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Preventing Dog Theft: 12 Tips to Protect Your Dog
By kristin MONEY RESEARCH COLLECTIVE
If you’re a dog owner, the thought of losing your best friend to a thief is heartbreaking. Unfortunately, this scenario is a harsh reality for many people.
According to AKCReunite, dog theft has increased 40% in the U.S since 2021. Illegal dog markets are expanding, and dognapping is increasingly profitable. Simultaneously, laws that protect our pooches from dog theft vary greatly from state to state. Most states consider dognapping a misdemeanor, making it more difficult to create a deterrent for this particular crime.
There are steps you can take, however, to keep your dog safe. Staying informed about dog theft prevention strategies and being proactive in maintaining vigilance can help. Read on for our top tips to help you prevent dog theft.
Table of contents
- How to protect your dog from being stolen
- What to do if your dog is stolen
- Preventing dog theft FAQs
- Summary of our guide to preventing dog theft
How to protect your dog from being stolen
Dog theft often happens in the blink of an eye. Here’s how you can protect your best friend.
1. Don’t leave them alone outside
It doesn’t take much time for a thief to enter your yard and steal your dog, particularly if your external space is highly visible from the street or surrounding area. Be sure to keep a close watch over your dog when they’re in the garden. If they need to be outside for an extended period of time, stay right by them. You may also want to consider installing privacy fences and security cameras for enhanced protection.
2. Consider buying an anti-theft dog collar
Anti-theft collars, harnesses and leashes are reinforced with steel. As many dog thieves use the grab-and-go tactic, these accessories can help to deter them from stealing your dog because they are more difficult to cut through. However, it is essential to note that anti-theft accessories may not work with smaller dogs as they’re heavier than traditional dog collars.
3. Consider getting dog theft insurance
Although most pet insurance covers health and wellness, most companies do not offer policies with extensive coverage for theft. However, there are now a few companies that offer benefits for lost or stolen dogs. For example, Figo offers $150 if your pet isn’t found in 30 days, and Fetch offers up to $1,000 for dog theft and lost dogs.
Pet insurance companies may also offer policy riders. For example, Trupanion offers an add-on of $4.95 per month that provides coverage up to $500 for advertisements for stolen or missing pets.
Still unsure about pet insurance? Read more about pet insurance costs, the hidden costs of pet ownership and whether pet insurance is worth it.
4. Don’t leave your dog tied up outside a shop
If you’re a dog owner, you’ve probably faced this age-old dilemma – your dog is with you and you need to make a quick stop in a shop that isn’t pet-friendly. While it may be tempting to leave your furry friend tied outside momentarily, you should think twice. Leaving your dog unattended, even briefly, makes them vulnerable to dognapping. It’s best to only visit pet-friendly stores with your pooch, and if possible, run your other errands at another time.
5. Get a GPS tracker
For you tech enthusiasts out there, GPS trackers are a great way to add an extra layer of protection, and they may help you locate your dog quickly in the case of theft. GPS trackers come built in the collar or in the form of a collar attachment. The GPS tracker works in tandem with an app on your smartphone or other handheld device, and lets you view your dog’s location in real-time. However, GPS tracking is a costly option since it requires a subscription.
Bluetooth tags, while more cost-effective, only function within a limited range of about 30 feet. Bluetooth tags are mostly used for finding small items —like your keys— rather than your pets. However, there are a few Bluetooth options which can work for dog tracking. Tile trackers which function for both Android and iPhone have a range between 250 and 400 feet. Apple AirTag is a great Bluetooth option that allows you to track a dog on any iPhone.
It’s important to note that microchips are used for pet identification purposes, but can’t be used for tracking your dog.
6. ID tags
A pet ID tag is an important tool which gives your dog a better chance of a safe return. Be sure to update the address and phone number on the tag if you change your residence. If you want to prevent dog theft, you should only put your information on the tag. Engraving your dog’s name will give a dognapper valuable information they could possibly use to their advantage.
Dogs who are spayed/neutered are less vulnerable to thieves who sell stolen dogs to breeders, so be sure to also include that information on your dog’s tag.
