Pet Theft Explained: Which Pets Are Targeted, How It Happens, and How to Stop It
ByAlexandra Soanca
Last updatedJun 20, 2025
βFact Checked
Key Takeaways
Over 2 million pets are stolen globally each year, based on compiled estimates across countries.
In the United States, dog theft reports rose 40% between 2012 and 2017.
Only Virginia and Louisiana have specific legal language elevating pet theft beyond property crime in the U.S.
Only 10β15% of stolen pets are ever recovered, making most losses both devastating and permanent.
Top stolen dog breeds include Yorkshire Terrier, French Bulldog, Chihuahua, Labrador Retriever, and Pomeranian.
Designer breeds and purebreds are usually stolen for resale, while cats are more often taken for breeding or abuse.
Most common theft methods include unattended pets in yards, dogs tied outside shops, and home burglaries.
Pet theft hotspots include: London, Los Angeles, Melbourne
Pet theft is a criminal offense in over 30 countries, but penalties and enforcement vary widely, especially where pets are still treated as "property" under the law.
Microchipped pets are significantly more likely to be recovered.
Most pet parents never see their pet again unless action is taken within the first 48 hours.
Over 70% of domestic violence survivors with pets reported threats or harm to their animals.
Quick Navigation
Key Takeaways
Why Pet Theft Is a Real and Growing Threat
How Pets Are Stolen: The Most Common Methods
Who Steals Pets and Why
Most Commonly Stolen Pets
Where Pet Theft Happens Most
The Legal Landscape: Is Pet Theft Actually a Crime?
How to Protect Your Pet From Theft
What to Do If Your Pet Is Stolen
If pet theft has never crossed your mind, you're not alone. Most of us worry about our pets getting sick, getting into accidents, or simply growing old, and not that someone might just walk off with them. And yet, thousands of dogs, cats, and other animals vanish every year due to theft. Some are taken from backyards, others disappear during walks, or in those few minutes they're tied up outside a shop. Believe it or not, some are even stolen from shelters and vet clinics.
The worst part? Most of these cases never go to court. And the pets? Far too many are never found.
That's why we wrote this article: to give you the real facts, not just scary headlines. We've gathered the most important and verified info from around the world, so you can finally get answers to the big questions, like:
How common is pet theft?
Which animals are most likely to be targeted?
Why do people steal pets and who's behind it?
Most importantly: what can you do to stop it from happening?
Why Pet Theft Is a Real and Growing Threat
Pet theft might not always make the news, but it's happening far more than people think. Globally, it's tough to track exact numbers because not every case gets reported, and laws vary wildly from country to country. Still, experts estimate that over 2 million pets are stolen each year around the world.
In the U.S. alone, the American Kennel Club (AKC) logs thousands of thefts every year, and that's only counting the cases where someone knew their pet was taken, not just "missing."
π Underreported, Often Overlooked
The truth? A lot of pet thefts fly under the radar. Some pet parents think their pet just ran off, some never know what really happened, and sadly, many don't even bother reporting it, assuming it won't help.
π In the UK, pet thefts spiked during the pandemic, hitting over 2,000 reported cases in a single year. It got so serious that the government set up a dedicated Pet Theft Taskforce in 2021 to tackle the problem.
And here is what we're seeing on our platform as well as in lost pet groups: more and more pets are going missing not because they wandered off, but because someone took them.
How Pets Are Stolen: The Most Common Methods
Pet theft isn't just some shady back-alley crime or a scene from a bad action movie. It often happens in broad daylight - quick, quiet, and devastatingly easy. Here are the most common methods thieves use, based on reports from law enforcement, animal organizations, and pet loss databases:
1οΈβ£ Snatched From Yards or Gardens
This is one of the most common methods of pet theft worldwide. Unattended pets left in front or back yards, even for a few minutes, can be stolen without a sound. Thieves often watch routines, looking for easy access points, and wait for the right moment to make their move.
π Risk factors:
Low or open fences
Lack of surveillance cameras
Front yards visible from the street
Small or quiet breeds that won't bark for help
2οΈβ£ Taken From Unattended Cars
A locked car is not a safe place to leave your pet (not for heat, and not for theft!) Even if you've cracked the windows, someone can break in and grab your pet in seconds. It happens all the time in parking lots, gas stations, even outside schools.
