National Pet Theft Awareness Day

National Pet Theft Awareness Day is observed annually on February 14, serving as a vital call to action for the security of domestic animals. While the date is primarily known for romantic celebrations, this observance shifts the focus to the protective bond between humans and their animals. It aims to educate the public on the rising rates of pet abduction and the specific preventative measures owners can take to ensure their companions are never separated from their families.

History of National Pet Theft Awareness Day

The holiday was founded in 1988 by Last Chance for Animals (LCA), a non-profit organization dedicated to animal rights and the elimination of animal exploitation. The founder, Chris DeRose, established the day to address the growing issue of “bunching”—a practice where thieves steal pets to sell them to research laboratories, puppy mills, or dog-fighting rings. By placing the day on February 14, the organization leveraged the universal theme of love to remind owners that the ultimate act of affection is ensuring a pet’s lifelong safety. ¹

Historically, pet theft was a poorly tracked crime, often categorized simply as “property theft” with minimal legal consequences. However, LCA’s advocacy helped expose the dark side of animal trafficking, leading to stricter regulations on how research facilities and Class B dealers obtain animals. Since its inception, the day has expanded its focus to include modern threats like “dog flipping,” where popular breeds are stolen specifically to be resold online for high profits. Over the last four decades, the movement has successfully pushed for the widespread adoption of microchipping technology as a standard recovery tool.

Why is National Pet Theft Awareness Day important?

This day is important because it highlights a staggering reality: an estimated two million pets are stolen each year in the United States alone. Despite these high numbers, only about ten percent of stolen animals are ever reunited with their families. The observance sheds light on the fact that pet theft is often a crime of opportunity that can happen in seconds, whether from a fenced backyard, a parked car, or outside a local shop. By raising awareness, the holiday forces owners to move beyond a false sense of security and recognize the tangible risks faced by their animals.

The holiday also serves as a platform for legislative reform, advocating for pets to be viewed as more than just “personal property” in the eyes of the law. Higher penalties for pet theft can act as a deterrent, but until those laws are universal, awareness is the primary line of defense. It emphasizes that certain high-value breeds, such as French Bulldogs and Pomeranians, are targeted for their resale value, while others are taken for more nefarious purposes. Ultimately, the day reinforces the responsibility of pet ownership, reminding the public that vigilance is the only way to prevent a heart-wrenching and often permanent loss.

• Two million pets are stolen annually, making it a widespread national crisis.
• Only one in ten stolen pets is successfully returned to its original owner.
• Microchipped animals have a significantly higher recovery rate than those without.
• Thieves often target unneutered pets for use in illegal backyard breeding.
• Public awareness helps community members identify and report suspicious activity.

How to Observe National Pet Theft Awareness Day

Observing this day involves a thorough audit of your pet’s security and identification methods. The most effective action is ensuring your pet is microchipped and that your contact information is up to date in the national registry. Owners should also take recent, high-resolution photos of their animals from multiple angles, making sure to capture any unique markings or features that could aid in identification. Many people celebrate by sharing safety tips on social media or attending local workshops that teach “theft-aware” walking habits, such as varying routes and avoiding distractions like headphones.

Practical observance also means committing to new safety rules, such as never leaving a pet unattended in a yard or tied up outside a store, even for a few minutes. If you use a pet-sitting or dog-walking service, use this day to verify their background checks and security protocols. Some communities host “Microchip Clinics” on this day to provide low-cost services to the public. Engaging in the day is about being proactive—reporting broken gates, installing security cameras, and educating neighbors so that the entire community becomes a less hospitable environment for potential thieves.

• Check that your pet’s microchip is registered with your current phone number.
• Take a clear photo of your pet today to have an updated reference for posters.
• Install a padlock on your backyard gate to prevent easy access for intruders.
• Refrain from leaving your animal alone in a vehicle while running errands.
• Share a post online about the dangers of leaving pets unattended in public.

National Pet Theft Awareness Day Dates Table

1. https://www.lcanimal.org/index.php/campaigns/class-b-dealers-and-pet-theft/dealing-dogs-class-b-dealer-cc-baird-investigation/101-pet-theft[↩]