Keep Your Dog Safe From Dog-Nappers

Keep an eye on your dog, warns the American Kennel Club. Dog-nappings are on the rise.

According to a report by the AKC, an increased number of dogs are being taken from parked cars, pet stores, homes and backyards. In fact, three times more dog thefts have been reported in the first three months of 2008 than all of last year, the report states. The AKC attributes the rise to increased ways we “financially and emotionally” value our companion animals as members of our family.

How can you protect from pup from thieves? The AKC offers the following advice:

• Keep your dog on-leash and in sight. Wandering dogs make for easier victims.
• Keep your dog indoors. Leaving your dog outdoors for extended periods of time, especially if you’re not at home, puts him at greater risk.
• Don’t discuss the price of your dog or give details about where you live. Dog-nappers often target high-priced breeds, so if a stranger asks how much your pup costs, keep that information to yourself.
• If you’re a breeder, be alert during home visits of potential puppy purchasers. There have been cases where pups have been stolen from these “potential buyers” who were merely staking out the house, getting a look at the pups and then waiting for a time when the owner was away to strike.
• Do not leave your dog unattended or tied outside a store. Shop at dog-friendly stores or leave your dog at home.
• Keep recent photos of your dog on-hand. In the event he goes missing, you’ll want to quickly put up flyers with a recent photo.
• Get your pup microchipped and keep your identification information up to date.