Dognapping On the Rise—Protect Your Pet

Thursday, August 2, 2012 - 11:15am
Dognapping On the Rise—Protect Your Pet

Pet theft is on the rise. The American Kennel Club, which has been tracking pet thefts since 2007, reported a 32% increase in dog thefts last year.

While some animals are snatched from their yards or during home invasions, opportunistic thieves most commonly steal dogs left in cars or tied up outside stores. In the ASPCA’s hometown of New York City, dognappings skyrocket every summer as pet parents take advantage of nice weather to combine dog-walking with errand-running.

Protect Your Pet
Avoid becoming a victim of this heartbreaking crime!

  • When running errands around town, visit pet-friendly establishments or please leave your dog at home.
  • Keep a close eye on your pet in designated off-leash areas, where he could become a target for criminals looking to make a quick buck. (Pet thieves often try to resell—or even hold for ransom—stolen dogs.)
  • Avoid leaving your pet unattended in the front yard, especially if your lawn is exposed or accessible.
  • The same rules apply for leaving your pet tied up outside a store. In addition to being vulnerable to theft and teasing, your dog might escape or get injured.
  • Microchip your pet! Microchipping can often mean the difference between temporary and permanent separation from your furry loved one.

For more important information about what to do if your pet is missing, please read our article on Finding a Lost Pet.

Tags: 
Pet Care

Comments

Thu, 08/02/2012 - 17:17 — Sharon Harris (Visitor)
yes, everyone should be careful about watching their pets. All three of mine are chipped now. But one day it was cool and as I was about to leave them in a locked car with the moon roof slightly open for airflow, when a lady walked over telling me to avoid leaving them in there at all, she had been told of someone, even in mall or store lots, breaking in by the roof to remove med to small dogs! I thanked her, took them home, and returned later. I was unaware these thieves were in our area, and am still thankful to her for taking the time to warn me of the possibility of losing our beloved pets. Thanks for spreading great information.

Fri, 08/03/2012 - 10:50 — Mobile Pet Mom (Visitor)
You should *NEVER* leave your animals in the car, regardless of the weather!!

Fri, 08/03/2012 - 11:06 — Evie (Visitor)
I completely agree with you! I feel so sorry for the poor babies left in cars. Very selfish of owners. Just leave them home where they are cozy and comfortable! How would you like to be locked up and left in a car alone!

Fri, 08/03/2012 - 11:21 — mary hager (Visitor)
Actually my dogs, German Shepherds, love to be in the car. When the weather is cool I often take them. It's another chance for them to get out, see people, drive around, get some fresh air. I don't leave them there more than a few minutes. However, believe me, I won't do that anymore!!

Fri, 08/03/2012 - 12:46 — steve (Visitor)
We are Pet Sitters in Oregon and we take our dog almost everywhere, wine touring etc. She loves the car and being with us. We would never leave her in the car if the weather was too hot, very rare in Eugene. All it takes is using some common sense. If you can't eat outside at a restaurant with your pet park where the car is visible. We have been taking her with us for 12 years and no problem. She would much rather be with us than at home, guarantee. Steve

Fri, 08/03/2012 - 15:41 — Elisabeth Dye (Visitor)
My dogs, all Labradors love to ride in the car. You just have to get the keys and they are there, sitting by the door, to go for a ride. I take them with me when it is cool /cold. In the sommer it gets way to hot in Texas.

Fri, 08/03/2012 - 21:16 — estatesalelover (Visitor)
You IDIOT! This is not about taking your dog for a ride in the car. It is about leaving them alone in the car! Instead of commenting and showing such stupidiy and ignorance, why don't you read the article? Then you would not be making such an inappropriate response.

Fri, 08/03/2012 - 22:33 — Mary (Visitor)
Estatesaleover, People have the right to post ANY comment they want. You must really have some issues getting so bent out of shape and being such an ass. You are not the comment monitorm so go take you meds and calm down.

Fri, 08/03/2012 - 22:51 — DJ (Visitor)
i agree we all have a right to our opinion. If your Dog wants to go take them. I do but if I am leaving them in the car it has air left on if it is warm out. I don't leave them in ther for more than a few minutes.

Sat, 08/04/2012 - 18:13 — Kathy (Visitor)
What most people don't know is that it's against the law in most states. I've seen for myself animal care remove a pet, also I''ve seen dogs die from being left in a car. Leaving a window open does not cool off a car in the heat of the summer.Acar can reach over 110 degrees in minutes.

