Pet Theft Awareness Day is February 14, the day of love, and of course, the love we have for our fur babies. With care for our four-legged friends, we observe Pet Theft Awareness Day to shed light on the disgraceful act of pet theft.
Throughout our human history, domesticating animals has been gratifying. Humans and animals share a bond of infinite trust and a sense of belonging, and separation can be a traumatic experience for both parties. Pet theft and dognapping has reached alarming rates in recent years, as evidenced by the case with Lady Gaga’s beloved French Bulldogs and her dog walker getting shot and wounded in the process. Pet Theft Awareness Day is perfect to share resources about pet safety, and the actions we can take to recover stolen pets.
Pet Theft Awareness Day is observed to enlighten the various methods of identification that can lead to the recovery of stolen pets. The day was introduced by Last Chance for Animals in 1988 to expand their advocacy for domesticated animals. Last Chance for Animals, a non-profit dedicated to the rehabilitation of animals, has led the movement against pet theft for over two decades. Ever since its creation in 1984 by actor Chris DeRose, the foundation has raised awareness about dos and don’ts of pet safety.
More than half of American families own a pet. The love we have for our furry friends can be rivaled only by the concern we all share about their safety. No matter how many doors we lock or leashes we buy, the risk of losing our pets can never be too low. One in three pets go missing at some point in their lives — only 20% of them are safely reunited with their families. Adding to these heartbreaking statistics is the fear of a stranger intentionally seeking to hurt your family and your pet with the petty act of theft.
The day was founded on the principle that prevention is better than cure. The pain of losing your pet cannot be put into words. The increasing cases of pet theft have made it imperative that we follow all safety protocols that ensure the security of our pets. Last Chance for Animals advocates for microchipping, tattooing, and many other methods of pet identification. The foundation provides a formulated road map and a game plan to recover your fur baby if it goes missing.
How to Show Your Love and Observe Pet Theft Awareness Day
- Secure your pet. If you have a pet, make sure you are up to date on its security. Leashing your dog on walks, having an automatic door lock, microchipping, and tattooing are all methods of pet safety advocated by the Last Chance for Animals foundation.
- Volunteer at a pet shelter. Pet shelters are always looking for animal-friendly volunteers who can rehabilitate animals and prepare them as prime candidates for adoption. On February 14, donate a couple of hours to a pet shelter near you.
- Adopt a rescue. The second biggest tragedy of pet theft is the abandonment that ensues with noncomplying pets. Many times, these poor animals end up in a shelter or on the street. On Pet Theft Awareness Day, give the gift of a new life to one of these rescues.
—
Photo Credit: Lucky Business / Shutterstock.com