Blog
October 16, 2024

Protecting Dogs from Theft in Chicago


Author: Kristin Skelton
Featured image for “Protecting Dogs from Theft in Chicago”

Last week, a Shih Tzu named Leon was stolen from his yard in a Chicago suburb. The person who stole Leon was breaking into a neighbor’s home and saw the opportunity to take Leon. The whole thing was caught on camera and the dog has finally been found. Our hearts break for the family whose dog was taken. I can’t imagine how painful and unnerving it was not knowing where their dog could be. Today, inspired by these events, I’m sharing tips for protecting dogs from theft in Chicago because I would hate to see more dogs stolen in our area, especially any of the floofins we care for.

Dognapping Stats in Chicago

thief breaking into home in Chicago

Dog thefts and dognappings have become increasingly common in the Chicago area in recent years, with several concerning trends emerging:

Rising Incidents

There has been a notable spike in dog thefts across Chicago and Illinois:

  • According to this report, dog thefts were up 40% in 2022.
  • Per Dogster, of the approximately 2 million dogs stolen each year, French Bulldogs have seen a nearly fivefold increase in thefts from 2019 to 2022.

Targeted Breeds

Frenchie Chicago IL

Certain breeds are more frequently targeted by thieves:

  • As stated above, French Bulldogs are in high demand. They are said to be the #1 most stolen breed in the U.S.
  • Other targeted breeds include Labrador Retrievers and Yorkshire Terriers, but any dog can fall victim to dognapping.

Motivations

dog walking in chicago, il

Thieves are primarily motivated by the high resale value of certain breeds:

  • Purebred dogs like French Bulldogs can fetch upwards of $10,000.
  • It’s reported here that many stolen dogs are sold for thousands of dollars.
  • Tragically, some of the stolen dogs are sold to puppy mills for breeding and others end up as “bait dogs” for illegal dogfighting rings.

Methods

Dognappers use various tactics:

dog in yard chicago, il
  • While less common, armed robberies have occurred, with dogs stolen at gunpoint. This article discusses a such case in the DC area.
  • More commonly, thieves target dogs left unattended outside of homes or businesses.
  • Some dogs are taken during home burglaries or vehicle break-ins.

Prevention Tips

To protect your dog from theft:

dog outside store chicago il
  • Have your pet microchipped and keep contact information updated.
  • Don’t leave dogs unattended in your yard, especially popular breeds.
  • Lock yard doors and gates to keep intruders out and prevent accidentally letting your dog out.
  • Discuss your dogs’ presence with service providers like landscapers and pest control companies that require access to your yard.
  • Never leave dogs unattended outside stores or in the car.
  • Be cautious when giving up pets and verify references of potential new owners.
  • Remain vigilant and report suspicious activity in your neighborhood.
  • Always keep your dog(s) on a leash during dog walks.

While exact statistics for Chicago are limited, the trend of increasing dog thefts is clear. Pet owners should take precautions to keep their furry companions safe from this distressing crime.

floofins and co. chicago pet care

At Floofins & Co., prevention is our priority. Our staff is trained to be constantly aware of their surroundings while on walks. We prevent distractions and keep a watchful eye on the areas where we walk the dogs in our care. If ever you see something odd around your home, we ask that you please let us know so that we may add additional layers of protection for our dog walkers and your dogs. We can never be too careful in preventing pet loss and theft.

If you are new to Floofins & Co. and interested in our dog walkingpet sitting, dog training, or pet photography services, please fill out our contact form. Once received, we will be in touch to further discuss your interest. You may also give us a call at 630-478-8915 or drop us a line at info@floofinsandco.com. We are happy to discuss our services from Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5 PM. Learn more about our in-home pet care new client onboarding process here.

If you are an existing client, please schedule services here. We look forward to caring for your pets – dogs, cats, small animals, and more!

Do you live in the chicagoland area and are looking for a pet care specialist? Get in touch with our team today:


General Contact Form

Other Recent Blog POsts


dog walking with family chicago hiking trail

5 Pet-Friendly Ways to Enjoy Chicago’s Fall Foliage

October 29, 2024
Read Post
three dogs in costume at a halloween event in Chicago 2024

Pet-Friendly Halloween in Chicago 2024

October 22, 2024
Read Post
dogs walking with owners in Chicago suburb

Pet Obesity Awareness Week: Keeping Chicago Pets Healthy

October 9, 2024
Read Post
pet-friendly chicago events

Pet-Friendly Fall Events in Chicago 2024

October 2, 2024
Read Post
National Walk Your Dog Week

National Walk Your Dog Week is Coming!

September 25, 2024
Read Post
chicago dog walker downtown chicago

Cleaning Up: Top 3 Reasons to Pick Up Dog Waste in Chicago

September 18, 2024
Read Post