What To Do If Your Pet Was Stolen!

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We all worry about this from time to time and we should. Over 2 million pets are stolen each year. You hear the horror stories about people stealing pets all the time. I can only imagine how sad and scary a situation it must be. What's even worse than that is that stolen pets are sometimes used as bait dogs in dog fights, experiments in laboratories, food for certain cultures or just plain tortured. It's horrifying and it's a crime. Here are a few tips on keeping your pet safe....

1. Make sure you have your pet microchipped even if they stay in the house all the time (like cats). You never know when someone might accidentally let them out. 

2. Don't leave your pet outside in your yard unattended while you are at home and especially when you are not at home. Stay out there with them as they enjoy the yard. You can get some fresh air too.

3. Don't leave your pet in a vehicle unattended.

4. Don't let people you don't know or don't know well watch your pet or walk your dog.

5. Make sure you keep up-to-date photos and written descriptions of your pet just in case of an emergency.

6. Beware of strangers in your neighborhood. Report an unusual or suspicious behavior to the Police and/or Animal Control immediately. Make sure you write down the license plate numbers of suspicious vehicles that you see. However, word of caution -- don't be too obvious that you are doing it.

7. Don't talk to strangers about the value, bloodlines, training or special abilities of your pet.

8. If a stranger approaches you about buying or breeding your pet, tell him the pet has been spayed or neutered (even if it hasn't). Write down the person's name, address (if you can get it) and license plate number. Make sure you keep a close eye on your pet afterwards!

9. Spay or Neuter your pets. This will make them less inclined to wander and eliminates any resale value for breeding purposes.

If you suspect that your pet has been stolen then click here for instructions on what to do. Remember, time is of the essence so don't delay. Act quickly!