Pet theft With a lot more of us working from home, we are able to spend more time with our pets and some may have purchased a cat or dog for this reason. Pets have become more expensive, not just to look after but to purchase due to the pandemic we are experiencing. Pet theft has always been in the background but it has become a lot more common. We understand that pets are part of the family, they are our fur family and it can be devastating if you lose a pet. We have put together a few tips to help prevent your pet from being stolen or becoming a target of pet theft. Pet theft in your area – if you are aware of an increase in pets going missing in your area we would advise you to be extra cautious and follow the below steps. Some of the below information is based on the advice from the RSPCA. Stay alert – whether you’re taking your dog to the shops or going for a walk around the block. It’s important to stay alert and be aware of what and who is around you. Microchips – before selling puppies, all breeders are responsible for ensuring they are microchipped and it is now a legal requirement. Make sure your contact details are kept up to date on the database, especially if you move home or change your phone number. This will enable you a better chance of getting your dog back if they are lost or stolen. Collar identification – to help identify your pet they should wear a collar with your name and address. You can also include your phone number to help anyone who has found your pet, should they go missing, contact you easily. Chain leads – if you have a fabric or material lead it might be worth purchasing a chain lead to stop people attempting to cut your dog lead. Secure your house or garden – if you have a garden check that your pets cannot escape through holes in fences or open gates. Fit a lock to gates and always keep them closed when you are not in the garden. Do not leave your pets unsupervised in the garden on their own or keep an eye on them if you do. You can also fit a light in your garden to come on when there is movement, which will also deter people from entering your garden. You can look into fitting CCTV to your home and would recommend a professional do this for you. Driving or walking to shops – never leave your dog outside of a shop or inside a car on their own. Train your dog – if you’re out for a walk with your dog there’s nothing worse than letting them off the lead and your dog not coming back when you call them. Once you feel confident they will come back when called, test it when you next go for a walk. If in doubt, keep your dog on a longer lead, which will still allow them to run around and stay safe at the same time. Keep recent photos – if you have recent photos of your pet you can send these to your local dog warden or vets to help identify them easily. You should also take note of any features that will enable anyone to easily identify your pet. Time for walkies – taking your dog for a walk at different times of the day and varying your route can help to prevent your dog from being stolen. Pet sitters ad walkers – always make sure you choose a reputable person to walk or look after your dog by checking their references and reviews What should I do if my pet has been stolen or is lost? Check your home and local area – we understand it can be a difficult and emotional time when you lose your pet. Try and remain as calm as you can and check your home and local area thoroughly. This includes anywhere you think they have visited before. Contact the police – if you know that your pet has been stolen you should report it to the police as soon as possible. They will also take note of the number of thefts in the area and if it is happening more often. Contact the microchip database – if you let the microchip database know that your pet is missing they can contact you if anyone tries to register the chip number again. Local dog warden and vets – the more people that know about your pet being lost the better. Report the loss of your pet to your local dog warden, vets, animal hospitals and rehoming centres. It will also be useful to send them any recent photos of your pet to help identify them easily. Missing pets websites – there are a number of websites that allow you to register your pet as missing and includes: Dog Lost, National Pets Register, Pets Located, or Animal Search UK. There may be other sites in your local area they will be worth checking. Posters – create posters and display them in your area with a recent photograph of your pet. You can also ask if local shops and vets will add them to their windows. Social Media – you may be able to find local sites on Facebook or Instagram that can help you spread the word if your pet is missing. Pet Insurance – check your insurance policy for policies that cover the recovery cost if your pet is stolen or strays. Depending on your policy we cover the cost of advertising and reward costs up to a maximum of £250 What would your pets say if you didn’t cover them with pet insurance? We understand being a pet parent can be tough, especially when your pets become ill or get injured. It’s important to consider pet insurance even if you have a new puppy, as it can help provide peace of mind that your pet is covered if they have to go to the vet and get the treatment they need to get better. You can easily compare our insurance plans and get a quote through our website. Get a quote for your puppy