Contact Us

Pet Theft Advice

  • Home
  • Pet Theft Advice
Business

Pet Theft Advice

Lots of us have welcomed a furry friend into our lives in the past year. With lockdown meaning that many of us are spending more time at home, the demand for puppies and dogs has skyrocketed.

Unfortunately, the popularity of pooches has led to a rise in dog theft, with thieves looking to cash in while demand is at an all-time high. Thankfully, there are lots of preventative measures you can take to reduce your dog’s chances of being stolen.

We’ve put together our best advice for keeping your dog safe. We’ve also included a helpful infographic that you can save and share on social media to keep other owners informed.  

 

Report suspicious behaviour

 

Be vigilant and keep an eye out for suspicious behaviour. Although no two thefts are the same, there are some telltale signs that dog thieves are operating in the area.

  • Report people acting suspiciously in parks. Anyone stopping dog owners and asking them lots of questions about their dog could be identifying potential targets.  
  • Report people leaving marks in front of houses. There are reports of thieves leaving chalk or spray paint markings in front of houses they intend to target. 
  • Keep an eye on local community groups and online message boards. Dog owners will often report suspicious behaviour to help keep others safe.  
  • Don’t hesitate to contact the police by calling 101 if you witness any suspicious behaviour.

 

Don’t leave your dog unattended 

 

Leaving your dog unattended can make them vulnerable to dog thieves. Take the following advice into consideration to help keep your dog safe. 

  • Try to avoid leaving your dog tied up outside shops or in other public spaces. This makes them an easy target for dog thieves. 
  • Don’t leave your dog alone in the car, even if it’s only for a few minutes. You should always take your pet home before popping to the shops if you’re on your own. Thieves can easily break into your car and take your dog. 
  • Make sure your garden is secure. Keep an eye on your dog when they are in the garden, try not to leave them unsupervised.
  • Install security cameras. If dog thefts are common in your area, consider installing cameras on your property.  

 

 

Make sure your dog can be identified 

 

Of course, thieves aren’t the only reason that dogs go missing. Sometimes a dog’s adventurous nature can get the better of them. There are several useful things you can do to ensure your dog has the best chance of returning to you safely if they ever go missing. 

  • Make sure your dog is microchipped. Dogs must be microchipped by the time they are eight weeks old, according to UK law. This helps them to be identified if they get brought into a vet.
  • Make sure your dog is wearing a collar and has an accurate ID tag. Your dog’s ID tag should have your name and address on it. This is a legal requirement if you take your dog to public spaces. A mobile number is also useful, although not a requirement.  
  • Avoid putting your dog’s name on their ID tag, as this could lead to thieves calling their name to coax the dog over, giving thieves a false sense of familiarity with the dog. 
  • Keep your contact details updated, if you change your phone number or move house, be sure to update the information on your dog’s ID tag. 
  • Take plenty of photos of your dog. Make sure to regularly take clear pictures from different angles, detailing distinctive markings, just in case. Having lots of photos of yourself with your dog will help to prove that you are the owner.   
  • Make sure your dog comes back when called. Spend plenty of time doing recall training with your dog. If your dog struggles with recall, it’s safer to keep them on the lead. 

 

Read More: How to train your dog to come back  

 

 

What should I do if my dog goes missing? 

 

If your dog does go missing, you should report it immediately. The sooner that you get information out there, the better. Here’s a checklist of who you should inform: 

  • The police, by calling 101
  • Your neighbours 
  • Your online community dog walking page
  • Your local council
  • Your vet and other local practices 
  • Local animal rescue centres 
  • The database with which your dog’s microchip is registered

If you post online or make a poster to put around your local area, you should include a recent, clear photo of your dog. 

Share as much information as possible: details of when and where your dog went missing; if they have any distinctive markings; if they were wearing a harness/coat. 

Leave your contact details so that people can reach you if they have any information. 

 

How to keep your dog safe infographic

 

Please save and share our helpful infographic on social media to keep other owners informed on how to keep your dog from being stolen. 

 

 

Need more info?

 

For more help and advice on keeping your dog safe, contact us for more advice.

 

Prev Post

Dealing with anxiety in dogs

Next Post

Top Dental Tips

Categories

Ellen Whale

Ellen Whale

Patient Care Assistant/ Receptionist
PCA

Ellen joined us in 2026 after previously working in another vet practice and an animal sanctuary.

She loves horses and has two of her own called Molly and Abbie.  she also has four dogs who she enjoys walking in the Norfolk countryside. 

Adri Rossouw

Adri Rossouw

Locum Veterinary Surgeon
BVSc CertAVP (FelMed) MRCVS

Adri qualified as a Vet Surgeon in South Africa in May 1992 before moving to the UK in 1998.  She was partner in a small animal vet practice in Norfolk before retiring in May 2023.  She missed working with animals so now works as a locum part time.  She brings a wealth of experience to the team.  She achieved a CertAVP Small Animal Medicine (feline medicine) certificate in 2023.  She also enjoys orthopaedic and soft tissue surgery. 

Outside work Adri enjoys gardening, cycling and walking as well as being involved in the Gateway Church in Kings Lynn.  Adri has a tuxedo cat called Karolus and the village peacock Bob has claimed her garden.

Helen Manson

Veterinary Surgeon
BVM&S CertVOphthal MRCVS

Helen moved to Norfolk after graduating from Edinburgh Vet School in 2003. After working in practices around King’s Lynn, she joined the practice in 2023.


Helen enjoys small animal medicine and has a special interest in Ophthalmology. Helen gained her post graduate RCVS certificate in Veterinary Ophthalmology in 2012 and offers internal and external referrals for eye cases at the practice.


Outside of work, Helen is kept busy with her three children, Daisy the Labrador and Maggie the cat. She is married to Liam.

Ben Mcdonnell

Clinical Director & Veterinary Surgeon
BVSc, BSc, Cert AVP (GSAS)MRCVS

Following his graduation from Liverpool University in 2008 Ben returned to his roots in Cumbria, where he spent a short period working in mixed practice, before making the decision to work solely as a small animal veterinarian. He moved to Norfolk in 2022, when he joined our team at Swaffham, becoming a clinical director in 2025. Ben enjoys all aspects of first opinion small practice work, but especially enjoys the surgical side of the job and achieved the Royal College Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice (General Small Animal Surgery) in 2021.


Outside work Ben is often found exploring the Norfolk countryside and coastline with his son Joey. His other interests include mountain biking, walking, running and more recently paddle boarding.

Emily Neep

Veterinary Surgeon
BVetMed BSc(hons) MRCVS

Emily joined Swaffham Veterinary Centre in 2023, having worked as a vet in Wales. Originally from Norfolk, she was very excited to move back home! She has a keen interest in exotic animal care and also is trained in acupuncture.


In her spare time, Emily enjoys exploring her creative side with various craft projects, from crochet to jewellery making and can often be heard singing along to her favourite musical (much to the nurse’s dismay!). She has always had pets at home, ranging from various cats and dogs to a pet toad!

Liam Manson

Clinical Director & Veterinary Surgeon
BVM&S GPCert (SAS) MRCVS

Liam founded Swaffham veterinary Centre in 2014, having worked in mid-Norfolk since graduating from Edinburgh University in 2003.  He completed a surgical certificate in 2007 and continues to have a keen interest in surgery but does enjoy the variety that a busy first opinion small animal practice gives each day.

Out of work Liam enjoys spending time with his wife and children, who all enjoy travelling in the UK and abroad.  he also enjoys exploring the beautiful Norfolk countryside with his Labrador Daisy.  When given the opportunity Liam is a keen gardener.