Protect Your Dog Against Theft & Loss.

The high monetary values attached to certain breeds and crossbreeds, a lack of awareness of the dangers, and lenient sentences for those convicted are just some of the reasons for increased dog theft.

Tips for Keeping your dog safe

  • Never leave your dog tied up outside a shop. They are tempting target for opportunists.

  • Your dog must be micro-chipped. Remember to keep your contact details up-to-date when you move or your contact number changes.

  • Your dog must wear a collar and tag with your name and address on it. A contact number is also a good idea.

  • Keep photographs of your dog from various angles, and update them regularly.

  • Have lots of photographs of yourself with your dog, to help you to prove ownership if needed.

  • Don’t let them off the lead if they’re recall needs work especially if you are in an unfamiliar area.

  • Take care when choosing boarding, kennels and dog walkers. Do your research.

  • Ensure your garden is secure and don’t leave your dog in the garden unsupervised.

  • Be wary of strangers that ask too many questions.

  • Vary your walking patterns.

What does Harbour Tails do to keep you dog safe?

  • My van has no adverting/signage. This is so when I park at your house it is less obvious there are dogs at home and the owner is away. It also makes it less likely I will be followed by potential opportunists. There is always a (low) risk but I want to do everything I can to protect your dogs as well as my own dog.

  • I attach GPS trackers to each dog. Although these could be removed by someone, it could at least help to find clues and witnesses by knowing the last known location of the pet before it was removed.

  • l NEVER walk more than 4 dogs in a group. When walking more than this it is just not possible to keep a close eye on everyone and where they are to keep them safe, and indeed pick up all their poos!

    If your dog is lost or stolen, act quickly.

  • If you suspect your dog is stolen, report it to the police. Insist it is recorded as a theft and not a lost animal. Ask for a crime reference number.

  • Report the loss/theft to the microchip database so that you will be notified if anyone tries to re-register the chip.

  • Report to your council’s dog warden and those in r neighbouring authorities.

  • Visit local parks and public places and ask people to keep an eye open for your dog.

  • Display posters around the local area and in places like vet practices. Include a clear photograph(s) and details.

  • Make you local vet practices aware in case your dog is brought in for treatment.

  • Report the loss on as many as possible of the missing animals websites. and social media outlets.

  • Contact local animal shelters and rescue charities.

    If you’ve lost a pet due to theft or any other reason, Blue Cross operates the national Pet Bereavement Support Service which can be contacted on 0800 096 6606 (8.30am – 8.30pm) or by email: pbssmail@bluecross.org.uk.

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