Did you know that dog and cat theft is on the rise this year?  The American Kennel Club reported almost three times the usual number of dog thefts as compared to early 2008. The most vulnerable were animals left alone in cars or left outside a store while the owner was inside shopping. Purebreds, small dogs were among the most stolen.

You can avoid theft by helping your pet keep a low profile. If you like a particular breed, don’t broadcast it by car stickers or outdoor signs. Be very wary of strangers who appear overly inquisitive about your pet. When you’re out, always keep your dog on his dog leash or in a fenced-in yard. Never leave him unattended in a car. So many people do this and besides the fact that it is cruel and unhealthy, you really run the risk of someone snatching him!.

Be sure that your pet has an adequate and up to date ID. Micro chipping is an excellent idea. The person who steals your dog does not have any idea that he has a micro chip. If and when the “stealer” takes it to the vet for the first time, there’s a good chance that the vet will scan the dog or cat. This will reveal the true owner.

In combination with micro-chipping, the AKC recommends using a 24-hour recovery service that maintains your current contact information. This is especially helpful if you do a lot of travelling.