Does Your Family Have a Dog Theft Prevention Strategy?

theft_prevention_strategy_200.jpg

Finding Lost Pets

Losing a pet can be a heartbreaking experience that devastates entire families.  Keep medical history and information about medical conditions with you at all times, always have current photos of your pet and be able to describe coat color/markings.

Take steps to protect your pets from loss and pet theft seizures.  If you experience a loss or theft, or know someone who does, help support them in finding their lost pet.

  • Begin looking quickly and efficiently for a lost pet.
  • Post flyers.
  • Provide a detailed description of your pet, microchip and tattoo identification information to veterinarian offices, animal clinics, animal shelters and groomers.
  • File a report with your local law enforcement if you suspect that your pet was stolen.

Officials at the American Kennel Club have been paying particular attention to stolen dog reports made by owners about dogs stolen from cars, yard and homes.  Since January 2011, the number of pet thefts has increased 49% over the previous year.  Dog Thefts Are Way Up -- Do You Know How to Protect Your Pet recommends that unique microchip serial numbers and your dog's description be posted in the FBI's National Crime Information Center database under "stolen articles."  Other specific prevention tips for pet owners include:

Use a Leash
When owners use a leash for their pets at all times abduction risks can be reduced.  Pets on a leash will remain closer to you.  You can see who is near your pet and quickly move your pet to safety if needed.  Leashes are a primary measure of safety for your pet.  It's quick and easy to go without them, but they can prevent a pet theft when used.  Be consistent with your leash use so your pet can know to "get dressed" and remain in close proximity to you.

Don't Share Information
Sharing information about your habits, living situation, home location, vehicle or family can increase your pet's vulnerability during your absence.  Playing at the beach, dog park or neighborhood park can expose your dog to others that are interested in it.  Special skills your dog has or endearing habits in a pricy breed may increase threat opportunities.  Know who you're sharing your information with.

Dog Friendly Shopping
Your dog is vulnerable to pet theft when you tie it outside a store, restaurant or shop while you make purchases inside.  Make your purchases at dog-friendly stores.  Enjoy your meals at restaurants that encourage pets and people to mix during meals.

Tend to Outdoor Pets
When you leave your animals unattended in their yards you can often have a false sense of your  pet's safety.  Animals that are always outside and visible to others for long stretches of time can become vulnerable to pet theft.  Fences can be scaled, broken into or cut to gain access to your family's beloved pet.

Eliminate Locked Vehicles
It will only take you a minute to run into the store or service station or retrieve your briefcase from the office where you forgot it.  In that same minute, your pet can be stealthily removed from your car.  Vulnerable pets, like electronics equipment in vehicles, can be easily spotted in parked vehicles.  They immediately become sitting ducks to would-be thieves.  Thieves "won't hesitate to steal a dog right out of a locked car," says pet safety company owner Ines de Pablo.

Location

Find us on the map

Office Hours

Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Saturday:

8:00 am-1:00 pm

Sunday:

Closed

Testimonial

Read What Our Client Say

  • "Best Vet team ever!! Thank you Dr Setlock for always being there and taking such wonderful care of all my furry baby's!!"
    Yvette Manzella (Facebook)
  • "Quality care from an amazing staff. The service we've received is second none. Despite this, it is still the most affordable vet I've found. Don't hesitate to bring your pets here, they are cared for by people who genuinely care about animals."
    Jeff Makoroff
  • "It can be difficult to find a veterinary clinic that has wonderful doctors and staff, but Wolf Animal Hospital has it all! I especially appreciate all of the hard work from Dr. Herron. She is patient and kind, and she is always willing to answer every question you might have. She helped me find techniques that allowed my 12 year-old dog to lose weight and helped us choose the best arthritis medication for him. I know my family and I appreciate everything she has done for our pets, and we'd recommend her to anyone looking for a knowledgeable and friendly veterinarian!"
    Andi Cluster
  • "Dr reisterer is very nice and knowledgeable. Very reasonable cost also. No BS fake tests done to increase your bill"
    William Bennett
  • "Dr Setlock is the absolute BEST! He and his team, many of whom have been with him for many years, are both talented and caring. He has wisdom of the years and is able to give a long view of certain problems and how to tackle them. I have been a loyal client since 2004, with multiple rescues, fosters, special needs dogs, and dogs who have developed various disorders through the course of their lives. I wouldn't trust my many fur babies to anyone else!"
    Lisa Dworkin