9 ways to keep your dog from getting lost or stolen

That the dog is man’s best friend and can bring many joys to a family everyone knows! However, having a pet at home requires special care and also time. The owner will always need to reserve a moment of his day to give him affection and attention and, above all, be attentive to his safety and well-being.

Unfortunately, no matter how obedient and happy they are inside a home, every dog ​​is subject to being lost from their owners or being stolen by people with bad intentions. There are many cases of animals that run away from home and are never found again, which can cause a lot of sadness to the family. However, this can be avoided, of course, with measures taken by the owners.

Cris Viviani, a biologist and veterinarian specializing in animal behavior, points out that there are no breeds of dogs predisposed to flight. “However, there are cases of more active animals that, in turn, have owners who cannot or do not take the necessary walks to keep them balanced and healthy.

So, they will probably find a way to escape and walk alone”, says the professional who makes consultations and training at home, emphasizing, first of all, the importance of the owner to reserve a little time of the day to take his dog for a safe walk.

In addition to walking the animal, other relatively simple actions can make all the difference and prevent your puppy from running away or even being stolen. Check out:

1. Put animal identification on the collar

Owners must always leave a permanent collar on the animal with an identification plate, with the animal’s name and owner’s telephone number.

2. Opt for microchipping

Another possibility is microchipping. “The microchips are implanted in the dog as a vaccine application. In case of escape, the animal that is properly identified can be returned to the owner”, explains Cris Viviani.

But the ideal, of course, is that the animal does not run away! “Very care must be taken to ensure that this does not happen. In addition to getting lost, the dog can also be run over, suffer mistreatment, get hurt, suffer in fights with other animals, etc.”, emphasizes the veterinarian.

3. Pay attention to the quality and condition of the collar

It is necessary to be very careful with the collar used to take the dog for a walk. “Always check if it’s not too worn out, or if it’s still opening the fittings (which is very common)”, highlights Cris Viviani.

When purchasing this item, please make sure that it is of good quality and that the size fits your dog’s measurements.

4. Never leave the gate open

This is essential care, which prevents your dog from being stolen or lost on the streets.

“Never leave the gate open, even if he is used to walking around the block alone. He can find a female in heat, for example, and go much further than he is used to. And when you realize it, you probably won’t know how to come back”, warns the veterinarian. “Contrary to what many think, the dog does lose the reference of his home, and may never find his way back”, she says.

“There is even proper training that can prevent your dog from escaping through the gate, but for these more specific cases, it is necessary to consult a specialist (trainer) to help you”, says Cristiane.

That is, if your puppy is not yet trained, it is not recommended to leave doors and gates open!

5. Don’t let your dog out alone

Many people claim that their animal knows how to “go around” by itself, but in these cases the risk of it being stolen or simply getting lost is very high (as mentioned above).

“My recommendation is: never let your dog go for a walk alone, even if he is ‘used’ to it”, warns veterinarian Cris.

“You never know if he’ll meet a bad guy on that ride. In addition, you are responsible for his actions, anything that happens to another dog (in case of a fight) or even to a person (a bite, for example) is your responsibility”, highlights Cris Viviani.

“Another thing to think about is the dirt your pet might leave on the other’s sidewalk. Does your neighbor who chose not to have a dog like to clean up after his puppy? When he walks alone, you don’t have the possibility to collect his feces and dispose of it correctly”, explains the veterinarian.

6. Demand care on outings

When letting your dog be taken to the bath or for a walk with another person, always demand that you go identified and ask for the utmost care.

“Just let him go bathe in a pet he trusts. There have been many cases of dogs that got lost on the way to the pet shop, so it’s worth asking the person in charge to always transport them in an appropriate box and be aware of all their movement inside the place”, explains Cris.

Another common form of theft of purebred dogs, emphasizes the veterinarian, especially in large cities, happens while walking on the street with employees, dog walkers or with trainers. “Many times, ransom is demanded for the kidnapping of the dog, but most of the time, they are commercialized”, he warns.

In this sense, it is also essential to always deliver your animal to reliable professionals, with proven experience in the task. Although a dog abduction is an accident (and it is not the fault of the employee, handler or dog walkers), it is safe to know that your pet is in good hands and that the person responsible will certainly do everything to make the walk happen. the best way possible.

7. Pay attention to the gate

“If you live at home and your dog has access to the gate that leads to the street, make sure he can’t get through the bars, or even if he can’t open it. There are malicious people who steal dogs, especially purebred ones, to sell them”, warns Cris.

8. Be careful on the car ride

The dog should preferably be transported in a transport box, says veterinarian Cristiane. “It is much safer for him and also for the passengers. But if this is not possible, the animal must always be in the back seat and with a seat belt appropriate to the size of the animal. Care must also be taken to keep windows closed, especially when stopping the car to fill up, at traffic lights, etc.”, she says.

“When getting the animal down or up in the car, never do it without a leash and leash, no matter how much it can go on the owner’s lap”, warns the professional.

9. Invest in whole-house security

Nowadays it is impossible to close one’s eyes to the many cases of thefts and kidnappings that happen inside the residences.

“In a case of home theft, for example, if the dog is alone in the house and, especially if it is a purebred, he can become a victim and be robbed. Whether to be sold or so that the thief can ask the owners for its ransom”, explains the veterinarian.

In this sense, it is essential to pay attention to the safety of the entire house.

After all, all care with these animals is little… Only those who have a puppy at home know the meaning it has within a family. And with small actions and a lot of care, it is possible to prevent some incident, one day, from taking him away from the people he loves!