February 20th is National Love Your Pet Day! We love our pets everyday but with pet thefts rising by up to 147% in some parts of the country, the experts at ADT have revealed their top tips on how to keep your pet safe and the pet breeds that are most commonly stolen.
You can read the full research here: https://www.adt.co.uk/blog/the-adt-pet-theft-report
5 tips on how to keep your pet safe:
1. Microchipping
It’s vital that you get your pet microchipped. Not only is it required by law for both dogs and cats, but it can help to easily identify and quickly return your pet to you if they get lost or stolen, giving you peace of mind and keeping them safe both inside and outside the home.
2. Be careful on social media
Be wary of the information you post on social media. Keep your privacy settings in mind and beware of strangers online asking questions about your pet. If you’re visiting a new place make sure to only tag the location when you get home and blur out any identification tags in photos.
3. Walk in pairs
Taking your dog for a walk on your own could make you an easy target for pet thieves especially when it’s dark, so consider taking someone with you but remember to stay focused on your pet. Always make sure to walk where it’s well-lit and tell others the route you’re taking to protect both you and your pet.
4. Get a sitter
This tip mainly applies to dogs, as they’re social animals who don’t like being alone for long periods of time. If you find that you’re too busy to keep an eye on them and there’s no one else in the house, hire a sitter to give your four-legged friend some company.
5. Install home security
Pet-friendly house alarms can provide you with all the security assurances you need as well as peace of mind knowing that your family and pets are protected. Our Pet-friendly PIR sensors allow you to set your alarm without worrying that your pets will trigger the alarm.
Further Insights:
-
Birds are the second most commonly stolen pet, with more than 2,500 animals being stolen over the last 5 years.
-
Devon and Cornwall is the pet theft hotspot with 140 stolen pets per 100,000 people since 2017
-
Gwent Police have not recorded any dog thefts over the past five years making it one of the safest places for our four-legged friends.
I don’t get it. People do not want rescue animals, because they have had previous owners, you don’t know their history, they aren’t young anymore … and then they go and steal pets which have a loving owner, so are pre-owned, have an unknown to them (medical and social) history and most likely are not kittens/puppies anymore? That doesn’t add up.
Maybe hoping a reward will be offered? It’s puzzling