Sun, 08/05/2012 - 08:11 — Dureen S (Visitor)
I agree with you. I am a huge advocate to help dogs or any animal that are left alone in a car. I have seen this happen 4 times this summer. I have called 911 to report this and I also leave a flyer on the windshield to try to educated people on the dangers of leaving their pet alone in a car. I did not realize that there are also major concerns about pets being stolen from cars, too. We sure do live in a crazy world where we can't trust anyone! How sad... It's up to us to speak out and protect these innocent helpless animals. They can't speak so we have to be their voice. Thank you to all of you wonderful people who look out for the precious animals.

Fri, 08/17/2012 - 20:40 — Margo (Visitor)
I completely agree with you. Well said! I have called local police and reported dogs locked in cars... doesn't matter if the windows are open or not! People should try sitting in a car with a cracked window for 5 minutes and see how hot it gets. Then multiply that by like 10X because dogs are much more susceptible to heat exhaustion due to their poor ability to cool themselves... remember they are covered in fur and don't sweat! We all need to be aware of the health risks as well as theft risks when we see dogs left in cars or when anyone considers leaving their dog in the car. I never will.

Thu, 09/06/2012 - 09:50 — lisa (Visitor)
so true i just found out how quick your car can heat up you had the best comment

Mon, 08/06/2012 - 12:38 — Maribel (Visitor)
thank you i was ready to post something inthis person e-mail

Fri, 08/03/2012 - 22:49 — Brandie (Visitor)
Do you really need to call someone an idiot? This is the ASPCA site for goodness sakes, not some Yahoo! comment thread. If we are all on this site, we all love our animals. Everyone, including you, can learn more about care of animals. We are not all knowing.

Sat, 08/04/2012 - 14:37 — Denice (Visitor)
Brandi...nicely put. This site is for the benefit of dog and pet owners. The overall picture is about keeping our beloved pets safe and out of harms way. I take my lab in my car when I run a quick errand and I'm parked outside the store front for a few minutes, and only because she is older now and I can't take her for walks and swims so I feel bad. I live in Alaska where it's cool in summer. I don't take her in the winter.

Fri, 08/03/2012 - 23:02 — Lucee (Visitor)
Wow, aren't YOU sweet. I hope you show more kindness and courtesy to your pets than you do the NICE people on this blog! The writer who was talking about their obviously LOVED Shephards was just sayin'... I mean WHAT is YOUR problem? YUCK, you are awful! :-/

Sat, 08/04/2012 - 03:57 — Jill Powers (Visitor)
Wow! what a rude response! I leave mine in the car for short periods while I run into the store but I leave all the windows all the way down and never leave them when it's hot. God help the one who tries to take my dogs. lol

Sun, 08/05/2012 - 08:19 — Dureen S (Visitor)
If you know that you have to make a stop at a store or anywhere...you really should leave your dog(s) at home where they will be out of harms way and safe. Why take a chance on having someone take your pet and if it's hot or cold outside they could get very sick from extreme temperatures. It only takes a few minutes for a pet to get overheated, get heat stroke, brain damage and it could cause death. Dogs do not sweat like we do. It is very difficult for them to handle extreme temperatures. I love having my pups with me, too, however... I always try to do what is best for them and I always want to protect them from harm. Keep your animals safe...use common sense... Would you leave an infant or small child alone in a car while you stopped at a store? Animals need to be protected the same way as we do...

Fri, 08/17/2012 - 20:48 — Margo (Visitor)
VERY WELL PUT! THANK YOU! People need to realize that what feels hot to them is 10X as hot to your pet, if not more! They cannot cool themselves the way we can and overheating happens in a matter of minutes... followed quickly by brain damage, like you said. It is simply not worth the risk for your own benefit. Your dogs may enjoy a ride but they do not know that being left in a car is hazardous to their health and saftey. All they know is they want to be with you. It's up to you to do what's best for them and not be selfish

Sat, 08/04/2012 - 13:05 — Nora G Cofresi (Visitor)
Really. It's always stunning to see how boorish some can get while hiding behind their computers. No need to be so nasty about it. Please make your point without attacking people. Surely you would be more restrained in a face-to-face encounter. Please, folks.

Sun, 08/05/2012 - 11:27 — anotherdogsitter (Visitor)
Estatesalelover, you must have gotten up on the wrong side of the bed. Boy, talk about grumpy over-reaction. So Texas made a comment about going for a ride instead of talking about leaving dogs in cars. Good grief, what's wrong with sharing a dog related story? Don't answer that, it was a rhetorical question. Take your blood pressure medicine.

Sun, 08/05/2012 - 11:42 — Brent (Visitor)
Ha! You my friend sound like a very angry person! Just relax, smile and try to understand the point these people are making, which is different to the point of the author. I've read both thoroughly, and the only "inappropriate response" I see is this one.

