Pet Theft Awareness Day was started in the late 1980s by The Last Chance for Animals campaign to raise awareness about pet theft and ways in which to keep your pet safe from theft. Read our pet calendar: pet theft awareness day with tips for cat and dog owners.
Losing a pet has to be a pet parent’s worst nightmare. Did your pet get stolen or did he run away? Is he safe or injured or ill? Where is she and will you ever see her again? The questions are endless and a pet parent needs to be aware, but not so hyper-vigilant that they can’t sleep at night about keeping their pets safe.
Pet Calendar: Pet Theft Awareness Day
Are there dogs that are at higher risk for theft?
There are some breeds that are at a higher risk for theft and those include purebreed dogs like:
- Chihuahua
- Yorkies (Yorkshire Terriers) this is the most stolen dog in the United States
- Maltese
- French bulldogs
- Designer breeds
This is not to say that any dog, any breed, couldn’t be stolen.
What steps can a pet parent take to protect his or her pets from theft?
- Make certain your dog has a microchip
- Make certain your dog is wearing a collar with a tag and your contact information
- Make certain your dog has a collar/tag and microchip
- Never leave your dog unattended in your car or in your fenced-in yard
- Keep information about your dog up-to-date.
- Keep your dog on a leash and collar so he doesn’t run off
- Have up-to-date photos
- Have photos of you and your pet together
- Always be aware of your surroundings and for the potential of theft of your pet
What can a pet parent do if his or her pet gets stolen or lost?
- Immediately call the police
- Share photos on social media and ask friends and family to share as well
- Contact the local animal shelter and let them know your pet is missing
- Contact local veterinarian’s offices and let them know your pet has gone missing
- Walk around your neighborhood and call for your pet
- Hang up missing pet posters
- Look online for dogs for sale as your dog may be there
- Search online on “lost pet” sites
- Be aware of scams. People may say they’ve found your pet and ask for money but they don’t really have your pet
- Don’t lose hope and keep searching until you find an answer that puts your mind at rest
Please keep your pets safe and with you on this day, and every day!
Cat theft awareness
Be aware that cats go missing, too. Keep your cats indoors to keep them protected. If your cats go outdoors, make certain they are microchipped and/or wear collars with your contact information.
Follow the steps above if your cat goes missing to get her to come back home.
Also, if your cat dashes out the door and isn’t accustomed to being outdoors, place his litter box outside and he may come back home if he is lost and afraid.
