I Think My Dog Was Stolen — What to Do
Pet theft is real, and certain breeds are at significantly higher risk. Here's what to do immediately if you suspect your dog was stolen rather than simply went missing.
Post Alert NowSigns Your Dog May Have Been Stolen
- Your yard or car window shows signs of forced entry
- Security camera footage shows an unfamiliar person taking the dog
- Your dog was tied up outside a store, left in a visible location, or in a visible car and is now gone
- You have a breed that is frequently stolen: French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, Staffordshire Terriers, Yorkshire Terriers, Chihuahuas, or any high-value purebred
- Multiple dogs in your neighborhood have gone missing simultaneously
Immediate Steps If Theft Is Suspected
File a Police Report Immediately
Pet theft is a crime in every US state. File a police report at your local police station and get a copy of the report number. Without a police report, you have no legal record of the theft. When you find your dog in someone else's possession, the police report is what allows law enforcement to help you recover your pet.
Report to Animal Control as Well
File a stolen pet report with your local animal control in addition to the police report. Animal control officers have authority to seize stolen pets found in neglect or abuse situations.
Collect and Preserve Evidence
Download and save all security camera footage before it overwrites — most home cameras overwrite within 24–48 hours. Ask neighbors for their camera footage. Photograph any signs of forced entry. Note the time and date the dog was last confirmed present and when the absence was discovered.
Post on Afinderly and All Social Media Immediately
Post your alert on Afinderly. Note clearly in the description that the dog may have been stolen and include the police report number. Post on Craigslist under "Lost and Found" — thieves sometimes re-sell stolen dogs on Craigslist. Monitor Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and OfferUp in your area for your dog.
Monitor Online Marketplaces
Search Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, OfferUp, Nextdoor, and AKC Marketplace for your dog's breed being sold in your area. Set up Google Alerts for "[Breed] for sale [Your City]." Check these sources daily. Stolen dogs are often re-sold within 24–72 hours.
Offer a Significant Reward — Without the Amount Publicly
For theft cases, a larger reward ($500–$2,000+) motivates people who have information to come forward. Post "REWARD — NO QUESTIONS ASKED" on flyers and social media without specifying the amount. The "no questions asked" framing can encourage an accomplice or buyer to return the dog without fear of prosecution.
High-Risk Breeds
These breeds are disproportionately targeted by pet thieves due to high resale value:
- French Bulldogs: Resale value $2,000–$10,000. Highest theft rate of any breed.
- English Bulldogs: Similar value and theft profile to Frenchies.
- Yorkshire Terriers (Yorkies): Small, easy to conceal, high demand.
- Chihuahuas: Compact and easily taken.
- Staffordshire Bull Terriers / Pitbull-type dogs: Targeted for use in illegal fighting operations in some areas.
- Any purebred dog with a current market value over $1,500.
If you own a high-value breed, see our specific guides: French Bulldog, Chihuahua.
Post Alert Now — Include Theft Suspicion
Your alert should note the police report number and that theft is suspected. This changes how people respond to sightings.
Post Alert Now
