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Do you ever leave your dog unattended in your garden or tied up outside a café while you pop in for a quick coffee? If so, you might be unknowingly putting your furry friend at risk. Dog theft is a growing problem, with criminals on the lookout for easy opportunities to snatch beloved pets. These thieves often seek to make quick cash by selling stolen dogs or using them for breeding, making certain breeds especially vulnerable.
With dog theft on the rise, awareness and prevention have never been more critical. That’s why National Pet Theft Awareness Day, observed every year on February 14th, serves as a crucial reminder to protect our pets. This day sheds light on the most high-risk situations, practical steps to keep your dog safe, and the legal consequences for those caught stealing pets.
In this article, I’ll dive into the laws different states have in place to combat dog theft, the most commonly stolen breeds, and what you can do to safeguard your pet. Plus, I share a real-life story that highlights just how devastating pet theft can be and why taking preventive measures is so important. Read on to ensure your four-legged friend stays safe from the hands of criminals.
Top 15 Most Stolen Dog Breeds
The majority of dog thefts involve purebreds and designer breeds, as they are highly valuable and in demand. Below are the fifteen most commonly stolen dog breeds and why thieves find them so desirable.
1. Yorkshire Terrier
Yorkies are small, portable, and highly sought after due to their adorable looks and affectionate nature. Their small size makes them easy to snatch quickly, and their popularity ensures a high resale value.
2. Pomeranian
These fluffy companions are a favorite among celebrities and influencers, increasing their desirability. Pomeranians fetch high prices in the pet market, and their friendly nature makes them easy targets.
3. Maltese
Known for their silky coats and affectionate personalities, Maltese dogs are a favorite among luxury dog owners. Their high price tag and popularity in the designer dog world make them a prime target for thieves.
4. Boston Terrier
With their unique tuxedo-like markings and charming personalities, Boston Terriers are always in demand. They are often stolen for resale or illegal breeding due to their pedigree value.
5. French Bulldog
One of the most stolen breeds in the world, French Bulldogs are both expensive and in high demand. Their small size makes them easy to steal, and their resale value can be thousands of pounds, making them a primary target for criminals.
6. Chihuahua
Chihuahuas are among the easiest dogs to snatch due to their tiny size. Their popularity as handbag dogs also makes them a status symbol, increasing their market value.
7. Labradoodle
As a designer crossbreed of a Labrador and a Poodle, Labradoodles are highly desirable due to their hypoallergenic coats and friendly nature. Their high resale value makes them a frequent target.
8. American Pitbull Terrier
American Pitbull Terriers (APBTs) are often stolen for illegal dogfighting rings due to their strength and perceived toughness. Sadly, many stolen Pitbulls, including other Pitbull-types, end up in abusive situations.
9. German Shepherd
Highly intelligent and often used as working dogs, German Shepherds are frequently stolen for resale or illegal breeding. Their protective instincts also make them desirable for security purposes.
10. Labrador Retriever
As one of the most popular family dogs, Labradors have a high resale value. They are often targeted for breeding due to their friendly nature and widespread appeal.
11. Siberian Husky
Huskies are in high demand with their striking blue eyes and wolf-like appearance. Their independent nature can also make them easier to lure away from their owners.
12. Poodle
Poodles, especially smaller varieties like Miniature and Toy Poodles, are prime targets due to their intelligence, hypoallergenic coats, and popularity in designer crossbreeding.
13. Bulldog
Bulldogs, including English Bulldogs, are stolen due to their high market value. Their short snouts and unique appearance make them desirable, but their breathing issues also make them vulnerable to stress and poor treatment.
14. Shih Tzu
Shih Tzus are targeted because of their luxurious coats and affectionate nature. As a popular companion breed, they have a high resale value and are easy to carry away.
15. Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Like the American Pit Bull Terrier, Staffies are sometimes stolen for illegal dogfighting. However, their loyal and affectionate temperament makes them highly sought after as family pets, increasing their appeal to thieves.
If your dog is not on the most stolen breed list, you should also review the most expensive dog breeds that may draw unwanted attention.
How Prevalent Is Dog Theft?
An estimated two million pets fall victim to theft each year in the U.S. – a heartbreaking statistic that continues to rise. Plus, determining the exact number of dogs stolen annually is challenging due to underreporting and inconsistent data collection. Even more alarming, only about 10% of stolen dogs are ever reunited with their owners, leaving countless families devastated. But why do thieves target dogs in the first place, and which breeds are most at risk?
