Thousands of UK dogs missing for over a year, data shows

New figures from puppies.co.uk reveal that thousands of dogs reported missing across the UK have yet to be found, with the majority missing for over a year. The data, taken from lost pet registries, shows London as the area with the highest number of missing dogs, followed by Birmingham and Dudley.

In London, 1,629 dogs have been reported missing, with 1,543 unaccounted for after more than 12 months. Birmingham reported 710 missing dogs, of which 691 have been gone for over a year. Dudley recorded 585 missing dogs, while Manchester reported 584. Walsall and Wolverhampton also feature prominently, placing the West Midlands as a high-risk area for lost dogs.

Across the UK, several urban areas have seen significant numbers of missing dogs. Bradford (354), Leeds (343), Slough (305), and Wigan (265) round out the top ten. Sheffield, Nottingham, Liverpool, and Coventry also feature in the top twenty.

The study also found that certain breeds are more commonly reported missing. Terriers top the list, with 181 currently missing. Crossbreeds follow with 137, then Jack Russells at 121. Spaniels, Chihuahuas, Bulldogs, and Labradors were also among the most frequently reported.

A spokesperson from puppies.co.uk said, “A dog going missing is one of the worst things that can happen to a pet owner. It can be a very stressful and emotional time, especially if they’re not found quickly.”

They added that microchipping remains essential, not only as a legal requirement in the UK but also as a practical step towards reuniting missing dogs with their owners. Updating collar tags and using GPS tracking tools are also recommended.

Dog owners are urged to take precautions to reduce the risk of pets going missing. These include keeping dogs on leads in unfamiliar areas, checking garden boundaries for escape routes, and reinforcing basic recall training.