How to Prevent Pet Theft

It’s possible that you didn’t know it, but last week was Pet Theft Awareness Week. This is quite funny considering that apparently nobody was aware of it. We believe that pet theft is a common problem despite the fact that it has not been widely publicized. It is estimated that approximately 2,000,000 dogs are stolen annually in the USA each year. Even though there is only a small number of reported pet thefts in the UK, it is clear that this is still a serious problem.

The majority of pets that are stolen end up being sold to laboratories to test new products. This is why it is important to prevent pet theft and ensure that you take all precautions. There are many things you can do in order to prevent pet theft. Most of them are simple and straightforward. However, the best thing you can to do is to spread awareness about pet theft so that neighbors and loved ones are aware of it.

These are just a few of the many ways you can help ensure that your pets are safe from petnappers.

• Do not leave your pet outside for too long. If you must leave them outside, make sure their lead does not slip up on the top of the fence.
• You should not leave your pet in a car. However, it is a good idea for health reasons. Pet thieves can easily break into cars and take them away. Pets locked up in cars are a sitting duck.
• Your contact information and an ID tag should be on your pet’s collar so it doesn’t get lost. We do not recommend including your pet’s name in their ID tags.
• Take photos of your pet regularly from different angles (to avoid missing posters), and then focus on distinguishing marks or characteristics. To prove your ownership, it’s a good idea also to take photos with your pet.
• Do not trust strangers to take care of your pet while you are away. Always use a reputable pet boarding or kennel.
• Although it may seem tedious, you can vary the time you take your dog on a walk. Alternate the routes. Dognappers will attempt to steal your pet if they see you leaving the house. A routined behavior makes it easier for pet thieves anticipate your movements.
• Even if your pet is just outside, you should never allow your pet to leave your property.
• When you aren’t home, don’t let your pet go outside.
• When taking your pet on a walk, keep them on a leash.
• You can microchip your pet to be able to be identified and contacted in the event they are lost.
• You can let people contact your pet but you should be suspicious if they ask too many questions, especially about its gender.

These precautions should be taken as best as possible to keep your pet safe. However, there are always chances that your pet will be stolen by a pet thief who is very clever. You should take the following steps if this happens:

• Notify the police immediately. You must immediately inform the police if you feel certain that your pet was stolen and not just lost.
• Ask your neighbors and anyone else who was present at the time of the crime if they witnessed anything. Someone acting suspiciously
• If your pet has a microchip you should report it to the microchip database. This will help if the pet theft attempt is made to register it as theirs.
• Posters with recent photos of your pet should be displayed. Include important details and features.
• Please share the news about your pet missing to animal shelters or pet owners websites. The more eyes that see it, the better.
• Let local vets know so they can keep an eye out.