Why Do Thieves Steal Dogs?
Dog theft is rarely random. What are the main reasons thieves steal dogs? Criminals steal dogs for a variety of reasons, with the most common being financial gain. Some are resold for a quick profit, especially purebreds and designer breeds that fetch high prices. They might also steal for the often high cash rewards for finding lost pets.
Others are taken for illegal breeding operations, also known as puppy mills, where they’re forced to produce litter after litter. In more sinister cases, certain breeds are stolen for use in dogfighting rings, either as bait dogs or fighters or for medical research.
Certain dogs are at a higher risk of being targeted due to their popularity, value, and even temperament. Small, friendly breeds that are easy to snatch and highly sought-after designer dogs tend to top the list. In a minute, I’ll take a closer look at the top 15 most commonly stolen dog breeds and why they’re so appealing to thieves.
Stolen Dog Laws
Although 95% of pet parents consider their dogs to be beloved members of the family, the law does not always share this sentiment. The term “dognapping” may evoke the same emotional response as “kidnapping,” but legally, there’s a stark difference. While kidnapping a person is a serious criminal offense, the theft of a dog is treated quite differently under the law.
Why is this the case? In the eyes of the law, a dog is still considered personal property – no different from any other possession, like a television or a piece of jewelry. Unfortunately, this distinction means that most states do not have specific laws regarding stolen pets. Instead, pet theft typically falls under general theft or larceny laws, which do not recognize the emotional bond between owners and their animals.
In states with no specific pet theft laws, stealing a dog is often treated the same way as stealing any other item. This can lead to lighter penalties and less emphasis on the emotional toll that pet theft takes on families. The lack of legal recognition for dogs as family members is a gap that many advocates and pet owners are actively trying to close. They are pushing for stronger laws that acknowledge the deep bond between humans and their pets.
Despite the law treating dogs as property, many owners would argue that a dog is much more than just an object. After all, these loyal companions provide emotional support, security, and companionship that cannot be measured in monetary terms. As pet theft continues to rise, there is growing momentum to change how the law views and handles stolen animals. Hopefully, this will offer stronger protections for those who consider their dogs true members of the family.
States That Have Stolen Dog Laws
As of 2025, only 15 states specifically address the theft of dogs in their criminal codes. These include:
- California
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Louisiana
- Michigan
- Mississippi
- New Hampshire
- New York
- North Carolina
- Oklahoma
- Rhode Island
- Virginia
- Texas
- Washington
- West Virginia
Legal Penalties For Dog Theft
What are the charges for stealing a dog? Criminal charges and penalties vary widely by state, even in those with specific criminal codes for dog theft. Most states consider pet theft a misdemeanor, and the penalties include relatively small fines and little to no jail time. California and Louisiana impose different charges and penalties based on the monetary value of the stolen dog. A few states have stepped up their laws with more severe charges and penalties. Watch and share this one-minute video we created to help spread awareness about dog theft prevention.
Top 5 States With The Best Stolen Dog Laws
I’ve done extensive research into each state’s specific stolen dog statutes. Based on this analysis, here’s our list of the top five states with the most severe dog theft criminal statutes and penalties.
1. Virginia
In Virginia, stealing a dog is a Class 5 felony, punishable by up to 10 years in jail, regardless of the dog’s monetary value.
2. Louisiana
Louisiana is one of the states that separate dog theft charges by your dog’s value, but their penalties are harsher than many other places. If the stolen dog’s value exceeds $500, it can result in imprisonment for up to 10 years or a fine of up to $3,000 (or both). If the stolen dog is worth less than $500, you could still face a fine and imprisonment, but less for higher-value pets.
3. Oklahoma
If convicted of stealing a dog in Oklahoma, the offender faces a felony conviction and imprisonment in the state jail for a term of not less than six months or up to three years. You can also face a fine of three times the value of the animal you stole (up to $500,000).
4. New York
In New York, stealing a dog is a class E felony that can result in jail time of up to six months. In 2014, the state raised the fine for dog theft from $200 to $1,000, regardless of the dog’s monetary value.
5. Mississippi
If you’re found guilty of dog theft in Mississippi, it’s a felony punishable by a fine of not more than $500 or imprisonment in the county jail for up to six months (or both).
How Do I Protect My Dog From Theft?
