Dogs are stolen for a variety of reasons and most of them are guaranteed to break your heart. Some are resold to use a breeding stock to puppy mills and professional breeders. Chihuahuas are often sold as “bait” in fighting arenas. Others are sold to labs for experiments and research. The most unfortunate simply end up in hands of sadists who just want to torture and kill animals.
Unfortunately very few of the hundreds of thousands of dogs that go missing every year are returned to their owners. You can increase your chances of having your Chihuahua returned to you by employing the following methods.
Veterinarians, individual tattoo artists and companies specialize in tattooing animals with an identification number. Usually after the tattoo is placed, the identification number is registered with a service such as the National Dog Service. This may make it easier for him to be found. Different tattoo artists are associated with different registries so be sure to inquire first about which registry you will need to contact in order to complete the process.
Before entrusting your pup to the care a boarding or training kennel, thoroughly check out the reputation and references of the company. Avoid any establishment that has a history of missing dogs or runaway dogs. Make sure that they agree to show you the body if your puppy passes while you are gone. This way your pet’s death cannot be faked so it can be resold.
Don’t get your dog’s ear tattooed. You are better off to have the inside of his thigh tattooed as thieves have been known to sever a dog’s ears off to prevent it from being identified.
Microchipping is usually done at the vet. Otherwise, a vet can refer you to a microchipping service. A microchip is inserted under your dog’s skin, typically at the back of the neck or behind the ear. If you dog is lost and then found, then a scanner is used to read the read the information embedded in the microchip.
If your chihuahua disappears and is found, a special scanner can read the information on the microchip, and your dog can be traced to you. Again, call your vet for referrals in your area for Microchipping services.
Keep an eye on your dog a and be aware of his whereabouts at all times. Don’t leave him unattended outside in your yard, even for a few minutes. If you live in California he could be stolen by a coyote! Never leave him outside when you are not at home. Lock him in the house along with the rest of your valuable possessions.
Keep an eye on your chihuahua and be aware of his whereabouts at all times. Don’t leave him unattended outside in your yard, even for a few minutes. If you live in California he could be stolen by a coyote! Never leave him outside when you are not at home. Lock him in the house along with the rest of your valuable possessions.