Tips to Keep Your Pet Safe From Theft

By: Faith P.

Tips to keep your pet safe from theft: The need to keep your pet safe and healthy is key for pet owners. Pet theft has been around for years. It’s not as openly publicized as other thefts as it is often thought the pet just ran away. If you suspect your pet has been stolen, you should immediately go to the police and begin a search. 

As with many things prevention is key. Following a few simple steps might help lower the possibility of a stolen or missing pet.

Don’t Leave Them Unattended.

Leaving your pet unattended gives thieves an easy way to take your pet. When you let your pet out to be active in an open space, it would be in your best interest to watch them. Some places you should never leave your pet unattended are the park, your car, and your yard. Taking your eyes off your pet at a public park is an easy way for thieves to take your pet without you knowing quickly. Leaving your pet in a car is dangerous for them; not only do they have a chance of overheating, but a thief could walk by and break into your vehicle to take them.

One of the main places you will see pets unattended is in their yard. Now, you may think that you have this place to keep your pet safe, and you don’t always have to watch them. However, just because it is your yard and it has a fence, it’s not going to stop thieves from taking your pet. You should always have them in your sight if they are outside.

Use a leash

If you like taking your pet on walks, make sure to keep them on a leash. Even if they are well trained, thieves will target off-leash pets because it is easier to grab them and throw them into something, such as a car, and get away from you. Walking your pet on a strong leash will give you a better chance of fighting off a thief if they try to steal your pet.

Be wary of others

You may be one of those pet owners who love talking about their pet, but be careful what details you give strangers. You also need to be cautious if you notice that someone takes a little too much interest in your pet. Try to avoid mentioning their breed, how much they cost, and never tell your address to a stranger.

Oftentimes we need to interact with “strangers” for services like grooming, pet-sitting, etc. You should always hire a licensed company to provide your pet care needs. Hiring a licensed company adds an extra layer of security. 

Have Security

Having home security will deter thieves from trying to break in or steal from your property, including your pets!  These days you have many options for home security -alarms, cameras, phone alerts- some can even be accessed through an App on your phone. Try also using standard safety protocols for your house: leaving lights and television on when you’re not home, setting different lights to timers, asking your pet sitter to alternate lights and open/close blinds. these all help give the illusion someone is home.

Microchips

Microchipping is affordable and straightforward, it allows your pet to be easily identified. If your pet is taken to a vet or shelter, they can scan the microchip and see all the information on them; this gives you a chance to get your pet back. Attaching an ID tag to their collar is also helpful.  According to a study published by the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (July 15, 2009), 52 percent of dogs with microchips were returned to their owners instead of less than 22 percent of dogs without microchips. 

Conclusion 

In the end, there is no guarantee that your pet will be completely safe even if you take all the precautions. If someone does steal your pet, you should take action immediately; this gives you the most significant chance of getting your pet back. It would be best if you informed as many people as possible, including the police. These tips do not mean no one will try to steal your pet, but they will make the chance of someone stealing your pet lower.

 

Links:

https://www.mypet.com/prevent-lost-pets/tips-to-prevent-pet-theft.aspx 

https://www.embracepetinsurance.com/waterbowl/article/prevent-pet-theft 

https://www.cesarsway.com/how-to-keep-your-dog-from-being-stolen/