Doggy theft happens a lot more often than we think. While it's not the most appealing thing to keep in mind, it's important to stay informed and know what to do if our pooches ever get stolen. Luckily, you'll get some pretty helpful tips below. Read on and find out what the best course of action is and how to prevent it!
The overall number of pets stolen each year is higher than this, even, as the AKC is only reporting on AKC-recognized breeds and doesn’t include cats, either. Pit bulls and pit bull mixes are most commonly stolen, followed by:
Yorkshire terriers
Chihuahuas
Bulldogs
Pomeranians
Shih tzus
German shepherdsWhy Are Pets Stolen?
There is often a monetary reason why pets are stolen. Purebred dogs, which are the most common victims of theft, can be worth thousands of dollars if sold to an unsuspecting family. Purebred puppies are especially coveted by criminals, but any high-value (monetarily speaking) dog is at risk.Dog-flipping schemes are unfortunately all-too-common as well. A person may steal a purebred puppy or claim to be a lost puppy’s owner. Then they quickly sell the dog online for a profit.
If your pet isn’t spayed or neutered, she or he may be stolen and sold for a high price to a breeder or a puppy mill.
How to Protect Your Pet From Being Stolen
Unlike material possessions, your pet is irreplaceable. Yet many pet owners neglect to take even the most basic safety precautions.1. Avoid Leaving Your Pet Unattended
A dog left alone outside, even in a fenced-in backyard, is a prime target for thieves.
2. Avoid Sharing Details About Your Dog With StrangersIf you’re on a walk with your dog, it’s natural to chat with passersby. However, if a stranger asks you how much your dog cost, it’s a red flag.
3. Create a Neighborhood Watch
Neighbors can act as each other’s eyes and ears, helping to keep an eye out for suspicious activity.
4. Keep an Up-to-Date Photo
A recent photo of your pet can serve as proof that you’re his rightful owner. A microchip can also serve this purpose.
What to Do If Your Dog Is Stolen
If you think your dog has been stolen, call the police and make a police report. Also notify your local animal control officer. If your dog is microchipped, you can ask to have its serial number and your dog’s description added to the “stolen article” category on the National Crime Information Center.Another option is to contact your local TV station, radio station and newspaper and ask them to report your lost pet online. State that a reward is offered for your pet’s return (but don’t say how much). You can also keep an eye out for any online ads advertising the sale of a pet that meets your pet’s description.
Avoid Buying a Stolen Pet
Equally important is to avoid buying stolen pets, which means avoiding obtaining an animal from any source that does not allow you to verify the animal’s origins.
Acting fast and taking extra precautions to ensure that our furry pals are safe from thieves is easier now with these tips. Always be sure to stay alert, and notify the police if your pup gets stolen.
For more information on avoiding doggy theft, visit Healthy Pets.
