How to protect your dog from being stolen

Dog theft is a serious crime and emotionally distressing. It has a serious mental impact on owners, and thieves see it as an opportunity to make quick financial gains.

It's a serious offence where perpetrators can face up to five years in prison. Here, we discuss the rise in stolen dogs and what you can do to lower the risk.

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Understanding the risk

British Police recently revealed at least 2,290 dogs were stolen in 2023 alone, a 6% rise on 2022. Some breeds and locations were were more at risk than others, like French Bulldogs and places like London.

We discuss some high-risk breeds, locations and scenarios in our most stolen dog breeds article. Generally, though, all dogs are at risk. Don't assume yours is exempt from theft if it's unpopular.

Why do thieves target dogs?

The primary reason is for money. Dogs are either sold or used as breeding adults so thieves can get financial gain.

It's sometimes a premeditated crime, but more often than not, thieves are opportunistic.

Preventive measures at home

There are steps you can take to reduce the chances of dog theft for you and others in your area.

Secure your property

Make sure your home is well-secured. Most pet thefts happen outside in the garden, but having a secure home reduces the chances of thieves taking the risk.

Don't leave your dog unattended

Never leave your dog unattended outside, especially in the front garden. Most pets are stolen from the garden when left alone, even if it's for a few moments.

We never recommend leaving them tied up unattended outside a shop either.

Secure your garden

Having a secure, safe garden can go a long way to keeping your dog secure. This deters thieves but also stops your inquisitive pup from escaping.

Our article on making your garden pet-friendly may help.

Microchip your dog

Microchipping your dog is a legal requirement, and it's the most important thing you can do to keep them safe.

Microchips give your pet a unique number which associates them with you. This means if your dog is found or rescued, a shelter or the authorities can reunite you with your dog.

Make sure your dog's microchip and collar ID information is regularly updated.

Investigate dog carers carefully

You may use a dog carer, walking service or a kennel, so make sure they have the proper references. Not doing your due diligence here can put your dog at risk.

Invest in home surveillance and security systems

Cameras and other home security systems can act as a deterrent.

Protect your dog during a walk

While rarer, there are still cases of dogs getting stolen during a walk. Again, preventative measures are best here.

Always use a lead

A lead-trained dog is less likely to run off and get lost. It also lessens the chances of thieves taking a chance to steal yours.

Follow some general safety tips if you're walking in cold weather or at night too.

Choose the right lead and collar

Make sure your dog's lead and collar are well-fitting and secure.

Our article on choosing the right collar or harness can help.

Vary your walking times and routes, if possible

This may seem too paranoid. But walking at different times and trying out different routes can lower the chances of a thief profiling you.

Consider a GPS tracker

Some owners benefit from a dog GPS tracker, which can help find yours if it gets lost.

Avoid people asking too many questions

Don't engage with someone who is asking too many questions about your dog, like if they're neutered or other personal questions.

They could be a thief profiling you. Simply walk away, end the conversation and call for help if you feel unsafe.

Make sure you report any suspicious activity to the police.

Community and social networking

Community is an effective security blanket. Knowing your local dog owners and interacting with them can help you all spot risks earlier. And if someone has experienced an attempted theft or something odd, you'll hear about it.

We recommend using social media to keep track of and report suspicious activities. On the topic of social media, don't post about your dog too much. Much like how thieves can use social media information to target homes for theft, they can do the same for dogs.

Tips for using social media to find your dog

Social media is a good opportunity to reunite with your lost pet, but you need to use it properly:

1. Use a recent photo of your dog and as much information as you can about where they were last seen. Do mention they've been stolen.

2. Post on as many platforms as you can and ask for friends and family to share.

3. Tag local authorities, vets, shelters and businesses and ask them to share your post. If you're not sure how to tag them, ask someone to tag them in the comments.

4. Set your social media profile to "public" so people can message you.

5. Keep a close eye on social media, and try searching. For example, 'lost dog in London' or 'brown Akita found'.

Social media can also be a good way to talk with other owners who are going through the same thing and provide you with emotional support. Losing your beloved pet can have a major impact on your mental health, so reach out for support at charities like Blue Cross.

What to do if your dog is stolen: legal awareness and reporting

You should know your way around The Pet Abduction Act, which came into force in August 2024. It gives pet owners better protections against theft, increases the punishment for the crime and elevates the status of pets from property.

You should also know how to report a theft properly, as it increases the chances of finding your dog. Call the police on 101 immediately and get a Crime Reference Number.

It's essential to let them know your dog is stolen, not missing. Next, report the theft to your local authority dog warden.

We also recommend:

Chatting with local charities and rescues

Give them your contact details and information about your dog, like their microchip number.

Engaging with the local community

Distributing missing posters and making people aware can help.

Updating your microchip provider

They can register your dog as missing. It also means that if someone tries to register your dog's microchip again, you'll be informed.

Scanning for ads on social media and papers

See if any of these match your dog's description.

Contacting your local vet

This means they'll know it's your dog if they end up at the vets.

Speaking your local paper

They may be interested in your story, can warn others and get more people searching for your dog.

Getting your documentation together

Things like receipts, vet records and photos of and with your dog can act as legal precautions.

Chatting things through with your pet insurance provider

Our lost and stolen cover can give you essential financial support, for example.

Using as many missing animal websites as possible

There isn't a single website for this, so get information on as many as possible. Examples include DogLost and the National Pet Register.

How dog insurance can help

Dog insurance can help you prepare for the unexpected, especially our lost and stolen cover which includes £1,500 for advertising and reward money. It's covered as standard in our Complete policy.

We're always on hand to chat things through and help you if your dog is missing or stolen, too.

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