February 14 is Pet Theft Awareness Day!

Tomorrow, February 14, is Pet Theft Awareness Day, sponsored by Last Chance for Animals. This year will be the 20th anniversary of this very important pet awareness day! Sadly, many dogs, cats and other domestic animals are stolen every year, often by Class "B" dealers, who are licensed to purchase and sell animals for research. Unfortunately, they often resort to stealing our beloved animal companions, sometimes from right within our own yards. These animals are often stolen pets, strays or animals obtained under false pretenses and deception such as “free to good home” ads. It is virtually impossible to know the true history of an animal acquired by a Class “B” dealer. Each time a Class “B” dealer sells an animal to a research lab, a strong possibility exists that it is a lost or stolen family pet.

Here are some tips, offered by Last Chance for Animals, on how to protect your pet and family from animal theft:

DON’T leave companion animals unattended in your yard. It only takes a minute for someone to steal your pet.
DON’T allow your pet to be visible from the street.
DON’T leave your dog tied up outside restaurants or stores.
DON’T leave any animal unattended in your car, even if it is “just for a minute.”
DON’T use “free to good home” ads to place companion animals. These ads are often answered by Class “B” dealers. Contact a rescue group for assistance in conducting your own adoption.

DO spay and neuter your companion animals. This reduces your animal’s desire to stray and reduces the risk of your companion animal being stolen for breeding purposes.

DO provide your companion animals with collars, ID tags, and licenses. Speak with your veterinarian about backup forms of identifications, including tattooing and microchipping.

DO keep recent photos and written descriptions of your companion animals on hand at all times.

DO keep dogs and cats indoors, especially when you’re not home.

DO know where your animals are at all times. Treat your companion animals as you would a small child.

DO educate family, friends, and neighbors about pet theft

Properly Identifying Your Pet
A good dog collar with an ID tag is the first line of defense against pet theft; however, a collar can break or be pulled off. In addition to a collar, dogs should have permanent identification. Microchipping and/or tattooing your pet are excellent ways to ensure their safety.

Additionally, if your pet ends up at a research or medical facility, the researchers are required by law to look for any tattoos, and, if one is found, they must trace the pet back to the owner.

Visit the official website of Pet Theft Awareness Day, StolenPets.com, to learn more about pet theft, what to do if you suspect your met is missing or stolen, Class "B" dealers, and what you can do to help make their practices illegal!