Dog Theft Awareness Day 2025 is organised by the Stolen and Missing Pets Alliance (SAMPA). The day aims to raise awareness of the number of dogs that are stolen every year, with 4,403 theft cases between 2019 and 2023.
Below are a few ways to keep your beloved pet safe:
- Microchipping: Make sure your dog is microchipped and that it is up to date with your latest information. You should also ensure their collar contains information such as your mobile number and address, just in case they’re found and you need to be contacted.
- What’s in a name? While your dog’s collar should have your contact details, make sure you don’t include your dog’s name on here as this could make it easier for thieves to lure them in and convince anyone else that they’re the rightful owner.
- Vary your walks: Try and walk in different locations at different times. Some thieves may aim to track your dog and may be waiting on a popular route. You should always be aware of your surroundings, and be mindful if someone stops you and starts asking questions about your dog. If you can, train your pet to respond to commands and not to go with strangers, which can be a crucial factor in preventing pet theft.
- Never leave your dog out of sight: Don’t leave your dog tied up outside of shops, or out of your view when in the garden or alone in the car. If your dog spends a lot of time in the garden or any outdoor space, make sure it’s secure and check for any gaps in the boundaries of your garden, you could also consider fitting a bell to the gate so you can hear it opening and closing.
If your dog is stolen, the first thing you should do is call the police on 999 and report it as a case of theft, not a lost animal, and make sure you get a crime reference number.
Then you can report the theft to the microchip database, which means that if anyone tries to re-register your dog, you will be notified. Also, spread the word that your beloved pooch is lost, the more people know and the faster you act, the better your chances of getting your dog back home.