An awareness week encouraging pet owners to be more vigilant about the security of their pets and animals, which is being supported by the Kennel Club, starts today (Thursday)...

Pet Theft Awareness Week, organised by the Dog Union and VioVet, is being run to raise awareness of the issue of pet theft in the UK. It's a non-profit week with the aim of helping people take preventative measures to minimise the risk of their own pet going missing. 

The campaign aims to raise awareness via the internet and social media and through the distribution of a number of hard-hitting posters and a wealth of information on the theme of animal theft, which is available on the website www.pettheft.co.uk.  

The site lists preventative measures that pet owners can take to avoid incidents from occurring, as well as a number of things to do during the week to promote awareness. Supporters will be encouraged to print out the posters and encourage supermarkets and shops to display them.

Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary, said: “We would always suggest making sure that a pet is microchipped, and that details are kept up to date with a microchip database, such as Petlog. This will help to ensure that the pet is reunited with its owner more quickly should it go missing.

“Owners of all pets should be vigilant when out and about, and dog owners can visit the Kennel Club’s Open for Dogs website, in association with Dog Friendly, to find places across the UK that welcome dogs, so they can avoid having to leave them tied up outside businesses.”

Petlog’s website offers step by step guidance in what to do should a pet go missing. Visit www.petlog.org.uk for more information.