February 14th isn’t just Valentine’s Day. It’s also Pet Theft Awareness Day — a day to make sure dog parents know the dangers dognappers present to their pooches. In honor of this day, we’re spreading the word to help dog lovers make good decisions and reduce the risk of pet theft.
When it happens, it makes headlines. Tales of stolen dogs reuniting with their rightful families go viral not just because they’re heartwarming, but also because they are the exception to the rule. A study out of the United Kingdom found only one in five of the dogs stolen there each day is recovered.
Kevin McCormick, a former police officer and founder of pet recovery service Trackers Edge, says the numbers for North America probably mirror the British findings and suggests the best way to change them is to protect pets through prevention.
In honor of Pet Theft Awareness Day, here are a police officer’s tips to prevent your pooch from being a target of dognappers.
Never Leave Your Dog Unsupervised Outdoors
“Treat them like a toddler,” says McCormick, who recommends constant supervision for canine companions. “A dog is vulnerable when it’s tied up to a bench, or when it’s out in the backyard alone.”
Such was the case in the much publicized story of Princess, a service Chihuahua reported stolen in Toronto, Canada. Her human tied her outside of a McDonald’s while she ran in to grab a coffee. When she came back, Princess was gone. Thieves unclipped the dog from her harness.
Thankfully, Princess was reunited with her family just 20 hours after she was taken. However, most dogs in her circumstances stay gone for good.
According to McCormick, typical dog theft is similar to bike theft in that it’s a crime of opportunity. On the other hand, it can also be a case of good intentions gone bad.
“Sometimes dogs get stolen — they are technically stolen — but the people who’ve taken them think they are doing the right thing,” explains McCormick, adding that would-be rescuers may assume a dog is being neglected or mistreated if they’re left outdoors or just get away from their human.
“A dog can look like a stray five minutes after it goes out the door if it has bad luck and gets into some mud,” he says.
Microchips Are A Must
While any evil thief or misguided do-gooder can easily remove a collar tag, microchips are permanent and can be your pet’s best bet at reunion after a theft.
“Sometimes if people don’t microchip their dog, they can have a really hard time proving ownership,” says McCormick. “Microchipping is key — it’s like having a serial number.”
On very rare occasions, microchips do fail, but pet parents can arm themselves with backup forms of forensic identification. McCormick once even recommended a dog parent use DNA testing to prove a dog was, indeed, their stolen pet. He says pet lovers should have some DNA on file, and also keep their dog’s paw prints and nose print on record.
Don’t Rely On Wearable Technology
High tech collars that track your dog’s GPS coordinates are great for a lost dog in theory. But if a human has taken your pooch on purpose, a fancy tracking collar can be taken off just as quickly as a plain old set of metal tags.
McCormick says he’s found tracking collars discarded miles from an animal’s true location, likely tossed by human hands. He also cautions against so-called “invisible fence” collars that will shock your dog but won’t stop a thief from carrying them out of your yard.
“They don’t care if the dog gets a jolt,” he says.
Raise The Alarm
If you have reason to believe someone has stolen your dog, report the theft to police right away. Next, let your neighborhood know you’re looking for your dog but not that you’re looking for the thief.
“Don’t put ‘stolen’ on the poster; just put ‘missing pet,'” says McCormick. He suggests victims steer clear of any language that would make either the thief or a third party afraid to turn the dog in.
“Make it sound like whoever found it is a hero,” he advises.
Even without using the word “stolen” in your flyers and social media, getting the word out basically turns your dog into what McCormick calls “hot property.” No one will want to get caught with your pooch, and the thief or person in possession will be more likely to set the dog free or drop them at the shelter.
Stick With Your Dog
According to McCormick, armed robbery of a dog is extremely rare. Most cases of theft pet happen when a pet parent’s back is turned in public.
He says sticking with your best friend is the best way to stop dog theft.
“If your dog’s not unattended, you’re pretty safe.”
What other tips do you have for keeping your dog safe from thieves? Will you help spread the word on Pet Theft Awareness Day? Let us know in the comments below!
