Dog Theft: How to protect yourself and your pet

With people at home more the want for puppies has grown, and so has the price. So much so that even if families do find a breeder with a litter, they can't afford the astronomical price. 

This has lead disreputable people to steal peoples pets and sell them to unsuspecting people desperate for a dog. 

Dog thefts are now believed to be at an unprecedented high. 

With that in mind, we've come up with some ways to keep your pet safe:

1) Avoid leaving your dog tied up outside a shop

    

2) Don't leave your dog alone in the car

3) Make sure your dog is microchipped

4) Make sure your dog has a ID tag

5) Make sure your garden is secure 

6) Do not leave your dog outside unsupervised

7) Beware of strangers asking questions when you're walking your dog 

8) Vary your walk times and routes

9) Keep your dog on a lead as much as possible 

10) Pay attention to your surroundings while walking your dog, don't be distracted by your phone 

11) Walk on well lit residential roads at night, avoid country lanes

For more information and help, visit the Blue Cross' website. 

New research by Dog Lost has revealed the breeds of dog most commonly stolen, including Cocker Spaniels, English Springer Spaniels and Jack Russell Terriers. 

French Bulldogs and Staffordshire Bull Terriers are also most at risk of being taken from homes, gardens or even from their owners during walks.

Although this is a scary time for dog owners, making sure you're aware while out walking and doing the simple steps above should make your fury friend safer.