Kid napping is just the latest in the theft of pets. Portland, Oregon is the latest location where goats have been “kid-napped.”

According the American Kennel Club’s Companion Animal Recovery National Pet Theft Database reports about 224 pets have been stolen so far this year. That’s compared to 150 at the same time last year.

The reports are based on customer and media reports to CAR.

They claim they are receiving reports almost daily of pets stolen during home invasions, out of parked cars while people are running errands and even snatched from dog lovers out for a walk in the park.

The group is even seeing dogs stolen from shelters and adoption events, a new trend this year.

Like everything else these days, the economy may be to blame. People may be stealing dogs to resell or even hold for ransom. Others may want to keep the animal for themselves or offer as a gift without having to pay a purchase or adoption fee.

Here are a few tips to try and keep the “kids” and other pets safe!

At Home

• Keep your dog on a leash
• Don’t leave your pet unattended in the yard.
• Be wary of strangers asking questions such as how much your dog cost or where you live.
• Don’t forget to microchip your pet, which provides identification even if thieves remove collars and tags.

On the Road

• This is one more reason not to leave your dog in a car unattended, even if the doors are locked.
• Don’t tie your dog outside a store.

Recovery

• Enroll your pet in a recovery service, such as AKC CAR. 
• If you think your pet was stolen, immediately call the police or animal control officer in the area your pet went missing and file a police report.
• Canvass the neighborhood and talk to people who might have seen the theft.

Don’t buy stolen pets

• Never buy a pet online or from a flea market or roadside van.
• Also be wary of newspaper ads selling animals or people seeking compensation for the purchase of their pet.
• Seek out reputable breeders or rescue groups.