Pets are more likely to go missing during the warmer months¹, when people spend more time outside, potentially leaving doors, windows or gates open, or visiting new or unfamiliar places. 

New research² from award-winning³ pet insurance provider Insure Your Paws reveals that a quarter (25%) of UK dog owners and one in five (19%) cat owners now use tags or trackers to help locate their pets if they go missing. 

The research, conducted by Opinium², among 1,000 UK cat and dog owners, suggests owners are increasingly turning to technology and home security to protect their pets. More than one in ten (11%) use home cameras to keep an eye on their pet when they are out, while one in five (19%) either have or would consider installing CCTV or a doorbell camera to improve pet safety. 

Owners’ concerns go beyond pets simply wandering off. Nearly three in ten (29%) worry their pet could be involved in an accident or hit by a vehicle, rising to 35% among cat owners. Meanwhile, one in six (17%) worry about pet theft. 

When it comes to finding a missing pet, owners are prepared to go to significant lengths. More than a third (37%) would offer a reward of at least £100, while almost one in five (18%) would consider hiring a pet detective or using a drone search. One in ten (13%) say they have previously spent hours searching for a missing pet. 

Andrew Simpson, Head of Pet at Insure Your Paws said: “Losing a beloved pet is incredibly distressing, and it’s important to act quickly. Contact local vets, rescue centres and animal shelters as soon as possible, as these are often the first places a lost pet may be taken 

“Technology such as trackers, cameras and smart tags can also provide extra reassurance, particularly during the summer months when pets may spend more time outdoors or visit unfamiliar places. Keeping your pet’s microchip details up to date is also important, as this can significantly improve the chances of a safe return if they do go missing. It’s also worth checking your insurance policy documents, as some providers may include support with costs such as advertising or rewards if your pet goes missing.” 

Insure Your Paws offers an optional ‘Find My Pet’ add-on, which provides financial support if a pet is lost, stolen or strays and is not found within 30 days, including cover towards advertising costs and rewards. 

Sources  

¹ Summer months linked to rise in missing pets| Petlog 

² Opinium online survey conducted with 1,000 cat or dog owners in the UK from 3 - 6 March 2026.  For those owning both a cat and dog, owners were asked to answer questions based on the one they took ownership of most recently. 

³ Insure Your Paws - Winner of the Pet Insurance Award at the National Insurance Awards 2026.