The Dangers of Unattended Pets
Jul 25, 2019 Tracey Aston Pet Safety
Every year, thousands of pets are stolen to either be sold to laboratories, for fighting rings as fighters or bait dogs, for ransom to get drugs or for resale. That's a frightening statistic for pet parents! While no one is able to keep their eyes on their pets 24/7, there are several steps that can be taken to lessen the odds of becoming a victim.
While it's true the majority of stolen dogs are smaller dogs, with Pomeranians, Yorkshire Terriers and French Bulldogs topping the list, larger breeds are not without risk. Assuming a thief won't attempt to steal a Rottweiler or Great Dane only leaves the dog vulnerable to a pet-napping!
Fences provide safety from a lot of worldly dangers and are recommended but they don't make your pet invincible. Thieves know that most pet owners with fenced yards will allow a dog outside by themselves to do their business. That's why the majority of pet are stolen right out of their own yard! Even if a yard is fenced, stay outside with your pet while they do their business! It's too easy to let your pet out, head back inside to throw in a load of laundry and get sidetracked. The next thing a pet parent realizes is a half hour has passed. That's plenty of time for a pet to disappear with no traces and no witnesses. Doggy doors also raise the risk of a pet stolen from their own yard. With unlimited and unsupervised access to the backyard, a pet using a doggy door is an easy target for not only theft but dangers in the yard – poisonous items, bad food, or something deadly someone threw in the yard to purposefully sicken or injured an animal.
Never, ever leave your pet unattended in a public space. Never leave a pet tied to a pole or a bench outside of a store. No, not if you're only going to be a minute, it only takes a minute. A pet can be stolen in 5 seconds. Someone simply has to walk up to the pet, untie their leash and walk away and within that length of time, your pet's life is changed forever. It's not worth the risk!
The majority of pet parents are aware to never leave a pet alone in a hot car, but pets are at risk of being stolen if left alone in any car, even a locked car with the air conditioner on. A smashed window, a picked lock or even an electronic key opener could mean disaster to an unattended pet.
Another danger of leaving a small or medium sized dog alone in the yard is birds of prey. The talons of a hawk or owl can still do severe damage even if the dog is too large for the bird to carry off.
Always check references! If you are considering hiring a pet sitter, dog walker, groomer or even a trainer – get references and call them! Thoroughly research any references to make sure they are legitimate. Read online reviews but beware of fake reviews. Ask friends, family and your veterinarian to recommend someone they know personally and have used. It's too easy thieves to say they are animal professionals are walk away with your beloved baby! We highly advise AGAINST using an online app and our blog post The Dangers of Online Apps will have a pet parent nodding in agreement within the first paragraph!
Pet parents can't have their eyes on their pets at all times, and there is no way to protect from every single danger the world has to offer but steps can be taken to lessen the chances of you or your pet becoming a victim.
