Trick or treat? What's safe for pets this season
Keeping your dog safe
With many in the UK now working from home a few days of the week, there has been an unprecedented rise in people getting a dog.
Unfortunately, the increased demand has led to a rise in dog theft too. Here’s our tips on how to keep your them safe at home and out on walks.
Keep them in sight
The most important thing to do is watch of your dog closely. If you can’t trust them off the lead, then don’t risk it. When you're at home, make sure they stay on your property and don't wander around the neighbourhood.
Secure their space
Only leave your dog in your garden if it’s secure. It’s worth checking fences for gaps and getting gates put in to keep them enclosed. You don’t want your pooch to escape or for anyone to access your garden easily.
Work on their recall
Take the time to coach your dog to come back to you on command. This helps induce them to return to you quickly if they’re at risk. It also means they’re less likely to flee on walks or in public places, giving you extra peace of mind.
Never leave your dog in a car
Leaving your dog in a locked car is never safe, whether the windows are closed or not. In warmer weather, they can quickly get heat stroke.
If the windows are rolled down, they are a sitting target for thieves too. Someone could easily force open a window, reach in and grab your dog within a matter of seconds.
Don’t tie them up outside a shop
For some time, it’s been a common sight to see a pooch tied up outside a shop. Due to the rise in dog theft and them being stolen in situations like this, try to refrain from doing it. If you need to pop to the shops with your furry friend, take someone with you to look after them.
Report incidents
If you see any suspicious behaviour or notice anyone asking strange questions about your dog, report it. You could prevent a crime from happening in the first place.
Be vigilant
Be wary of strangers who admire your pooch too. Don’t allow them to hold or take photos with your dog, as it might be an imaginative way of distracting you.
Get them microchipped
Firstly, ensure your dog has a collar with an ID tag containing your second name, telephone number and address. Get them microchipped too and state it on the tag.
Don't put their name on the tag, as someone trying to steal them could use it to lure your pooch over.
Fit an alarm
Get alarms installed or bells fitted to your garden gates to provide you with a warning of any intruders. This may also deter potential dog thieves.
Keep important documents safe
Keep all of your dog’s insurance and important documents somewhere safe. That way, you’ll have them to hand in the case of an emergency.
Do your due diligence
Don’t just hand your furry friend over to anyone. Whether or not you get a recommendation from a friend, it’s still worth doing a background check.
If you employ a dog walker, try to find out if they’re registered with a registered body and whether or not they hold any qualifications.
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Pet insurance offers
If you are a Co-op Member, you get 5% off Co-op Pet Insurance in your first year. Customers who are members also get 10% off all pet products in-store.
In-store discount added up to 14 days after policy starts and ends 21 September 2027. Terms and conditions apply. Policy discount subject to minimum yearly prices. Offers could be changed or withdrawn at any time.
