Preventing Dog Theft in Montgomery County Maryland

How much do you know about the dangers of dog theft? An estimate of around two million pets get abducted each year. There are various reasons one might abduct a pet including for resale, dog fighting rings, or breeding purposes.

Recently, officers responded to a report of a vehicle in Montgomery County that had been stolen while the dog was still inside. Prevention of pet theft is key, as it is difficult if not impossible to track down a stolen dog. Once a dog is stolen, the thief will likely remove all signs of identification including microchips and GPS collars, and train the dog to respond to a new name.

Even the best-meaning owners can find themselves in unfortunate situations. So, how do you prevent dog theft from happening to you?

Don’t Leave your Dog Unattended:

The best method of prevention is, as much as possible, do not leave your dog unattended. This includes leaving your dog in the car or tied up outside a shop. At home, make sure that your yard is secure, and keep your dog in view when he or she is playing outside.

Protect your Dog:

Your dog should always wear an ID tag with your name and address on it. Make sure your pup is also microchipped, and that you keep the contact information up to date if you change your number or move to a new location. Research and vet any potential pet sitters or kennels before you book services to ensure that any company you employ is reputable and will keep your dog safe and secure. Additionally, take many pictures with you and your dog should you ever need to provide proof of ownership.

If the Worse Happens…

Sometimes, no matter how careful, dogs do get stolen. If you believe your pet has been stolen, report it to the police immediately, as well as to the microchip database. Use recent photos to create posters and share them online and post them around town and contact as many local animal shelters and missing animal websites as possible to let them know about your missing pet.

Losing a pet due to theft is harrowing and traumatic. Hopefully, some of these tips will help you keep your dog safe.