12 June 2022 – 13:14 BST

Tania Leslau

Top tip for dog owners: The thought of having your pet stolen is a terrifying prospect, but there are steps you can take to protect your dog from theft. Keep scrolling to find out more…

Have a dog stolen is every owner’s worst nightmare. The UK is a dog-loving nation with around 9.6 million pet dogs in the UK alone, so the thought of having our pet stolen is a horrible thought. Unfortunately, dog theft is on the rise, with certain breeds being the most frequently targeted.

MORE: 5 naughtiest dog breeds most likely to wreak havoc in the home

With the help of kennel storewe’ve rounded up the five best steps to take to protect your dog from thieves and what to do in the event of an upsetting incident if your beloved pup is caught.

Microchip

Microchipping your dog is a painless procedure, often done when the dog is a puppy, that gives owners peace of mind. Registering and storing their details with your veterinarians allows your dog to be scanned and returned safely to their rightful owners should they go missing or be caught.

Make sure your property is secure

Letting your dog roam freely in your yard can pose certain risks if your outdoor space is not secure. Consider planting hedges around the perimeter of your garden to deter potential thieves, and consider only allowing your dog to play in your back garden, as these are often more private than your front garden.

SEE: Top 7 dogs to own if you don’t have a garden – and they’re not all small!

Appropriate refresher training

When training your dog, make sure he responds to his name and responds to you when called on his walks. This will give you peace of mind, especially if they are flowing and not visible, if you are walking through wooded areas.

While improving their recall ability, use an extendable leash. This allows them to still have the freedom to explore, but you also have control and are able to bring them back to your side at any time.

Routine

If you are informed of suspicious activity in your area or in a place where you walk frequently, it is advisable to change your routine. If there is a potential thief waiting for you in a certain area at a certain time, walking to a different area at another time can alleviate some anxiety and eliminate your dog as a potential target.

If you notice suspicious activity, report it to the police who can take appropriate action and advise you further.

RELATED: 5 Budget Dog Breeds: Meet The UK’s Most Affordable Puppies

Conscious use of social media

We all love taking photos of our dogs, but be careful when using location tags. This allows prying eyes to have an accurate location of where you are and what time. It’s especially risky if it’s somewhere you visit regularly, so label your location with caution.

What to do if you suspect your dog has been stolen

If you suspect your dog has been stolen, report it to the police as soon as possible. Give them as much detail as possible, what happened, where it happened, who you saw that day, any suspicious activity, what the person(s) was carrying and if a vehicle could have been here.

You can also report it to Doglost.fr which is a free site that lists missing pets and helps reunite owners with their dogs. Report it to your local council and see if they have any information. For a list of UK Council contact details, please click here. If your dog is microchipped, contact your vet and let them know your pet is missing and they can give you advice on the microchipping database for updates.

RELATED: 5 Budget Dog Breeds: Meet The UK’s Most Affordable Puppies

If someone shows up with your dog, be suspicious and check that they are legit. Go to a public place and ideally take someone with you for your own safety and be careful if they ask you for money or some form of payment.

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