Sun, 08/05/2012 - 11:42 — Brent (Visitor)
Ha! You my friend sound like a very angry person! Just relax, smile and try to understand the point these people are making, which is different to the point of the author. I've read both thoroughly, and the only "inappropriate response" I see is this one.

Sun, 08/05/2012 - 11:42 — Brent (Visitor)
Ha! You my friend sound like a very angry person! Just relax, smile and try to understand the point these people are making, which is different to the point of the author. I've read both thoroughly, and the only "inappropriate response" I see is this one.

Mon, 08/06/2012 - 00:00 — Esteban (Visitor)
There is no need to be so offensive. Especially on this site, where we all love and care for our furry friends enough to read through the articles and interact with other pet loving people. There's a way to give your opinion and advise without using offensive language. Calling someone an idiot won't sway them to your beliefs, right or not. Yours truly, Z.E.G.

Mon, 08/06/2012 - 09:14 — Virginia (Visitor)
You are a very angry person. I hope you do not have any animals.

Mon, 08/06/2012 - 13:55 — David (Visitor)
he proably owns a couple of snakes or a possum

Mon, 08/06/2012 - 12:30 — BryD (Visitor)
Is it really necessary to name call & offer an inappropriate comment yourself....wow! Everyone is just trying to help and participate as they see fit.

Mon, 08/06/2012 - 22:18 — desingle (Visitor)
Is something WRONG with you? Very inappropriate reaction to someone simply sharing, on point or not. Civility trumps posting etiquette every time. Wow.

Sat, 08/11/2012 - 15:05 — steph (Visitor)
Hey what's your freaking problem ???)ou don't need to speak to ppl in that manner,talking about being an idiot.you are showing you have no class at all.take ur freaking meds and chill the the **** out.you whanna blow up and pick on ppl ,go for it I'll be waiting for you.

Thu, 08/16/2012 - 22:50 — Amanda (Visitor)
Why do people have to be so damn rude and hasty

Sun, 01/27/2013 - 19:29 — Pamela Baum (Visitor)
wow! That was a ridiculous & inappropriate response! A lot of dogs LOVE to sit in the car & see people go by. Yes, now people know that they may be dognapped & need to be within reach of their owners.....

Fri, 08/03/2012 - 23:02 — stephanie (Visitor)
I completely agree with you! Our golden (and all previous goldens) have LOVED going with us - everywhere - we have traveled throughout the western states, as well as taken our girl well into the Canadian Rockies - she is a fantastic travler, hiker, and walker! We never leave her unattended in the car in hot weather; nor do we leave her in the car if we cannot see the vehicle. We prefer to dine outdoors at dog-welcoming establishments - and so does she! She loves to people watch! Most importantly, we never, ever tie her up anywhere for any reason....

Sat, 08/04/2012 - 23:37 — Jan N. (Visitor)
what you say is very logical i'd say. And always do a second thought about the heat of the day and how long a animal would be in there, and how much air is passing thru the open windows. Some animals would sleep, others might chew..

Sat, 08/04/2012 - 14:28 — Mary (Visitor)
I too live in the Eugene, Springfield area of Oregon.. And I take my maltese mix every where I go.. She loves it! Of course, during hot days, I leave her at home, but if she insists she needs to go with me, I bring her in the store with me if it's just a milk and bread stop. And the only time I use my A/C in the car anymore, is when my little Sophia is with me on warm days.

Sat, 08/04/2012 - 21:39 — Pat (Visitor)
You're taking chances with your dog's life. Common sense? ....It only takes ONE TIME for something to go wrong.

Fri, 08/03/2012 - 13:58 — Patty (Visitor)
I agree with Mary and Steve. My shepherd/elkhound mix hates being left home alone and is happiest when he can come with me. He loves, loves, loves riding in the car; lies down in the backseat with his nose in the air. He's never stressed when I leave him there. I only do this in cool weather in my own neighborhood and when I won't be gone more than a few minutes.

Fri, 08/03/2012 - 15:58 — ChaplinsSmile (Visitor)
The only time I take my Caucasian Ovcharka out in the car is winter time. No excuse for taking dogs out in this heat. A dog napper could get no where near my car without fearing for his life!

Fri, 08/03/2012 - 18:11 — Ashley (Visitor)
was going to say, I pity the ignorant dog theif that attempts to steal a caucasian lol. He'd be lucky to make it out alive. ...Such grogeous dogs, I've always wanted one. (Ended up with a dobe instead)

Sat, 08/04/2012 - 13:09 — Nora G Cofresi (Visitor)
If it's cool or cold, my dogs are coming with me. They love it (yes, I always carry a comforter) and only a fool would dare approach. This doesn't mean that I disagree with the warning but these thieves (the real IDIOTS, and I hope owners listen) are targetting easy marks.