π§ In many countries, this method is so common that it's classified as opportunistic theft (which is a fancy way of saying someone saw an easy target and went for it.)
3οΈβ£ Stolen During Walks or Public Outings
Sounds unbelievable, but yep, some pets are taken while they're out with their humans.
If you've got a rare or trendy breed, your dog or cat could be the target of a planned burglary.
π¬ According to police data in the U.K., several home burglaries have been directly linked to designer dog thefts, especially during lockdowns when pet prices surged.
5οΈβ£ Pet Sitting Scams and Fake Adoptions
This method is sneakier, but growing fast. We're talking about fake "pet sitters" or so-called "rescuers" who seem trustworthy⦠until they vanish with your pet.
Some people adopt animals only to resell them or use them for breeding. Others pretend they've found your lost pet and demand a reward before ghosting.
These scams leave pet parents feeling helpless and betrayed, and they're incredibly tough to trace.
Who Steals Pets and Why
It's easy to imagine a shady figure in a trench coat lurking in the shadows... but the real face of pet theft? Often way more ordinary, and way more disturbing.
People steal pets for money, status, or in some twisted cases, a misplaced sense of "justice." The reasons vary, but the result is always the same: a broken bond between a pet and their person.
Let's break down the usual suspects:
π° 1. The Opportunists
These thieves don't plan ahead. They just see a chance and take it: an unlocked gate, a dog in a car, a moment of distraction. That's all it takes. They usually aren't after a specific breed, and they might sell the pet quickly, or just keep it for themselves.
π― These are the most common types of pet thefts worldwide.
π΅ 2. The Pet Flippers
Flippers steal or "adopt" animals and then resell them online through classified ads or social media platforms, often pretending the animal is theirs or that they're rehoming a rescue.
Purebred pets are top targets and some animals are sold within a day for hundreds (even thousands) of dollars.
π In 2021, during the COVID lockdowns, pet flipper scams exploded as demand for pets skyrocketed.
𧬠3. The Backyard Breeders
This one's especially cruel. Unspayed or unneutered pets are often stolen to be used for breeding, again and again, until they're no longer "useful." Female pets are especially at risk, and they are often kept in grim conditions and bred repeatedly.
πΆ This is especially true for popular breeds like French Bulldogs, Pomeranians, Chihuahuas, and Bengals.
βοΈ 4. The Personal Revenge Thieves
Sometimes, pet theft has nothing to do with money and everything to do with control. In breakups or family feuds, one person might take the pet out of spite. In cases of domestic abuse, pets are often used as tools of manipulation - threatened, hidden, or taken away to cause emotional pain.
π
One study found that over 70% of domestic violence survivors with pets reported threats or harm to their animals.
π 5. The "Rescue" Vigilantes
While rare, some animal rights extremists have stolen pets they believed were being mistreated β even when there was no actual evidence.
Their goal isn't money, but "liberation." These cases are controversial, and they usually blow up in the media. Intentions aside, the trauma for the real pet parent is the same.
Most Commonly Stolen Pets
Pet thieves don't pick targets at random. Certain breeds and species are stolen far more often, usually because of their resale value, popularity, or portable size.
πΆ Most Stolen Dog Breeds
According to data from the American Kennel Club (AKC) and pet theft reports from the UK and Australia, these breeds top the "most wanted" list, alongside the reason why they're being targeted:
French Bulldog: High demand, can sell for $3,000+
Yorkshire Terrier: Tiny, easy to snatch, loyal fanbase
Chihuahua: Small size, trendy status symbol
Pomeranian: Popular for their looks, often stolen from handbags
Labrador Retriever: Common, friendly, often stolen from yards
American Bully: Rising in value, targeted by breeders and flippers
Shih Tzu: Appealing to families and seniors
Staffordshire Bull Terrier: High risk in the UK; often targeted for fighting or resale
π
In an AKC report, the Yorkshire Terrier was the #1 stolen breed in the U.S. followed by Pomeranians, Frenchies, and Chihuahuas.
πΊ Most Stolen Cat Breeds
Yes, cat theft happens too, especially when designer breeds are involved.
Bengal: Exotic appearance, can cost over $2,000
Sphynx: Rare, attention-grabbing, expensive
Persian: High-maintenance but highly coveted
Maine Coon: Large, friendly, and valuable
Russian Blue: Elegant and often in demand
π
In many cat theft cases, the motive is breeding, especially for intact females.
