Dogs are seen by many as not just pets but members of the family. They're there for you when you need comfort and can give you a sense of security and protection. Dogs can also be costly, with rare breeds costing tens of thousands of dollars. Many people would do literally anything to protect their furry friends from danger or harm, including theft. 

Unfortunately, dog theft is a real thing that often happens in urban areas and even in rural areas across the United States. In fact, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC), more than two million dogs are stolen every year across America, with some being sold online while others are resold at black markets or on the street.

Is Dog Theft A Federal Offense?

Regarding dog theft laws, the short answer is yes, dognapping is a federal offense in America. The penalty for dognapping can vary depending on the state where you live and whether or not you are convicted of charges related to dognapping.

In most cases, dognapping is a misdemeanor offense, meaning that it is punishable by up to one year in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000. However, suppose you are convicted of stealing an animal with the intent to sell or trade it for profit. In that case, you could be charged with a felony punishable by up to three years of jail time and/or fines up to $10,000.

What Breeds Of Stolen Dogs Are Common?

The breed of stolen dogs can influence their chances of being stolen. Smaller dogs are more likely to be stolen than larger ones because thieves are looking for dogs that will fit into their pockets or bags without drawing too much attention. 

Breeds like French Bulldog and chihuahuas fall into this category. Also, these small breeds tend to have softer temperaments, making them less likely to fight back against thieves.

Places Where Pet Theft Is Common

In the United States, dogs are commonly stolen from their homes. They may be taken out of a window or door or even found later in the yard with a rope around their neck.

Moreover, dog parks and dog walking services are two other places where dog theft is common. Dog walkers can sometimes get distracted by conversations or phone calls while walking their pups. This makes them prime targets for thieves looking to obtain your precious dog without any resistance from you.

Why Are Dogs Often Stolen?

There are numerous reasons why dogs are stolen. Some people steal them for monetary value, while others do it to make money, and some keep them as their personal property. For example, stolen pets may be sold on the black market and used for breeding purposes or dogfighting. 

The same is true of cats that have been trained to be petted but then sold off as bait for sporting events like bear wrestling or dog fighting rings.

But not all thieves are criminals with an agenda; some simply want to help out a friend in need by giving them a pet recently lost in an accident or fire. The problem lies in how these 'pet-nappers' acquire their new furry friends by stealing them right out from under your nose.

Ways To Protect Your Pet From Dog Thieves

According to the American Kennel Club, more than two million dogs are sold every year. Sadly, that is not the end of the story. Many of these dogs are later reported stolen. If you own a dog, there are things that you can do to protect your furry family member from pet theft. Here are some ideas:

Get Your Dog Microchipped

Microchipping is a permanent, non-invasive method of identifying your pet that can help reunite you and your dog if he's ever stolen. It should not be considered a substitute for a collar or ID tag, but it's an additional layer of protection.

Microchips are small radio frequency identification chips (RFID) implanted beneath the skin of your dog's neck. They store information about your pet, such as his name, contact details of pet owners, and even medical history. 

If someone with good intentions finds your dog, whether at an animal shelter or on the street, they'll scan him with a particular reader that receives the chip's signal to display all its data on screen.

Don't Leave Dogs Unattended In Cars Or Outside Of Stores

You should never leave your dog unattended, even if they're tied up outside of stores, even if he is leashed. Just like you don't let your kids roam free when you're in the store (because they might run into traffic or show themselves to many strangers), it's not safe to do so with your dog.

Also, leaving your dog tied up outside while you shop is unsafe and likely an invitation to theft. It gives thieves time alone with him, which means they can steal him and sell him before anyone notices he's missing.

Keep Your Dog Tied Or On A Leash In Public

The best way to prevent theft is to keep your dog on a leash. This is because if a thief sees that your dog is leashed, they will probably assume that the dog has pet owners nearby and will leave it alone. However, if the dog is off-leash and running around, thieves may try to steal it. 

In addition, if you walk with an off-leash dog who likes to explore everything in sight (like many dogs do), there's a good chance he'll run away or get lost when he comes across something interesting to smell or chase after. Therefore, keeping him on a leash will ensure that doesn't happen.

If you're looking for quality leashes for dogs of any size or breed at affordable prices, then check out Bitch New York's selection of Luxury Dog Leashes.

Make Sure Your Pet Has An ID Tag With Your Contact Details On It

Another important thing you can do to help protect your dog is to make sure they always have their ID tag on them. This way, if a lost dog ends up in a shelter or at the vet, there's no way anyone can claim that it didn't belong to anyone. You should have your dog's name and address on the information tag and your phone number so people can call you if your pet wanders off.

Also, it's good to keep their rabies tag updated with current information if he gets sick or bitten by another animal and needs medical attention from the vet. If your furry friend has already had their shots but somehow loses their old ID tags over time, be sure that all of those details are included on their new ones as well.

The safest option is to get a personalized or custom dog ID tag from Bitch New York. Their selections are adorable and come in many different shapes, styles, and colors, so there's something for everyone.

Get An Anti Theft Dog Collar

To protect your dog from theft, you'll need to pick out an excellent anti theft dog collar. A good collar should be made of a durable material and should be strong enough to withstand your dog's pulling. 

The collar must be comfortable for your pets because if it isn't, they may not wear it all the time. Make sure that it fits correctly when you put the collar on and doesn't loosen up too much as they move around or play with other dogs.

Bitch New York has a collection of high-end designer dog collars that offer fashionable and functional designs. Their collars are made from high-quality materials and can be personalized to fit your dog's character.

Buy A Heavy-Duty Or Reinforced Crate

To protect your dog from theft, you need to ensure that the dog crate is sturdy and well-constructed. The last thing you want is for a thief to be able to easily break into or carry off your dog's crate. Therefore, robust and heavy-duty dog crates will deter dog thefts.

You also need to think about how easy it is for a thief or your own dog to damage the crate. If the housing can be easily damaged by either party, it will not keep the dog safe. You don't want anything that could fall apart or break down when potential threats are around.

Bitch New York sells this heavy-duty Moderno Dog Crate Grey that is not only stylish but also very secure. Their models can be locked, so you can store your pooch in it when you're away from home, and both of you will feel better.

What Should I Do If My Dog Is Stolen?

If your dog is stolen, there are several things you can do to help find her. The first thing you should do is immediately report a stolen pet or incidents of dog thefts to local police, rescue groups, and animal control. Reporting to authorities will help spread awareness. 

Second, contact all local shelters and ask them if they have seen your stolen dog or other dogs matching her appearance and temperament. If so, record information about these other dogs so that you may be able to tell them apart from yours when she is found. 

Lastly, contact local area pet stores asking if anyone has tried selling a previously owned pet and see if any descriptions match your stolen dog.

Conclusion

We know how important your dog is to you, and we want to help you keep your beloved pet safe from dog theft. While there's no way to prevent all possible dog thefts, you can take steps now that are well worth the effort. 

With the proper precautions and an understanding of what thieves want and how they operate, you can significantly reduce the risk of your pooch being stolen from under your nose.

You don't have time to search online or go from store to store looking for the best deals. That's why Bitch New York is here to provide all of your dog's needs in one place. Everything is conveniently located in one place so that you don't have to waste time searching through countless websites or spending hours driving around town trying to find what you need.