Keeping your dog safe from thieves requires vigilance and proactive measures. Criminals often target dogs left unattended in vulnerable situations. So, taking precautions can significantly reduce the risk of pet theft. Here are some tips to help you keep your dog safe from thieves.
1. Proof Of Ownership
Keeping up-to-date documentation proving ownership of your dog is essential in case they are stolen or goes missing. Important records include adoption papers, breeder contracts, and licensing documents, all of which officially link your pet to you. Veterinary records, including vaccination history and medical treatments, further establish ownership, as do registered microchip details. Additionally, receipts for pet care supplies, such as food and grooming services, can serve as supporting evidence of ongoing responsibility for your dog.
Recent, clear photos of your pet, including close-ups of unique markings or features, are invaluable in proving ownership. Photos of you with your dog add further credibility. Keeping both physical and digital copies of all these documents in a secure place ensures you have quick access when needed, helping to strengthen your case if you ever need to reclaim your stolen or lost pet.
Learn more about dog ownership laws.
2. Keep Tags Updated
Keeping your dog’s collar and ID tags up to date is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to ensure they can be quickly returned if they go missing. An ID tag should include your current phone number, address, and any other relevant contact details, such as an alternate phone number of a trusted friend or family member. This small accessory serves as an immediate form of identification, allowing anyone who finds your lost pet to contact you directly without needing to take them to a vet or shelter to scan for a microchip.
Updating your dog’s ID tag should be a top priority if you’ve recently moved or changed phone numbers. A tag with outdated information is essentially useless in an emergency. Consider using durable, engraved tags that won’t fade over time, and regularly check that the tag is still securely attached to your dog’s collar.
You might also opt for a smart tag with a QR code or GPS functionality for added security, providing real-time tracking and additional owner details. Another measure you can take to recover your dog is to invest in a dog collar, GPS tracking collar, or Whistle. See our Whistle review to learn more. However, if the collar is removed, it will not track the dog’s location.
Taking these small but crucial steps ensures that if your dog ever gets lost or stolen, they have the best chance of making it back home safely.
3. Get Your Dog Microchipped
Most animal shelters or veterinary clinics can microchip your dog. If you’re on a tight budget, look for free or low-cost microchip opportunities that your local shelters, rescue groups, and other organizations hold. A key component of microchipping is registering the chip with the manufacturer’s and universal microchip registries, like the Michelson Found Animals’ registry. You also must update your contact information with these registries if you move or change your phone number.
4. Buy Pet Insurance
Did you know some pet insurance policies cover some costs associated with stolen pets? Two companies in our pet insurance reviews come to mind: Figo and Fetch.
- Figo offers an Extra Care Pack as an add-on to your pet insurance policy for an extra fee. This includes coverage for advertising, a lost pet reward, and $150 towards the loss of your pet.
- Fetch offers this additional coverage with all policies with a $15,000 annual limit or more. These customers include advertising costs, a reward for a stolen or lost pet, and reimbursement for the amount you paid for your pet if they are stolen or goes missing.
Someone Stole My Dog: What Can I Do?
If you suspect that someone stole your dog, it’s critical to take the following steps immediately:
1. File A Police Report
Call the police and animal control in the area where your pet disappeared, and be sure to file an official police report. However, don’t stop there with your efforts. A stolen dog is likely a low priority for your local authorities.
2. Post Your Dog’s Microchip Number
If your dog has a microchip, ask to have their unique serial number, along with the dog’s description, posted in the “stolen article” category on the National Crime Information Center.
3. Canvass The Area
Since stolen pets are usually a low priority for police, you should do the investigative legwork. Talk to people in the immediate vicinity where your pet went missing. You never know who may have witnessed the actual theft or seen your lost dog.
4. Distribute Flyers
Always make sure you have a recent photo of your pet so you can quickly make flyers if they go missing. Post your flyers around your neighborhood, on social media, and local websites to get as much visibility as possible.
5. Search For Sale Ads
Your stolen dog might end up on a local for-sale ad online if taken by a dog flipper. Check your local message boards and for-sale ads.
6. Check Local Animal Shelters
Dog flippers may leave your dog at an animal shelter if they realize selling it is not a lucrative option. It’s always a good idea to visit your local shelter in person to see if your stolen pet is there. You can also send local rescue shelters your flyers or an email with your contact details and your dog’s photo.