π Other Pets at Risk
Although less common, rabbits, parrots, reptiles, and ferrets are also stolen, particularly exotic or show animals.
Parrots: Can fetch thousands on black market
Rabbits: Especially fancy breeds or show rabbits
Snakes & Lizards: Stolen by collectors or resellers
Ferrets: Easy to steal, small, and expensive to buy
Where Pet Theft Happens Most
Pet theft is happening all over the world, but depending on where you live, the chances of it being tracked, reported, or even taken seriously can vary wildly.
Let's start with the U.S.:
United States
There's no official nationwide database for pet theft (shocking, we know), but the American Kennel Club (AKC) does track reports through its recovery service. Between 2013 and 2018, they logged over 600 thefts per year, but that's just the tip of the iceberg. The actual number could be 10 to 20 times higher, since many pets are simply marked as "missing," not stolen. And a lot of folks never report it at all.
Globally, the story changes depending on how seriously pet theft is taken. Some countries have national task forces and laws that treat stolen pets like stolen family (because, you know, they are). Others? They barely recognize it as a real crime.
So let's zoom out and take a look at where pet theft is most common and why some places are better at fighting it than others.
United Kingdom
If there's one place that's taken pet theft seriously enough to track it properly, it's the UK, and the numbers are honestly pretty grim.
In 2021, 1,800 dog thefts were reported across England and Wales.
In 2020, a staggering 95% of cases never led to charges or convictions.
And by 2023, 79% of stolen dogs were never found.
π¨ The worst-hit areas include:
London
West Yorkshire
Greater Manchester
π
A survey found that more than 75% of UK dog owners fear their dog might be stolen during daily walks.
In response to growing public concern, the UK actually formed a Pet Theft Taskforce in 2021, one of the few official efforts worldwide to tackle the issue head-on.
Australia
Down under, pet theft is on the rise. Thieves are going after high-value designer breeds like French Bulldogs, Cavoodles, and Staffies, targeting pets that can fetch serious money.
According to 9News Australia, pet theft reports doubled in some regions between 2020 and 2022.
The average cost of stolen puppies on the black market is estimated between $3,000β$7,000 AUD.
π¨ The states seeing the most cases include:
New South Wales
Victoria
Queensland
While awareness is growing, Australia still lacks a unified national strategy to tackle pet theft, leaving many pet parents to rely on community help and private search efforts when things go wrong.
Canada
In Canada, pet theft isn't officially tracked. It's lumped in under general property crime, which means it often gets overlooked or underreported.
According to Animal Justice Canada, many pet theft cases aren't even investigated unless they're connected to something bigger, like a break-in or assault. If a pet just "goes missing," chances are slim that anyone in law enforcement will dig deeper.
π― In big cities like Toronto and Vancouver, thieves tend to go after small breeds (the kind you can scoop up quickly and resell without much fuss.)
Without national tracking or stronger laws, many Canadian pet parents are left in the dark, and left to rely on local shelters and community alerts when a beloved pet disappears.
π Other Countries
Germany, Austria, and Switzerland have some of the lowest reported rates, in part due to strict pet registration laws and microchipping regulations.
In Brazil, pet theft is common in large cities, with French Bulldogs and Pomeranians among top targets, often resold in illegal street markets.
In South Africa, animal welfare organizations have flagged a rise in thefts linked to dog fighting rings, especially targeting Staffies, Pit Bulls, and large breeds.
π The global takeaway? Pet theft thrives in places where:
There's low enforcement
Pets are left unattended outside
Trendy breeds are in high demand
The law doesn't treat pets as more than property
The Legal Landscape: Is Pet Theft Actually a Crime?
It might seem obvious that stealing a beloved pet should be a serious crime, but in many parts of the world, the law doesn't quite agree.
In fact, in most countries, pets are still classified as "property." Yep⦠that means if someone steals your dog, cat, or rabbit, it's treated the same as if they'd swiped your phone or your bike. Same charges. Same light slap on the wrist. In some cases? No real consequences at all.
It's a system that completely misses the emotional devastation pet parents go through, and one that leaves far too many theft victims without justice.
United States
In the U.S., the legal system still treats pets like property in most states. That means if someone steals your dog or cat, it's basically the same (legally speaking) as if they took your lawnmower.
