Dog Thefts Are On The Rise – Tips To Keep Your Dog Safe

Every year, dog thefts and other pets have been rising globally. This loss is unmeasurable. Money is usually the motivation. Thieves will sell to unsuspecting buyers who only want a discount on a new companion. They may also sell to testing labs or use in dog fight rings. As a result, a pet’s life could drastically change – not for the better.

Your dog may be a beloved family member, but heartless thieves often look for costly and famous breeds to sell for quick cash.

Tips To Keep Your Dog Safe from thieves

So here are our top tips for protecting your precious pet dogs.

1. Never leave your dog alone in public.

Leaving a dog alone is the leading cause of dog theft. Treat your dog like you would your child. Please think twice before leaving it tied up outside a shop or alone in your car, even for a few minutes. Moreover, if you have to take your dog to the shops, take someone with you who can sit with them when you’re busy.

2. Secure your premises to keep thieves out and your pets in.

Only leave your pet in your garden if it is well secured, and you can keep it enclosed. Ensure your walls are solid enough for a thief to climb in or your dog to get out. Put strong locks on front and side gates and ensure your pet can’t be visible from the road. Make sure you always watch your pet when it’s in your lawn, especially if it’s not fenced, and don’t let them roam the neighborhood.

3. Keep an eye on your dog at all times.

If you lose sight of your dog, it only takes a moment for thieves to snatch your dog. So only let your dog off leash in a park if they stay within sight and will come to you when you call them. Use an extending lead if you’re doubtful they’ll come back to you or you’re in an unknown area. Don’t take the risk if they can’t be trusted off-leash.

4. Keep all the human doors and pet doors locked.

A pet door might be suitable but can also be a safety risk. Keep pet doors, external doors, and windows locked when your dog is inside. Likewise, keep your dog safely locked inside your house if you go outside. Make sure it can’t be seen from the street, and consider financing a pet-friendly security alarm.

5. Mix up times and ways for your daily walks.

Change the time of day, route, and place when you walk your dog so thieves staying in the area don’t become familiar with your routine. Some dogs are targeted and snatched during walks. Thieves use these walking ways to plan when to attack.

6. Thoroughly research dog walkers, groomers, sitters, and trainers.

Don’t give your dog over to just anyone. Always check contacts and reviews and ask for photo identification before trusting your dog with someone new. Ask your vet to suggest a professional they know and trust.

7. Don’t overshare details about your pet.

Beware of strangers who start asking you too many queries about your dog or appear to be paying a lot of attention. Also, be mindful about what you post about your pets on social media — if you’re uploading photos of them, ensure you are not giving away details that could reveal where you live.

8. Keep your dog’s ID updated.

Make sure your dog is microchipped, registered with your regional council, and maintain the details, especially if you move house. Always ensure your pet wears a collar and ID tag with your name and mobile number. Please don’t put your pet’s name on its collar, as a potential thief could use it to call them over.

9. Take lots of photos of your pet.

Take clear pictures of your dog from different angles and update them regularly. They will be convenient if your dog is lost or stolen. Note any traits that might indicate your dog pet from others. Make sure you also have many photos of yourself with your pet, so you can confirm you own it if required.

Things you can do when your pet is stolen.

• Report to the Police and your regional council.
• Check “found pets” listings on rescue organizations and pounds.
• Make a flyer with photos and details of your pet and a letterbox to every home in your neighborhood.
• Notify local vets, rescue centers, and shelters.
• Visit all your neighbors and ask them if they have any security footage from when your pet was stolen.
• Report the microchip company so they can mark your dog’s record as “stolen.”
• Spread the word on social media, post details and photos of your dog, and ask people to share your post.

Many people want to “rescue” a dog they see being sold, but they are simply enabling pet thieves to continue their business. Don’t buy dogs from a website, online classified ads, or roadside vehicles. Moreover, do your research to assure that you are dealing with a reputable breeder — or rescue a dog from a shelter instead

If pet safety is your primary concern, this article will greatly help you. If you follow these precautions and take these steps, you can prevent your dog from being stolen.