February 14th is mostly known as Valentine’s Day. However, it’s also Pet Theft Awareness Day. Your pet definitely counts as one of your loved ones, and with animal theft unfortunately on the rise, it’s important to be aware of the possibilities of someone stealing your furry best friend. A Tampa, FL vet offers some information on this below.
Statistics
The numbers on lost and stolen pets are quite staggering. About two million dogs are stolen each year here in the U.S. Overall, about one third of all dogs and cats will go missing at some point in their lives. Sadly, the majority of them—roughly 80%–are never found.
High-Risk Pets
While any pet can be stolen, some are at higher risk than others. Purebreds are more likely to be stolen, particularly popular breeds such as Bulldogs and French Bulldogs. However, many small dogs, such as Yorkies, Pomeranians, and Chihuahuas, are also frequently targeted, likely because they are easy to grab and carry.
Prevention
There’s no 100% foolproof way to prevent your furry friend from being stolen, but there are some precautions you can take that will greatly reduce the risk. First and foremost: don’t leave Fido unattended, either in your car or in the yard. Dogs in cars can easily be snatched through a smashed window. (Leaving pups alone in vehicles is also extremely dangerous because of the risk of overheating, but that’s another topic.) If you have a low fence, consider adding on to it or installing a higher one. Next on the list would be getting your pet fixed. Purebreds are often stolen so they can be bred, so a pooch that cannot reproduce isn’t as valuable to breeders. It’s also a good idea to install security cameras on your property. This will also help protect your belongings.
Precautions
There are a few things you can do now that may help recover your animal companion in case they are stolen. First and foremost, we recommend getting your canine pal microchipped. Although ID tags are important, they can easily be taken off. Microchips are permanent, and stand up in a court of law. GPS tags, though they can be removed, are also helpful. Finally, take clear photos of your four-legged friend, from several different angles.
Do you have questions about your pet’s health or care? Contact us, your local Tampa, FL animal clinic, today!