There's no federal law that specifically addresses pet theft.
Most states rely on general property theft laws, and the punishment usually depends on what your pet is βworthβ in dollars and not in emotional devastation.
Only Virginia and Louisiana have gone a step further, with laws that actually treat pet theft as more than just another stolen item.
So yeah, if your $150 rescue cat is stolen in California? That's a misdemeanor. If someone snatches your $4,000 French Bulldog? It might qualify as felony theft, but only because of the price tag. Not because your heart got ripped out.
United Kingdom
For years, the UK (like many other countries) treated pets as property under the law. But after a wave of pet thefts and a whole lot of public outcry, that finally changed.
In 2023, Parliament passed the Pet Abduction Bill, officially making pet theft a specific criminal offense. π The bill actually recognizes that pets are sentient beings, not just stuff you own, and it brings harsher penalties for those who steal them.
Canada
In Canada, pet theft is still handled under general property crime laws with no special protections, no emotional recognition, just straight-up "item stolen" on the books.
Animal welfare groups have been pushing for legal reform, arguing that pets aren't just possessions. But so far? Progress has been slow.
And because police tend to focus on higher-priority crimes, pet theft cases rarely get much attention, leaving many pet parents to do the searching and fighting on their own.
Australia
In Australia, pets are still considered legal property, just like in Canada and the U.S.
Some states, like New South Wales, do hand down tougher penalties if the theft involves trespassing or violence, but overall, the laws don't reflect the emotional toll of losing a beloved pet.
No national law treats pet theft as a unique crime, which means justice often depends more on circumstances than compassion.
π Around the World
In Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, animals are recognized in national law as βliving beingsβ, not just objects. It's a big symbolic step, but when it comes to theft, the crime is still prosecuted under property laws.
In Brazil and South Africa, pet theft is usually seen as a minor offense, unless it's tied to organized crime like illegal trade.
Israel legally recognizes animals as sentient beings, which is huge, but in reality, pet theft is rarely investigated or prosecuted.
Why This Really Matters
When pets are legally treated as just βproperty,β it changes everything, and not in a good way. It affects:
How seriously police take the theft
Whether real resources are put into finding your pet
And whether the emotional impact is even acknowledged in court
Even when suspects are caught, the penalties are often small⦠a slap on the wrist compared to the devastation experienced by the pet parent.
Trying to Change Things
Animal welfare groups around the world are fighting to change the laws and the mindset. They're campaigning to:
Create specific legal definitions for pet theft
Recognize emotional trauma in sentencing
Require microchipping and registration to help reunite pets with their families
π
In a 2023 poll, 78% of pet owners in the UK and U.S. agreed that pets should be treated as family members under the law.
How to Protect Your Pet From Theft
While pet theft is rising in many parts of the world, the good news is that most cases are preventable. A few smart habits and safety measures can dramatically reduce the risk, especially if your pet is a high-risk breed or spends time outside unsupervised.
Here's how to keep your furry friend safe:
1. Never Leave Your Pet Unattended in Public
It might feel harmless to tie your dog outside a shop or leave them in your yard while you run errands, but that's exactly what thieves look for. Most pet thefts are crimes of opportunity.
If pets can't come with you, it's safer to leave them at home.
2. Microchip and Register Your Pet
Microchipping is hands-down one of the best ways to get a stolen pet back.
π§
According to multiple studies, microchipped pets are up to 20 times more likely to be reunited with their families.
π Make sure:
The microchip is registered in your name with up-to-date contact info.
Your pet wears an ID tag and is chipped β collars can be removed, but chips are permanent.
3. Be Careful What You Share Online
We know your pet is ridiculously cute, but sharing your location, pet breed, and daily routine on social media can attract the wrong kind of attention, especially for valuable or popular breeds.
π§ Thieves can use your posts to learn:
Where your pet lives
Whether they're spayed/neutered
When they're usually alone
π‘
Tip: Share photos after you've left a location. Avoid tagging street names, parks, or home addresses.
4. Spay or Neuter Your Pet
Besides the health and behavioral benefits,this step makes your pet less likely to be targeted by thieves targeting animals for breeding or puppy mills.
