the Search

Panic can cloud your thinking. Take a moment to breathe, then conduct a thorough search of your home, garden and local surroundings. Call your dog’s name calmly and check familiar hiding places.

2. Notify the Local Dog Warden

Local councils operate dog warden services who are often the first to be notified of strays. Make sure they have a full description and your contact details.

3. Report to the Police (As Theft, Not Simply Missing)

If you suspect theft, insist that the police log it as a theft, not merely a missing pet report. This ensures it is treated with the seriousness it deserves and assigned a crime reference number.

4. Contact Your Pet’s Microchip Database

Update your pet’s microchip status immediately to flag them as missing. This makes it harder for thieves to re-register the microchip and easier for vets or authorities to identify your pet.

5. Alert Local Rescue Centres and Veterinary Practices

Provide them with a clear photo and your contact information. Lost pets are often taken to rescues and surgeries for scanning.

6. Report to Online Databases

Register your pet’s details on trusted sites like DogLost UK and Animal Search UK. These databases are checked regularly by vets, councils and rescues.

7. Harness the Power of Social Media

Post immediately to your own profiles and in local Facebook groups, particularly community noticeboards and “Lost and Found Pets” pages. Include a good photo, clear description and your contact number.

8. Create and Distribute Posters

Print simple posters and place them in parks, vet offices, local shops, bus stops and anywhere there is foot traffic. Visibility is key.

Real-Life Reunion: Daisy’s Story

Rita and Philip Potter from Norfolk experienced a “dream come true” when they were reunited with their Labrador, Daisy, who had been stolen from their garden in November 2017. Witnesses at the time reported seeing Daisy being taken and bundled into a truck by suspected backyard breeders.  

In February 2025, Daisy was discovered over 200 miles away in Weston-super-Mare, Somerset, by RSPCA inspector Kim Walters during routine investigations. The 13-year-old Labrador was found to have health issues, including mammary masses and signs of neglect, indicating she had been used for breeding.  

Thanks to her microchip, Daisy was identified, and the Potters were contacted. Mrs. Potter expressed immense gratitude, stating, “We kept a photograph on the mantlepiece and would look at it every day thinking of her and where she might be.”  

Stories like Daisy’s prove that microchipping and never giving up hope can make all the difference.

How Petasure Can Help

If you are a Petasure member, help is just a tap away. By using the ‘Report Missing’ function on the Petasure app, you’ll immediately alert our 24/7 Pet Centre, who will:

• Notify your local dog warden and vet.
• Raise a police theft report on your behalf.
• Contact rescue centres and register your pet on DogLost UK and Animal Search UK.
• Post across social media networks to widen the search.
• Provide you with a ready-made missing pet poster.
• Advise you on additional steps, such as contacting your microchip database.
• Manage safe recovery and collection if your pet is found.

Our dedicated team is there to support you 24/7, providing updates, advice and emotional support until your pet is safely back in your arms.

If your pet is found, their microchip or the ‘Found a Pet’ feature on the app can confirm their identity, and we will contact you directly to arrange a safe reunion.

Final Thought

Losing a pet is deeply distressing, but by acting quickly and methodically, you greatly increase the chances of a happy reunion. Remember: preparation and prompt action are your best defences against heartache.

For more information or to join Petasure today, visit www.petasure.co.uk

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