Pet theft happens every day in US: Here’s how to prevent it

American Kennel Club
<p>Never leave your dog unattended in your yard. Whether your yard is in the front or back of your house, leaving pets outside by themselves makes them an easy target for thieves.</p>

Anna Draganova/Dreamstime

Never leave your dog unattended in your yard. Whether your yard is in the front or back of your house, leaving pets outside by themselves makes them an easy target for thieves.

Pet theft happens every day across the U.S., and though it is an unimaginable thought, it is important to be prepared and be alert. Pet theft is on the rise, and losing a member of your family can be devastating.

While it cannot always be helped, the American Kennel Club offers tips for protecting your pet from theft.

Walk close. When you’re out on walks with dogs, keep them on the leash and in sight at all times. This will reduce the likelihood of them wandering off or catching the attention of someone with the intent to steal.

Never leave your dog unattended in your yard. Whether your yard is in the front or back, leaving pets outside by themselves makes them an easy target for thieves. Especially if your yard is visible from the street, they become an easy target if alone.

Be wary of what information you give out. It’s fairly normal for strangers to approach you and admire your dog on walks, but giving out too much information about dogs can also put them at risk. Information like how much your dog cost or details about where you live are not things you should share.

Don’t tie your dog outside a store. Leaving your dog tied up outside a store unattended is extremely dangerous, even if you can see your pet from the window. It only takes moments for your attention to be elsewhere and someone to untie pets and take them along. If you need to go in stores, go to dog-friendly establishments or leave your dog at home.

Don’t leave your pet in the car. Similarly to leaving pets outside, leaving them in your car unattended is not only dangerous for the animal, but also can prompt thieves to break in, or steal your vehicle.

Protect your pet with microchip identification. Collars and tags are important, but can be easily removed. Make sure your pet is microchipped with a permanent ID, and keep the information up to date. For more information on microchipping, go to https://www.akcreunite.org.

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