Does Your Family Have a Dog Theft Prevention Strategy?

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Finding Lost Pets

Losing a pet can be a heartbreaking experience that devastates entire families.  Keep medical history and information about medical conditions with you at all times, always have current photos of your pet and be able to describe coat color/markings.

Take steps to protect your pets from loss and pet theft seizures.  If you experience a loss or theft, or know someone who does, help support them in finding their lost pet.

  • Begin looking quickly and efficiently for a lost pet.
  • Post flyers.
  • Provide a detailed description of your pet, microchip and tattoo identification information to veterinarian offices, animal clinics, animal shelters and groomers.
  • File a report with your local law enforcement if you suspect that your pet was stolen.

Officials at the American Kennel Club have been paying particular attention to stolen dog reports made by owners about dogs stolen from cars, yard and homes.  Since January 2011, the number of pet thefts has increased 49% over the previous year.  Dog Thefts Are Way Up -- Do You Know How to Protect Your Pet recommends that unique microchip serial numbers and your dog's description be posted in the FBI's National Crime Information Center database under "stolen articles."  Other specific prevention tips for pet owners include:

Use a Leash
When owners use a leash for their pets at all times abduction risks can be reduced.  Pets on a leash will remain closer to you.  You can see who is near your pet and quickly move your pet to safety if needed.  Leashes are a primary measure of safety for your pet.  It's quick and easy to go without them, but they can prevent a pet theft when used.  Be consistent with your leash use so your pet can know to "get dressed" and remain in close proximity to you.

Don't Share Information
Sharing information about your habits, living situation, home location, vehicle or family can increase your pet's vulnerability during your absence.  Playing at the beach, dog park or neighborhood park can expose your dog to others that are interested in it.  Special skills your dog has or endearing habits in a pricy breed may increase threat opportunities.  Know who you're sharing your information with.

Dog Friendly Shopping
Your dog is vulnerable to pet theft when you tie it outside a store, restaurant or shop while you make purchases inside.  Make your purchases at dog-friendly stores.  Enjoy your meals at restaurants that encourage pets and people to mix during meals.

Tend to Outdoor Pets
When you leave your animals unattended in their yards you can often have a false sense of your  pet's safety.  Animals that are always outside and visible to others for long stretches of time can become vulnerable to pet theft.  Fences can be scaled, broken into or cut to gain access to your family's beloved pet.

Eliminate Locked Vehicles
It will only take you a minute to run into the store or service station or retrieve your briefcase from the office where you forgot it.  In that same minute, your pet can be stealthily removed from your car.  Vulnerable pets, like electronics equipment in vehicles, can be easily spotted in parked vehicles.  They immediately become sitting ducks to would-be thieves.  Thieves "won't hesitate to steal a dog right out of a locked car," says pet safety company owner Ines de Pablo.

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Testimonials

Read What Our Clients Say

  • "Thank you all for your wonderful care of Mau. It means a lot to have a vet's office that I completely trust with my animals. Mau is doing great, but I think he misses all of you!"
    The Redmons / Bradenton, FL
  • "Words can't express how thankful I am for all your love, help and support with Sheba. You are truly special people and it meant a lot to myself and my son."
    Lori - Lakewood Ranch, FL
  • "Thank you so much for caring for Tyler while we were at a funeral... Thank you for a kind and caring heart and standing in the gap for us Bless you all!"
    The Bennett Family - Lakewood Ranch, FL
  • "We wish to thank you for your care & kindness during the loss of our beloved Molly. You provided her wonderful care for 16 yrs! Dr. Sookra saw her the second day I had her and was with her to the end. You all are such a kind, loving family and we are grateful for the care you extend. Thank you so much for all you do! We appreciate you all very much."
    The Stutts Family - Apollo Beach, FL
  • "hank you all for your wonderful care of Mau. It means a lot to have a vet's office that I completely trust with my animals. Mau is doing great, but I think he misses all of you!"
    The Redmons - Bradenton, FL