More than once in the past few weeks I have read an article about pet theft. Why would someone steal man’s best friend?

To the millions of dog owners in the United States, the thought of their beloved pet getting stolen is a nightmare. Unfortunately, pet theft is on the rise and owners need to be vigilant about protecting your beast. Thieves not only steal dogs from backyards, but have been known to break into a home or even yank the animal right out of a child’s arms.

There are definitely some things you can do to protect your dog or other pet.

Be Kind Use A Leash and Be Vigilant

Rule number one is to keep your dog on a leash. Keeping your dog close to you reduces the likelihood he will wander off and catch the unwanted attention of thieves.

Second, don’t leave your dog unattended in your yard. While those of us with fenced yards feel safe letting Rover comb the yard alone, thieves are on the prowl. Leaving your dog outside for a long period of time makes him an easy target, especially if your fenced-in yard is visible from the street.

I hate to say it, but you have to be extra careful with giving out information on your mutt.  If strangers approach you to admire your dog during walks, be careful with how much information you give. Keep how much your dog cost and any other specific details to yourself.

Suffice it to say you should never leave your pooch or other pet in an unattended car, even if it's locked. Not only does leaving your dog in the car alone post obvious health risks to him, it's also an invitation for thieves, even if you are gone for only a moment.

In the old days, guys would tie their horse outside the saloon, and dog owners have been known to do the same with their pup. This popular practice among city-dwelling dog owners can be a recipe for disaster. If you need to go shopping, patronize only dog-friendly retailers or leave the dog at home.

Technology

Do you have a Lo-Jack for your car in case it gets stolen? Technology is a great thing and adding an inexpensive and unintrusive locator chip in your pet is a great way to find him if he gets stolen or just gets lost. Collars and tags can be removed so make sure you have permanent ID with a microchip. Keep contact information current with your microchip recovery service provider so you can always be found should your dog be recovered.

I hope this helps keep families together because after all, dogs are important parts of our lives!