Original Article: https://blog.theanimalrescuesite.greatergood.com/how-to-prevent-dog-being-stolen/

It can be hard to imagine anything happening to your fur baby, and that may be something you try to avoid thinking about. However, with dog nappings on the rise, it’s more important than ever to be aware of what you can do to prevent your dog from being stolen. According to the PetFBI, around 2 million pets are stolen each year in the United States alone.

Unfortunately, pet theft can happen to anyone, anywhere. It’s definitely not confined to “bad” neighborhoods or cities. Recently, Lady Gaga had two of her dogs stolen in Hollywood. While her dog walker was taking her pups for a walk, two men jumped out of a car, shot him, and stole the dogs, according to CNN. No one is immune to pet theft, but there are some steps you can take to minimize the risk.

Follow the tips below to help prevent your dog from being stolen.

Microchip Your Dog

If you care about your pet, getting them microchipped is a must. A microchip won’t outright prevent your dog from being stolen, but it will increase the likelihood of it being reunited with you. Shelters and veterinarians regularly scan for microchips. If a stolen dog is sold to an unsuspecting customer, that customer may take the stolen dog to the vet and discover the microchip. Or, a stolen dog could end up in a shelter where the microchip would also be scanned and the owner on the registry contacted. According to a study published in the American Veterinary Medical Association, dogs without microchips were reunited with their owners in less than 22% of cases. But dogs with microchips were reunited in more than 52% of cases.

Keep Your Dog On a Leash

Dogs off-leash are an easier target for thieves. Even if you’ve got a close eye on your off-leash dog, it’s easier to steal than a dog on a leash.

Be Wary Of Strangers

Take note if someone seems overly interested in your dog. While a lot of people have a lot for dogs and might approach you, try not to share too many details about your dog, like its breeding history, cost, or where you live.

Don’t Leave Your Dog In The Car

You should never leave your dog alone in a car. Not only does this put them at risk of overheating, but there’s also a risk of theft. If you do leave your dog in a car, make sure to park somewhere public, like at the front of the store, and make sure that the temperature is appropriate.

Never Leave Your Dog Unattended Outdoors

Even allowing your dog to roam unsupervised in a fenced yard increases its risk of being dog-napped. Always keep a close eye on your pup when outdoors. Though a fence may keep your dog in, it’s not usually enough to keep a thief out. If you must leave your dog unattended in a fenced yard, make sure to lock the gate.

Avoid Displaying Dog Signs

Avoid displaying signs like, “Mastiff at play,” or “Shitzu Mom” since they basically announce to the world that you have a dog or a specific breed of dog. These are usually posted on cars or house fences. Many dog thieves seek out specific breeds, so if you are going to have a dog sign, avoid it mentioning the breed of your pup.

Don’t Leave Your Dog Tied Outside A Store

Leaving your dog tied outside a store while you run in makes them extremely vulnerable to theft. It’s unlikely that anyone would question someone untieing and taking the dog since the thief could be the owner, as far as onlookers are concerned.

Despite taking the best precautions, your dog could still end up the victim of theft. If that happens, the best thing to do is contact the police and file a report. Additionally, contact animal control and report the theft. Post fliers with your dog in the local area, post on NextDoor, check Craiglist and see if your dog is listed, and check local for-sale-or-trade groups, like Facebook Marketplace.

Lastly, to help prevent dog-napping, make sure you’re not accidentally supporting it. If you’re in the market for a new pet, go through a shelter, rescue, or reputable breeder. Avoid buying dogs from pet stores (where pet sourcing is highly unregulated in most areas), Craiglist, flea markets, road-side set-ups, Facebook Marketplace, and other unverifiable sources.

Source: The Animal Rescue Site Blog