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10 Ways to Prevent Your Dog from Being Stolen

| February 3, 2015

According to Stay Boy™ Lock, up to 2 million dogs are stolen each year in the United States. The reasons they, say, include use in research facilities, dog fighting, puppy mills and even being held for ransom. Help keep your dog safe and sound with the following dog theft prevention tips.

#1 – Microchip

We all know microchipping can help a lost dog be returned. It can also help if your dog is stolen and later found as part of a police investigation. Collars can be removed, but microchips cannot without evasive surgery. They are a good “first step” in protecting your pet.

Image source: @emilleradar via Flickr
Image source: @emilleradar via Flickr

#2 – Don’t Leave in Yard Unattended

There are many reasons to not leave your dog in your yard alone – but risk of theft is one of the scariest. There are many news stories where dogs are taken right from their yards. Do not leave your dog unattended, even if you are home.

Image source: @ChuckFalzone via Flickr
Image source: @ChuckFalzone via Flickr

#3 – SafeSpot Locking Leash

Think of this as a bike lock for your dog. If you frequent your neighborhood coffee shop and have to leave your four-legged companion outside for a minute or two while you order, this is a must-have. PAWZ Safespot Locking Dog Leash has a fully-adjustable collar and leash in one.

Image source: Amazon.com
Image source: Amazon.com

#4 – Keep Watch at the Dog Park

Crowded dog parks are a great place for dog-nappers to go. One gets you deep in conversation and distracts you (or you are deep in conversation with another owner), and one nabs your dog. Be smart and watchful at dog parks and keep your dog in sight.

Image source: @anneheathen via Flickr
Image source: @anneheathen via Flickr

#5 – Keep Gates Locked

If your dog is outside, keep your yard gates locked with a strong paddock and have fences that are tall enough that someone can’t just reach over and pick up your little dog.

Image source: @PhilSangwell via Flickr
Image source: @PhilSangwell via Flickr

#6 – Don’t Advertise Your Dog’s Value

If you have one of the world’s rarest or most expensive breeds, don’t tell every person that comes up to you on a walk and starts asking questions. They might be asking for a reason that is less than honest. It’s best to not tell people how much your dog is worth.

Image source: @TarotheShibaInu via Flickr
Image source: @TarotheShibaInu via Flickr

#7 –  Spay or Neutering

Altering your dog make them “worthless” to many would-be thieves including breeders, some dog fighting rings owners, etc. It also makes them less likely to roam, another way they can be stolen.

Image source: @nickfullerton via Flickr
Image source: @nickfullerton via Flickr

#8 – Keep them leashed

If you walk your dog off-leash and they run away from you or get out of sight, they could easily be picked up by someone. Keep them safe from theft (as well as injury) by keeping them on-leash.

Image source: @QuinnDombrowski via Flickr
Image source: @QuinnDombrowski via Flickr

#9 – Don’t Leave Your Dog in Your Car

Leaving your dog in your car, even if it’s locked, can lead to a stolen dog. We all know how easy it is to break into cars—don’t risk it with your dog inside.

Image source: @ThomasLillisIV via Flickr
Image source: @ThomasLillisIV via Flickr

 

#10 – Don’t Let Them Roam

A roaming dog can be hit by a car, attacked by a wild animal or stolen by thieves. Don’t let your dog roam. If you have an escape artist pup, keep them inside unless they are with you on a leash.

Image source: @hardwarrior via Flickr
Image source: @hardwarrior via Flickr

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