Sat, 08/04/2012 - 01:53 — colleen dietz (Visitor)
I don't think a dog thief would go near 2 Shepherds in your car. I have one and most people are terrified to go near her.

Sun, 08/05/2012 - 01:09 — t hutchinson (Visitor)
Its a fine line.I love having my boyz with me.I do get nervous when i run an errand and i leave them I think what if something happened to me .They would be stuck I leave the air on and the car running Then I think what if the car stops they will die from the heat . There atre always variables in life we just need to choose what we can live with.My dogs a re my FAMILY

Sun, 08/05/2012 - 01:10 — t hutchinson (Visitor)
Its a fine line.I love having my boyz with me.I do get nervous when i run an errand and i leave them I think what if something happened to me .They would be stuck I leave the air on and the car running Then I think what if the car stops they will die from the heat . There atre always variables in life we just need to choose what we can live with.My dogs a re my FAMILY

Sun, 08/05/2012 - 01:10 — t hutchinson (Visitor)
Its a fine line.I love having my boyz with me.I do get nervous when i run an errand and i leave them I think what if something happened to me .They would be stuck I leave the air on and the car running Then I think what if the car stops they will die from the heat . There atre always variables in life we just need to choose what we can live with.My dogs a re my FAMILY

Fri, 08/03/2012 - 12:41 — RC (Visitor)
I live in a hot/dry climate. My dogs love going for drives in my car but I would NEVER think to leave them in the car, even for 5 minutes. People don't realize how hot a car can get even with the windows down. Recently I stopped off at a large warehouse store and I noticed a large dog lying in a van. The doors were locked and the windows cracked just an inch or two. The dog was panting hard. I waited afew minutes and went in with the licence plate number and asked if they would call out to the owner over the louspeaker. No one came. I was told by the store security that they could not do anything to remove the dog and to call the police. I went back out and the dog was in obvious stress. Luckily they were quick to arrive and remove the dog from the car which was like an oven. Just as they got there, another shopper saw me and was going to help me pry the window open to remove the dog. I was told another 10 minutes and it would have been too late. They waited for the owner, who came out of that store about 20 minutes later. She said she only ran into the store for 5 minutes. Please use some common sense and do not leave your animal in the car even if you are going to be away for afew minutes.

Fri, 08/03/2012 - 14:29 — Darlene (Visitor)
Ya right she says 5 minutes but the people that saw this she was gone 20 minutes how could anyone be so stubit.?

Fri, 08/03/2012 - 15:23 — Mike (Visitor)
Actually, everyone is stupid about time. That's why we have watches. And that's why it's incredibly dumb - and irresponsible - to leave pets in the car when it's parked at turned off. Today I saw a cute little pup in a running car (with the AC on.) While that's slightly better, it's still stop the truck stupid: won't take much for the dog to hit something to make the car move. So, here's the simple rule: don't leave your pet in a parked car. Ever. Travel with them, sure - but bring them with you when you exit the vehicle.

Sat, 08/04/2012 - 20:03 — RetiredRN (Visitor)
Firstly, please go back to school & take English, spelling & punctuation lessons. English is the national language of this country...why don't you try to learn to use it properly. With all the assistance out there today, it shouldn't be too difficult. Secondly, I'm really surprised that no one has yet to mention what I consider to be the greatest danger to animals left in parked cars: dog-napping for the purpose of selling them to laboratories for experimentation. The very thought of that happening to any of the dogs or cats we've hadnmakes me want to cry!

Sun, 08/05/2012 - 00:13 — catlady (Visitor)
Retired RN didn't some other people say we should not be picking on each other here? What do you get by making nasty comments about a posters grammar, spelling ect? I'm a rather well educated American and honestly I have NEVER been able to spell. It has nothing to do with intelligence, It's just some kind of block for me that I've had my entire life. It can be odd, I can spell more difficult words but often get tripped up over ones someone may assume would be easy. I don't know why and it doesn't effect my life. I don't understand people who have to judge others for their shortcomings. After all we all have them....obviously you are not a very tolerant person...that may be your shortcoming. Lighten up! I happen to agree pets should never be left in an unoccupied vehicle for ANY REASON. My first thought was also about animals being stolen for lab use I've never been on Craig's List but my best friend (also an animal accitivist) happened to mention people list pets on there. People often don't use good sense when dealing with animals. I feel people who understand these issues should speak out and stand united for the animals. Please excuse me if I made mistakes with my spelling, grammar, punctuation, or syntax. I just write as well as I can.

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