The UK government and animal welfare charities are urging pet owners to get their dogs and cats microchipped this January.
One of the many responsibilities of a pet owner is to ensure that their four-legged friends can be quickly returned home safely if they wander off alone. Each year, hundreds of pets go missing, so it's vital you ensure your dog or cat is microchipped and that your details are kept up-to-date.
Since compulsory microchipping was introduced as a legal requirement in the UK back in 2016, over 92% of dogs now have the chip implant. Cats on the other hand, don't have to be microchipped by law, meaning that many feline owners avoid it altogether.
Zac Goldsmith, Animal Welfare Minister explained: "Microchips are often the only hope of reuniting lost pets with their owners so it truly is the best New Year’s resolution you could make to protect your furry friend in 2020. I urge cat owners to microchip their cat and for dog-owners to make sure the details on the chip are up to date."
In October last year, the Environment Secretary launched a call for evidence on cat microchipping, to find out what steps could be taken in order to make it mandatory for owners and rescue centres to microchip cats.
"It is so important that cat owners microchip their pet cats as it is a safe and permanent form of identification. Cats love to explore, and are also great escape artists, so microchipping is important for cats, even those that live indoors," Jacqui Cuff, Cats Protection’s Head of Advocacy and Government Relations, said.
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Elsewhere, the Dog's Trust has also explained the heartbreak when pets and their owners are separated. Veterinary Director Paula Boyden says: "It is so important that owners keep their details on the microchip database up to date, as required by law. Doing so significantly increases the chances of a lost or stolen dog being reunited with their owner.
"As an example, in last year’s Stray Dog Survey we uncovered that, of the dogs seized who were microchipped, a staggering 69% weren’t able to be reunited due to incorrect contact details."
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16 adorable mixed-breed dogs you'll fall in love with
Cavachon
Think you can figure out this combo name? It's Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and Bichon Frise blended together.
Siberian Retriever
Labs have reigned supreme as one of the most popular dog breeds for years, so it's no surprise their prized traits also frequently appear in mixed breeds. This combo with a Siberian Husky is slightly smaller than its purebred cousins.
Chiweenie
This pint-size hybrid has the intelligence of a Chihuahua and the spirited nature of a Dachshund.
Weimador
Weimaraners possess trademark silvery-grey coats, but combine one with a Labrador retriever and you'll see them in a variety of glossy colours. With two athletic parents, these pups can exhibit boundless energy yet a friendly temperament.
Shorkie
You can easily scoop up a Shorkie — a Shih Tzu and Yorkshire terrier hybrid — with one arm for a quick cuddle. They typically weigh less than 15 pounds.
Border Collie-Sheltie
Though they don't have a fun name just yet, the Border Collie-Shetland Sheepdog combo is one of our favourite mixed breeds. They're gentle, athletic, and oh-so photogenic.
Pomsky
While they can vary within the same litter, think of Pomskies as smaller, fluffier Siberian Huskies thanks to their Pomeranian DNA. These little dogs usually weigh between 20 and 30 pounds.
Yorkipoo
Weighing in at 15 pounds or less, Yorkshire Terrier-Poodle crosses marry the best of both worlds. These clever and playful companions get the benefit of hypoallergenic coats from both of their parents.
Corgidor
Take a Welsh Corgi and a Labrador Retriever, and you end up with a medium-weight, somewhat short-legged dog. Knowing what type of Corgi parent your pup had can also provide valuable info, as Cardigan Welsh Corgis get bigger than the Pembroke kind.
Cockapoo
The Cockapoo (part Cocker Spaniel, part Poodle) is one of the most popular mixed-breed dogs. They aren't prone to shedding and can be easily trained, making them a great choice for families.
Chug
It might not be the most elegant name, but the Chug (a Chihuahua-Pug mix) is certainly interesting. They are the perfect size for cuddling in your lap, which has made this mixed breed more and more popular.
Morkie
Morkies are a seriously cute cross between a Maltese and a Yorkshire Terrier. They're small, but certainly not timid. Morkies tend to love attention and stay protective of their families.
Shih-Poo
A charming cross between a Shih Tzu and a Poodle, the Shih-poo has plenty of personality. They tend to be a bit stubborn, but when you look at that little face, you just can't be mad. Shih-poos can have curlier fur (reflecting their poodle heritage), but they can also have silky fur (from their Shih Tzu background).
Schnoodle
Schnoodle are another great Poodle hybrid. This time, the cross is with a Schnauzer. Smart and playful, this mix can really run the gamut between teeny lapdogs and huge 70-plus pounders (just like poodles).
Goldendoodle
This very popular crossbreed is half Golden Retriever and half Poodle. If you're lucky enough to own one, you'll have a loyal friend who is always up for some playtime.
Mastiff Mix
You might be pleasantly surprised to learn that Mastiff mixes are known for having a gentle disposition. The phrase "gentle giant" most certainly comes to mind.
Lisa Joyner is the Deputy Daily Editor at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, where she's busy writing about home and interiors, gardening, dog breeds, pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for Conde Nast Traveller, House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.