5. Be Wary of Overly Curious Strangers
If someone approaches you on a walk or in your neighborhood asking about your pet's age, breed, cost, or whether it's neutered: stay alert!
π What seems like small talk might actually be someone gathering info for a planned theft.
6. Secure Your Home and Garden
Don't make it easy. If your pet spends time outside, make sure the space is thief-proof.
π οΈ Consider:
Motion-activated lights or security cameras (even fake cameras can help)
Sturdy locks on gates
Trimmed hedges and open sightlines (harder for someone to sneak around)
7. Stay Informed About Local Pet Theft Trends
Pet theft is often local and seasonal. If there's a spike in your area, your community Facebook group or local shelters may mention it.
π§ Check in with:
Local Facebook groups or neighborhood apps
Shelters or vet clinics for alerts
Platforms like PetRadar for missing reports in your area
What to Do If Your Pet Is Stolen
If the unthinkable happens and your pet goes missing under suspicious circumstances, every minute counts. Here's what we recommend:
1. Don't Assume They Just Wandered Off
If your pet normally stays close to home and suddenly vanishes, especially without a trace, take it seriously.
π Warning signs of possible theft include:
A gate left open or a fence that looks cut or tampered with
No sightings of your pet in the usual spots
A missing collar (especially if it seemed secure before)
Your gut telling you something isn't right
Trust your instincts. You know your pet's behavior better than anyone.
2. Report It Immediately
π‘οΈ Start by launching a search on PetRadar. This spreads the word fast and reaches people nearby who can keep an eye out.
Then take these steps:
Call local shelters, vet clinics, and animal control β give them a clear photo, your pet's microchip number, and any key details (breed, collar color, last known location).
File a report with the police β in many places, pet theft counts as property theft or even animal cruelty, and an official record can help later if your pet is found.
Contact your microchip company β they can flag your pet as missing, so if someone tries to re-register them or a vet scans the chip, you'll be notified.
3. Spread the Word Fast
π’ The first 24 to 48 hours are absolutely critical. The sooner you get eyes on the ground, the better your chances.
Use every channel you can:
Post on social media, especially in local Facebook groups, Instagram stories, and even TikTok. These posts can spread like wildfire.
Put up flyers in your area β parks, vet offices, coffee shops, lamp posts. Go old-school and go wide.
Talk to people who are already out and about β postal workers, delivery drivers, dog walkers. They see your neighborhood more than most and can keep a lookout.
4. Watch Out for Pet Theft Scams
Sadly, some people will try to exploit pet parents when they're at their most vulnerable. If someone reaches out claiming they've found your pet, stay cautious.
They demand money before giving any real info or returning your pet
They can't (or won't) send a recent photo or give specific details
They want to meet in a remote or sketchy location
π Always meet in a public place, bring someone with you, and trust your gut.
5. Check Sale and Adoption Listings
Thieves often try to resell stolen pets through:
Facebook Marketplace
Craigslist
Local breeder forums
Pet rehoming websites
π Set up alerts with your pet's breed, color, and city. Ask friends to help keep watch.
6. Stay Visible and Vocal
Keep posting. Keep asking. Keep showing up. Many pets are found weeks or even months later, but only because their families didn't give up.
π Your community, your network, and all of us at PetRadar are here to help. And if the outcome isn't what you hoped for, we'll be here for that too, with support, not judgment.
Pet theft is cruel, devastating, and far too common. But knowledge is power, and the more prepared you are, the harder it is for someone to steal what matters most.
Whether you're here to protect your pet, support someone who's going through it, or simply learn more, thank you for caring!
π Sources and References PetRadar studies American Kennel Club (AKC) Pet Theft Awareness (UK) Metropolitan Police (UK) Journal of Animal Ethics Australian Veterinary Association RSPCA Australia FBI National Crime Information Center (NCIC) American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Pet Theft Reform (UK) β Parliamentary Briefings and Legislative Proposals Canadian Veterinary Journal Humane Canada California Legislative Information Statista ASPCA National Animal Care and Control Association (NACA)
Written by
Alexandra Soanca
Iβve gained a deep understanding of the challenges and emotions that come with searching for a missing pet, and Iβm here to provide guidance, support, and a little bit of hope along the way.
When I'm not helping reunite lost pets with their pet parents, youβll likely find me spending time with my own furry companion, Valla - a curious gray tabby with a **very** independent spirit.
