U.S. Stolen Pets

How many pets are stolen each year in the United States? The answer: approximately 2 million dogs and cats. 

People steal pets for a number of reasons. For one, the individual may try to re-sell purebred dog breeds that are not only rare to find, but worth quite a lot of money. A pet may be stolen as a prospect for a monetary reward or as a way to 'get back' at a neighbor. 

Advice for recovering a lost pet

Contact your local fire department or file a police report for a missing animal. Upload pictures on social media (Facebook, Instagram) as a way to get the word out about your missing pet. Scope out the area where you last saw your dog; and display fliers at neighboring restaurants and shops. If someone says they found your dog, never meet the person alone; and never bring money as a trade-off. 

The best way to protect dogs from being stolen is to fence-in the yard. Fences not only act as a barrier between pet and stranger, but they discourage thieves from attempting to run off with pets. 

October is Animal Safety and Protection Month*