Does Your Family Have a Dog Theft Prevention Strategy?

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Finding Lost Pets

Losing a pet can be a heartbreaking experience that devastates entire families.  Keep medical history and information about medical conditions with you at all times, always have current photos of your pet and be able to describe coat color/markings.

Take steps to protect your pets from loss and pet theft seizures.  If you experience a loss or theft, or know someone who does, help support them in finding their lost pet.

  • Begin looking quickly and efficiently for a lost pet.
  • Post flyers.
  • Provide a detailed description of your pet, microchip and tattoo identification information to veterinarian offices, animal clinics, animal shelters and groomers.
  • File a report with your local law enforcement if you suspect that your pet was stolen.

Officials at the American Kennel Club have been paying particular attention to stolen dog reports made by owners about dogs stolen from cars, yard and homes.  Since January 2011, the number of pet thefts has increased 49% over the previous year.  Dog Thefts Are Way Up -- Do You Know How to Protect Your Pet recommends that unique microchip serial numbers and your dog's description be posted in the FBI's National Crime Information Center database under "stolen articles."  Other specific prevention tips for pet owners include:

Use a Leash
When owners use a leash for their pets at all times abduction risks can be reduced.  Pets on a leash will remain closer to you.  You can see who is near your pet and quickly move your pet to safety if needed.  Leashes are a primary measure of safety for your pet.  It's quick and easy to go without them, but they can prevent a pet theft when used.  Be consistent with your leash use so your pet can know to "get dressed" and remain in close proximity to you.

Don't Share Information
Sharing information about your habits, living situation, home location, vehicle or family can increase your pet's vulnerability during your absence.  Playing at the beach, dog park or neighborhood park can expose your dog to others that are interested in it.  Special skills your dog has or endearing habits in a pricy breed may increase threat opportunities.  Know who you're sharing your information with.

Dog Friendly Shopping
Your dog is vulnerable to pet theft when you tie it outside a store, restaurant or shop while you make purchases inside.  Make your purchases at dog-friendly stores.  Enjoy your meals at restaurants that encourage pets and people to mix during meals.

Tend to Outdoor Pets
When you leave your animals unattended in their yards you can often have a false sense of your  pet's safety.  Animals that are always outside and visible to others for long stretches of time can become vulnerable to pet theft.  Fences can be scaled, broken into or cut to gain access to your family's beloved pet.

Eliminate Locked Vehicles
It will only take you a minute to run into the store or service station or retrieve your briefcase from the office where you forgot it.  In that same minute, your pet can be stealthily removed from your car.  Vulnerable pets, like electronics equipment in vehicles, can be easily spotted in parked vehicles.  They immediately become sitting ducks to would-be thieves.  Thieves "won't hesitate to steal a dog right out of a locked car," says pet safety company owner Ines de Pablo.

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Office Hours

We are CLOSED all MAJOR HOLIDAYS

Monday:

7:30 am-6:00 pm

Tuesday:

7:30 am-6:00 pm

Wednesday:

7:30 am-6:00 pm

Thursday:

7:30 am-6:00 pm

Friday:

7:30 am-6:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Testimonial

  • "We bring both our girls Ava and Nellie. Our latest visit was due to a limping issue after a visit to a dog park with Nellie (Greyhound and Healer mix). Staff was very kind and gentle with Nellie who is timid with strangers. In the end Nellie thanked both the vet and tech by licking their hands. Great team go see this vet office."
    Joy M.
  • "Dr. Sutton and the loving staff at Union Animal Hospital are amazing! They've taken wonderful care of my dog's since they were puppies. We've added 2 more dog's to our pack, a rescue and a re-home, after my Springer passed this spring. Dr. Sutton and here staff are so good with dog's they don't even mind going for their visits. Thanks Doc!"
    Mike P.
  • "Every visit has been wonderful. I feel like they pay attention to every detail and always ask if we have any more questions. I feel safe leaving my dogs in their care."
    Lisa S.
  • "Union Animal Hospital is the best place! The first time visit was great even during the Pandemic, the techs are wonderful and friendly. Best of all is that they are definitely affordable compared to the rest of the clinics in Spokane."
    Lori J.
  • "The most caring and compassionate animal hospital and veterinary clinic I've found in Spokane. Everyone is so nice and they are outstanding with my 11 year old Pomeranian. I've been searching for a while to find a new Veterinary clinic to take my Pomeranian. I'm so happy to have finally found a place with such caring people whom I can trust to care for my dog and give me all the information I need. They even gave me a print out estimate for everything. They are a bit more expensive than some other places I've researched but with the quality of care they give in my opinion it's well worth the few extra dollars. Thank you guys for treating us so well."
    Amber M.
  • "Our fist time having a pet emergency and Union Animal Hospital took us in right away and helped our Fur baby get better again. We won't go anywhere else, good prices and amazing staff, this is the spot if you care and love your animals take them here to be treated with the utmost respect and quality. LOTS IF LOVE TO YOU GUYS FOR BEING THERE FOR OUR FAMILY"
    Elizabeth R.
  • "Had a great first experience! Dr Sutton was great!"
    Debra R.