7. Contact The Media
Call or email your local TV station, radio station, and newspaper and request that they post about your missing pet on their website. Here’s a local story in Tulsa, OK, about how one man was able to get his story out to recover his stolen Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, hopefully. Our team member contacted the local media about their neighborhood cat that went missing in DC, and the radio, TV, and newspaper all were able to help amplify the story to get the word out about her.
What To Do If You Locate Your Stolen Pet?
Let’s say all your efforts pay off, and you happen to find out who has your pet. Of course, the first thing you want to do is contact the person to get them back. But it might not be that easy. The other party might be tempted to keep them for whatever reason. So, it’s important to be cautious when attempting to bring your dog home. Even though your dog is a beloved living creature, remember in most places they are considered property.
Contact law enforcement in your area for assistance with mediation or, in some cases, a civil standby where someone accompanies you to reclaim them (to prevent things from escalating). Make sure you have records of your dog’s microchip, proof of ownership (like registration), and a police report. If all else fails, you might consider consulting with an attorney to explore options, including filing a civil lawsuit.
Bella’s Story: How A Dog Theft Investigation Led To A Reunion
In Fall 2019, Darrin Giglio, Chief Investigator at North American Investigations (NAI), was contacted by a man who made the mistake of tying his girlfriend’s Morkie up outside the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in a New York City suburb. The man was devastated to return and find Bella gone. After trying unsuccessfully to find the missing dog, the guy enlisted Mr. Giglio and his NAI team to find the dog.
I certainly understand that anyone whose pet goes missing will start looking, asking people, putting up posters, etc., which is normal. However, there are situations, especially when it is criminal, where you have to be careful because an untrained person can make mistakes that can compromise getting the dog located and returned.
– Darrin Giglio, Chief Investigator at North American Investigations
The NAI investigation’s first step involved inquiring at local shelters and animal hospitals to rule out Bella’s possibility of running away or turning in. Next, they looked into potential surveillance footage from the abduction place. While awaiting footage, the firm received a tip from a witness from a missing dog poster who claimed to have insights into the dog’s whereabouts.
Pro Tip: Giglio warns to question the credibility of inquiries from missing dog posters. “Even if the witness has good intentions and is believable, the data can vary from witness to witness.” Private investigators vet sources and buffer between possible leads and the client. Often desperate to get their dog back, the client is vulnerable and may offer reward money in exchange for false information.
After canvassing the area and utilizing police contacts for missing dog reports, NAI observed a dog who fit Bella’s description. However, conclusive evidence confirmed that the dog was not Bella, so they continued their investigation.
When NAI got the video footage back, they saw the dog scooped up by a pair of male and female accomplices. However, due to the poor video quality, they could not identify any of the couple’s characteristics. Even their car’s license plate number was illegible. The NAI team subpoenaed additional information from the DMV, questioned employees, accessed street cameras, and requested other potential evidence to provide new insights.
Armed with this information, NAI successfully identified a suspect on probation and arrested them. Further questioning led to a conviction, and eventually, Bella was reunited with her owners, thanks to Giglio and his team’s investigative work.
Six weeks or even a few days can seem like an eternity when your loved one is missing. So, if you have a stolen dog situation, hiring a professional in your local area can speed up the information-gathering and analyzing process, helping you reunite with your sweet pup quickly. Although it might seem extreme, it can achieve fast and successful results.
How Can I Keep An Eye On Thieves?
Don’t assume that your home is safe from pet theft. Some burglars will enter your residence to steal a valuable dog. So, how can you protect your pup – and your home? Be sure to check out our reviews of the best doggie cameras, including WiFi cameras with live-streaming video, to find out which would be best to install in your home. For more peace of mind, if you don’t have a security system, we recommend Frontpoint Security. Not only can you keep an eye on your pup while you’re gone, but you can also protect them, knowing that professionals automatically handle hazardous events such as fire, break-ins, or carbon monoxide poisoning. Learn more about the best home security system for pet owners.
Have you had your dog stolen? Perhaps you prevented a dog theft? We would love to hear from our readers, so please contact us in the comments section below.
Why Trust Canine Journal?
Sally has over 20 years of experience in human health sciences communications, including 10 years as an expert on pet health conditions and treatment. She’s part of a team of dedicated canine professionals and long-time dog owners at Canine Journal. We test and research the best pet products, not only for our own pups but for all of our readers.
