February 14th is famously known for being the American holiday Valentine’s Day, but a lesser known but equally important day for pet care. Our pets have snuggled their way into our hearts. For this reason, Valentine’s Day celebrations will coincide with National Pet Theft Awareness Day.
Every year, around 2 million animals are stolen. These captured animals become victim to horrible fates. Some animals are used as bait for dog fights, bred in puppy mills, or sold to labs for animal testing. Only 10 percent of stolen animals make it back home.
Splash and Dash Groomerie & Boutique wants to help end these inhumane outcomes by increasing awareness and celebrating National Pet Theft Awareness Day.
This pet care article shows pet parents different ways of protecting their animals against theft.
Pet Care Solution: Microchips
The are a few options of inexpensive microchips available on the market. Many are under $20 and can be administered easily by a veterinarian.
Microchips are radio frequency identification devices (RFID). They can be read using a scanner or wand and are registered with a unique identification code and your personal phone number. The chip sits under the skin and is placed there easily. The process is very simple and usually costs $30 to $40.
The American Kennel Club (AKC), International Humane Society, and a majority of non-profit rescues have the ability to scan for microchips. When your stolen dog is recovered a dog services employee will scan for a chip immediately, then return your pet safely.
Some high-tech devices can even pinpoint your animal’s location. Even if a thief steals your dog, they will not get far with police easily following their whereabouts with GPS.
Dog Tags
Dog tags are the analog version of pet care microchips. Although tags can be removed by thieves, they are still effective for lost animals who may have bolted. This can be useful for animals who are wandering the streets. Animal rescue services can identify animals with the tags and return them home safe.
Dog tags are the first line of defense for active pet care. Splash and Dash Groomerie & Boutique provides Pet Care First Aid Kits that include a dog tag kit. They are great for all occasions of emergency!
Helpful Pet Care Tips to Keep Animals Safe
- Never leave your pets unattended in the yard. It only takes a few seconds for someone to snatch them.
- Refrain from leaving your dog tied up in front of a store.
- Do not leave your animal in the car. Not only could someone break in, but in only a few minutes a car’s temperature to soar to sweltering.
- Never abandon an animal. If you can no longer take care of any animal contact your local rescue group for assistance.
- Keep recent photos and a description of your animals handy in case of emergencies.
- Properly identify your animal with pet care microchips and dog tags.
The Facts Behind Pet Theft
Many risks are out of sight, and of course inevitably out of mind. Yet the 2 million cases of theft each year is a constant reminder to keep your animals safe.
The United States Department of Agriculture licenses animal dealers with a class A license. These dealers sell more than 24 animals to laboratories a year and are regulated by maintaining their own breeding colonies.
Sadly, a loophole exists. Anyone can acquire a Class B Dealer’s license that obtain animals from “random sources.” The USDA handles regulating all dealers for the health and safety of animals, but this is not always prioritized.
Class B dealers collect pets from unsuspecting families trying to get their dog to a reputable rescue group and by stealing them. These animals are then sold to laboratories. Investigations of these Class B dealers have shown animals abused beyond the point of negligence.
(We’ll spare you the gruesome details, but want to emphasize that this cruelty must be stopped).
Splash and Dash Groomerie & Boutique encourages pet parents to exercise proper pet care. Use identification systems just in case your dog ever bolts or is stolen. Valentine’s day is about showing those around us our love. An act of love is guardianship.
Happy Valentine’s and National Pet Theft Awareness Day!
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