(20th century, part 3)

In the 20th century the world of pets changed completely. Social, technical
and cultural upheavals
linked to urbanisation, advances in medicine and science
and the rise of mass culture had a strong effect
on how people treated
animals. Over the century pets became a natural part of people's lives,
and this was when breed standards, new technology and large-scale animal welfare programmes appeared. In the 20th century
pedigree animals, as well as projects for animal care, welfare
and protection, became everyone's concern.

1980–2000

1950–1980

1900–1950

1

Veterinary medicine, microchips
and neutering

At the end of the 20th century animal care changed completely
thanks to advances in
veterinary medicine
and new technology such as
microchipping and neutering.

These changes made animals healthier and safer and
gave them a better life. New methods of treatment and
prevention appeared, and animals received better care
overall.

In the 1980s veterinary medicine made great strides. New methods of diagnosis, treatment
and prevention greatly improved the lives of pets.

New technology, such as ultrasound diagnostics, laser treatment and new vaccines,
improved the quality of veterinary care
and lengthened pets' lives.
These advances were an important step
towards healthier animals
and better welfare.

Modern technology in
veterinary care

1

Treatment:

Vaccination:

Vets became ever better at
diagnosing and treating diseases such as cancer
and heart disease.

New vaccines against infectious diseases were an important step in protecting pets' health.

Identification
and neutering

2

At the same time microchipping and neutering
became widespread. With a microchip, a lost animal can be identified with certainty and its owner found.

Neutering, in turn, became an important way to reduce the
number of homeless animals and
improve their health.
Both methods also
encouraged owners to take more responsibility for their animals.

Identification:

Neutering:

Microchips for pets appeared in the late 1980s and gradually became standard practice. In England, microchipping has been compulsory for dogs since 2016 and for cats since 2024.

In the 1990s neutering became more common to prevent unwanted litters and homeless animals.

The role of leading breeders
in breed development

3

At the end of the 20th century leading breeders became key players in the breeding of pedigree animals.

They not only sold animals that met every breed standard but also took part in research into heredity and behaviour.

Breeders began to choose breeding
animals more
carefully to improve breeds
and animals' living conditions.

Leading breeders:

Research:

Breeding became
professional, and attention was paid
not only to appearance
but also to inherited health.

Taking heredity into account in breeding was an important
step towards healthier animals with better qualities.

In the 20th century pets became a permanent
part of everyday life.

Pedigree animals for more people, better veterinary care, breed standards and new technology gave
pets a much better life.

The century laid the foundations
for animals becoming important members of the family and for their welfare becoming a natural part of modern society.

20th century

All chapters

1950–1980

1900–1950