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
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
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
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:
- 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:
- 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.
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 walking, pet 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!