Stolen Pets

It is estimated that nearly two million pets are stolen each year. ​

The American Kennel Club estimates that over 10 million pets are lost or stolen in the United States each year. Although most missing pets are lost, not stolen, pet theft does occur.

Reasons Pets Are Stolen: ​

Most often, there is a profit motive to pet theft.

• Someone might steal a purebred dog in the hopes of selling it to an unsuspecting individual. This is known as "flipping". Small, purebred dogs like Yorkshire Terriers, Pomeranians, Maltese and Chihuahuas are the most common targets. Such breeds can be sold for thousands of dollars.
• A pet may be stolen for the prospect of a reward.
• If the pet is not neutered, it may be stolen for sale to a breeder or a puppy mill.
• Dog fighting rings snatch breeds that have a reputation as fighters - Pit Bulls, Boston Terriers, German Shepherds, and Boxers. Dog fighting rings also snatch cats.
• Sometimes disgruntled neighbors or family members will steal a pet.

If you believe your pet has been stolen, here are some suggestions.

Advice for Recovering a Stolen Pet: ​

1. File a police report with your local police department or sheriff's office immediately. A police report will be useful for identification purposes when retrieving your pet and could prove helpful in court if a suspect is brought to trial. If the authorities are hesitant to prepare the report, remind them that pets by law are valuable “property” and their theft is either a felony or misdemeanor under all state laws. By law, the police must take action on your complaint. Be persistent. The American Kennel Club recommends: If your dog has a microchip, ask to have that unique serial number, along with the dog's description, posted in the "stolen article" category on the National Crime Information Center.
2. Follow the suggestions on our lost pet advice pages. It is possible that your pet was not stolen or that even if stolen, it escaped.
3. We recommend that you post a lost report. It is best not to mention that you think the pet was stolen. It might make the thief or an honest good Samaritan hesitant to come forward.
4. Canvass the area where your pet was last seen to see if anyone observed the theft.
5. Put up flyers in prominent places in the area where you think your pet was stolen.
6. Contact local media outlets like newspapers, radio and television. Include a photo and provide details about your situation that are likely to arouse sympathy or relate an interesting story.
7. If someone does claim to have your pet, never meet in an out of the way place; never meet alone, and do not hand over money until you have the pet in hand. If someone calls and says they have your pet but need money to send it to you - beware! This is a common scam.
8. When pets are stolen to be sold for profit, especially pure bred cats and dogs, they may be advertised. Check Craigslist, Facebook, and other places where pets are sold.

Protect Your Pet From Being Stolen ​

• Never leave your pet unattended.
• Do not tie your pet up outside a restaurant or a store.
• Do not leave pets in a car, even for a few minutes.
• Even if you have a fenced yard, be careful if it is visible and accessible from the street. Do not leave your pet alone for extended periods.
• When walking your pet, always keep it on a leash.
• Do not allow your cat to roam free. Indoor cats live longer and healthier lives.
• Have your pets spayed or neutered. Not only will they be less vulnerable to theft, they will also be less likely to run off.
• Be sure your pet is wearing an ID tag with a current phone number.
• Get your pet microchipped and keep your registration updated.

Finally, do not become a party to pet theft by buying a purebred pet without papers and a verifiable source.