Similarly, you should consider using ID tags in conjunction with digital ID tags and/or microchipping. With a digital tag, your address and phone number are entered into a searchable online database. A microchip contains a unique identification number and is implanted in your dog. Veterinarians, animal shelters, and animal control centers can then scan your pet’s microchip to access the database and retrieve information about your dog’s identity.
7. Don’t leave your dog unsupervised in your car
Many people consider overheating to be the main danger of leaving a dog in the car. However, leaving a dog alone, even with the A/C on and the windows up, not only makes them easy prey for dognappers but also the possible unintended victims of car thieves. Data from the The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) indicates that almost 500,000 vehicles were stolen in the first half of 2022, a 25% increase from 2019. These statistics show just how important it is to never leave your dog alone in a car.
8. Maintain up-to-date licenses for your dog
Your dog license is one of the most important documents when you need to show proof of ownership in the case of a stolen or lost pet. Keep your dog license up to date with your local animal control agency. Be sure they have your most recent address, phone number and email on file, so they can contact you.
9. Keep recent photos
If you’re a dog lover, you probably show your friends and family photos of your pooches. Current photos of your dog are also useful to make flyers if they get stolen. Additionally, you should take photos of your dog’s unique markings to have on hand in case of theft. Having many photos of you and your dog together is another way to provide proof of ownership.
10. Don’t over-share information about your dog
As much as you love to talk about your fur babies, be selective about the information you give to strangers, especially those who stop you on the street and ask you a lot of questions while you’re taking your dog for a walk.
Dognappers also use social media sites like Facebook to find out about pets. You may feel a camaraderie with members of a group dedicated to a specific dog breed, but be aware that dognappers may be watching these public communities to find out about event locations. Make sure to check your privacy settings on all platforms.
Finally, be wary of hiring groomers, dog walkers and sitters online. Take your pooch to reputable grooming businesses or kennels. If you do choose to contract individuals for these services, be sure to get referrals from people you know and check references.
11. Get your dog neutered
Neutering your dog isn’t only important for your dog’s health and population control, but also helps prevent dog theft. Dognappers target dogs that aren’t spayed/neutered to sell them to breeders or puppy mills.
12. Keep your dog in sight if they are off the leash
Many pet owners want their dogs to enjoy long, off-leash nature walks. However, you should think twice before unleashing your pooch, as dognappers can quickly grab dogs that have strayed too far from their owners. Instead, consider using extended leads.
Although theft may occur more often when people aren’t around, thieves still target off-leash dogs in public places. You should stay vigilant even at local dog parks and dog-friendly entertainment establishments, where dogs are often off-leash and owners are busy socializing.
What to do if your dog is stolen
The first thing you should do if your dog is stolen is file a report with your local police and animal control shelter. Then visit veterinarians, shelters and rescues to look for your pet and put the word out that your pooch has been stolen. If your dog is microchipped, notify the company which manages the database. Pass out flyers locally with large, clear photos of your dog, noting any unique markings or character traits. Similarly, create posts on social media and ask your friends and neighbors to share the news with their friends. Finally, search internet marketplaces often to see if your dog shows up for sale on these websites.
Preventing dog theft FAQs
Summary of our guide to preventing dog theft
- There are proactive steps you should take to prevent dog theft.
- Don’t leave your dog unattended in your yard or in public places. Dog theft often occurs very quickly.
- When dog walking, consider keeping the leash on your dog and using steel reinforced anti-theft collars, harnesses and leads.
- Keep your dog’s ID tags, photos and licenses up-to-date. Also, consider getting your dog microchipped and neutered to better protect against theft.
- Small dogs are vulnerable because they can be easily hidden and carried off. Purebreds are highly coveted for breeding and dog flipping.
Kristin Cobos has worked as a writer, researcher, and educator for 18 years. She holds a B.A. in International Relations from Webster University in Leiden, Netherlands and M.A. in Teaching English as a Second Language from Southern Illinois University — Edwardsville. She covers finance and technology.