PET THEFT

AKC Reunite lost pet reporting data cites dog thefts
in the United States are up 150% over the last five years (2024 compared to 2019).

“Microchip your pet and keep a close eye on her.”

Tom Sharp, President and CEO of AKC Reunite

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Aired on Good Morning America 8/8/2022

Aired on WJW Fox 8 Cleveland 10/28/2022

BE AWARE AND NEVER LEAVE YOUR PET ALONE

It only takes a minute for your pet to be stolen in plain sight.

01

WHEN OUT IN PUBLIC

Never leave your dog tied up outside a storefront or alone in a car with the windows down or even when the car is running with the AC on while you’re running a quick errand.

02

FROM YOUR OWN YARD

If your yard is accessible or visible to strangers keep a watchful eye on your pet when it is outside — or even better, stay outside with them.

03

DURING OFF-LEASH WALKS

Your dog may be well-behaved off their leash, but nappers can easily corral your pet if it wanders too far.

COMMON PET THEFT TARGETS (as of September 2022)

Any pet can be stolen for resale or to be used in illegal fighting rings, but some types of dogs are more commonly targeted.

  • French Bulldog
  • Yorkshire Terrier

  • Labrador Retriever

  • German Shepherd
  • Siberian Husky

  • Shih Tzu

  • English Bulldog

  • Golden Retriever

  • Bulldog

  • Pitbull

  • Chihuahua

  • Shiba Inu

WAYS TO HELP PROTECT YOUR PET

MICROCHIP AND ENROLL YOUR PET

  • Make sure your pet is microchipped and that they are enrolled in a recovery service like AKC Reunite.
  • Check to make sure that your information is up-to-date on your pet’s enrollment record.
  • Keep your pet’s microchip and vet records — along with a photo of you and your pet together — to help prove ownership.

ENROLL YOUR PET TODAY!

One in Three Pets Will Go Missing In Its Lifetime.

Lifetime enrollment is ONLY $19.50 online. If your pet’s microchip was purchased with prepaid enrollment, enrollment is FREE. We charge no annual fees. Enrollment will help ensure the safe return of your pet when they are found, but does not signify ownership.

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WAYS TO HELP PROTECT YOUR PET

DON’T FORGET THEIR COLLAR TAG AND LEASH

  • A stray animal with visible identification like an AKC Reunite personalized dog collar or collar tag helps people know your pet is not a stray – and they will be more likely to help.
  • Keeping your pet on a leash mitigates the risk of the pet straying too far ahead or into the woods.

WAYS TO HELP PROTECT YOUR PET

BE CAUTIOUS WITH SOCIAL MEDIA

  • Social media is a great platform for people to “like” your pet, but be wary of disclosing too much contact information so you and your pet are not easily targeted.

WHAT TO DO IF YOUR PET HAS GONE MISSING

As soon as your pet goes missing or you fear it is stolen, get the word out!

TAKE ACTION RIGHT AWAY