Dog theft is on the rise as thieves target specific breeds which are in high demand, knowing they can turn a profit. Follow our seven great pet security tips to help to keep your dog safe.
1. Microchipping: It’s no small thing
As you will know, it’s a legal requirement to microchip your your dog – in fact all puppies must be microchipped by 8 weeks old. It’s important to keep your details up to date – so if you move or your contact number changes, your dog’s microchip details one of the things that you need to update. This will be invaluable in reuniting you should your be dog is lost or stolen.
2. Pet Security at Home
You might just assume that your pet is safe whilst at home. Often people actually get a dog to boost their home security. Unfortunately these days a dog could actually be the target of a break in. It’s really important to protect your home and your pet with a home security system. An external bell box will deter criminals who can identify professional installed and potentially monitored systems. There are pet safe systems available which allow you to set your alarm without your dog setting it off. (more about that here).
CCTV is also often recommended by police and pet insurers as a way to keep your dog safe – and to help you to keep an eye on your dog. You can see the comings and goings of anyone at your house with a doorbell camera or CCTV but an additional security camera looking over the area your dog uses – perhaps the back garden – is a must have for dog owners. We install internal & external CCTV cameras for people who are keen to keep an eye on their dogs.
3. …and Pet Security when you’re away
If you’re going on holiday without your pet, always use a reputable boarding kennel. Ask people you trust for recommendations. For dog walkers or pet sitters, do you homework and check references to back up recommendations.
4. Playing Out Safely
Most reputable breeders and rehoming charities will ask questions or even do a home check to ensure their puppies are going to homes with secure gardens. Fencing, gates which lock and security cameras can all contribute to keeping your dog secure when they’re out in the garden. It’s advisable to keep an eye on your dog when they’re playing out in the garden.
5. Walkies!
The “W” word… don’t say it out loud – we all know the reaction it gets! Recent reports of people being either attacked or approached by someone who then snatches their dog have caused a real increase in pet owner anxiety. When you’re on your walk, try to remain focused on your dog during the walk and avoid distractions like your phone. Consider carrying a personal alarm device. These are useful for your own safety but they also attract attention / frighten off would be dog thieves. It’s advisable, though not always practical, to vary the times you walk your dog. It might be more achievable to vary the location of your walks. Be aware of strangers approaching you or your dog either on foot or in cars or vans slowing down.
6. #DogsOfInstagram #DogsOfTwitter
Some dogs are social media stars in their own right. Oversharing on social media can lead to security breaches so be wary of sharing too much information about locations, and make sure your dog’s ID tag is blurred out on photos. It is recommended that owners take lots of pictures of their pets from various angles and lots of pictures of you and your dog together (probably without the snap chat filters though…). Such photographs can help to identify and find your dog, as well as prove ownership for reuniting you.
7. Lone Wolf
Don’t ever leave your dog tied up outside a shop. They could easily be snatched whilst you’re inside. Don’t be tempted to leave your dog in a car on their own either. Not only is this bad for them as they can overheat, but it can be tempting for thieves to break into the car and steal your dog.