Pet Theft – Awareness and Prevention

Last Chance for Animals (LCA) created National Pet Theft Awareness Day in 1988. It’s observed annually on February 14th, Valentine’s Day, which sees a considerable uptick in pet thefts. The goal is to raise awareness for the issues of pet theft and to educate the public about how to keep their companion animals safe from thieves.

Some precautions are:

1. Always have your dog microchipped. If you have relocated make sure to update your contact information with the microchip registries – the chip is only as good as the data you provide.
2. Make sure your pet is always wearing a collar with an informative, legible tag, and if you’re out and about have them in a harness.
3. Keep your cats indoors as much as possible, and make sure to accompany and supervise all pets when they are outside – don’t tie them up “real quick” in front of the store or leave them in the yard unattended for hours. If you wouldn’t leave a small child somewhere, don’t leave your dog there.
4. Get your pets spayed or neutered. A fixed pet is less likely to follow that mating instinct and wander off.
5. Install security cameras around your property.
6. Be aware of your surroundings, and become familiar with your neighborhood. Vary your daily walking routine. Walk in groups.
7. Research pet insurance policies. People can spend several hundred dollars on the search for a lost or stolen pet, and some insurance policies will reimburse you.

Since many pet thefts go unreported, it’s impossible to know exactly how many animals are taken, but an estimated two million pets are stolen in the United States each year. That number is astounding and heartbreaking.

“We have seen a dramatic increase in this type of crime. In fact, the FBI National Crime Information Center tracks stolen pets and pet owners don’t know that if their dog is stolen and has a microchip that they can file a police report to help them get their pet back” according to ABC News.

Thieves take desirable breeds, often unaltered puppies, to an unsuspecting family, or a breeder. Pure pedigree dogs that are on the small side are most likely to be stolen and “flipped” because they can go for thousands of dollars with little effort.

In other instances, larger breeds like German Shepherds, Doberman Pinschers and American Pit Bull Terriers are sold to dog fighters for training, or as “bait.” Some people, known as Class B dealers, even sell stolen and lost animals for scientific research. Yikes!

So what can you do if you’re parted from your pet through mysterious or nefarious circumstances?

1. Call the non-emergency police number and file a report. In many states pets are considered property.
2. Contact local animal control and shelters.
3. Canvass your neighborhood with fliers with a recent and clear photo of your pet. Ask neighbors if they will share surveillance footage with you.
4. Search online – Facebook, Nextdoor, Pawboost, Petco Love Lost.
5. Be wary of scams, and don’t post a reward. This can lead to false leads or blackmail.

Be safe out there!