February 14th is observed as Pet Theft Awareness Day in the U.S., to inform pet owners about the issues related to pet theft, why pets are stolen and how they can prevent the same from happening.
Since March of 2020, pet theft has been increasing in the US to meet the rising demand for pets amid the pandemic. There are over 2 million reported cases of missing pets every year. Owing to this increasing trend, it has become more important than ever to raise adequate awareness about it.
This Valentine’s Day, show your love for your pets by keeping them safe & sound with AnimalWiz.com. Take a look at our checklist!
HOW YOU CAN PROTECT YOUR PET FROM BEING STOLEN:
SUPERVISION: The first one is simple! Keep a close eye on your pets whenever you take them outside and make sure your doors are locked while you’re indoors. Don’t tie your pet’s leash to any object and leave them alone outdoors. Another important thing to remember is to not let them roam around in the neighborhood and go out of sight.
MICROCHIPPING: Getting your pets microchipped is a great way to ensure safety for them. You should also check that the registration information on the database is accurate. This way, you can also update the address, owner information, etc. on the database if required and have an increased chance of finding your pet if they’re taken.
IDENTIFICATION: While some believe that it is best to make your pets wear name tags and collars for clear identification, others debate that knowing this information will help the thieves with stealing your pets by calling their name.
THE SOCIAL ASPECT: While it’s almost a social ritual to post your pet’s adorable pictures across social media sites, it isn’t advisable if this information is public. One way to safely post your pet’s pictures is by not including any details about the location.
HIRING HELP WITH CAUTION: As everyone goes back to their offices, hiring dog-sitters & dog-walkers is bound to increase. While hiring such help, it’s crucial to make sure that you trust them.
We hope our checklist helps you with keeping your pets safe, inside and outside the home. Don’t forget to share this with your fellow pet-owners!
