Feb. 14 is not only Valentine’s Day. It’s also Pet Theft Awareness Day. Pet theft is a topic that might scare many pet parents, but it happens: There are thieves who will take not only strays, but dogs and cats in happy homes, and sell them to laboratories.
Being proactive is the best defense. The safest strategy is to never leave your dog or cat unattended in your yard. If that’s not feasible, then make sure your pet isn’t visible from the street. Also, never leave your dog alone in the car or tied up outside a restaurant or store.
Spaying or neutering your pet reduces the chance of straying. If your dog or cat does get lost, identification is key. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals reports that only 2 percent of lost cats and 16 percent of lost dogs that end up in shelters are ever reunited with their owners. An ID tag is a good start, but it can easily get pulled off. The best defense is to have your pet microchipped or tattooed. If your pet ends up at a laboratory, researchers are required by law to check if the animal has an identifying tattoo.
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Veterinarians can either microchip or tattoo your pet. And a few places offer inexpensive microchipping locally—the Silicon Valley Animal Control Authority, for $35, and VIP Petcare Services, for $39, every Sunday between 4-5:30 p.m. at .
This week’s pet of the week is Minka Rae, a beautiful, 4-year-old German shepherd. Minka Rae is well-mannered and knows these commands—sit, down, heel, stay and come. She is housebroken and loves car rides and chasing balls. She prefers human company to dogs, but she gets along with other big dogs.
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Minka Rae is recovering from an injured front leg after being hit by a car. She’s staying in a foster home with a therapist who is retraining her to use her leg. She would do best in a home without stairs and with level floors and carpet.
For more information about Minka Rae and other German shepherd dogs available for adoption, visit German Shepherd Rescue of Northern California. German shepherds available for adoption also will be at in Campbell on Feb. 26 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
