In a new press release, the doctors of Bluepearl Veterinary Partners are alerting pet owners to a new criminal trend, “pet flipping,” where pets are found or stolen and then sold to a new owner.
According to the American Kennel Club, there has been a 27.8 percent increase in the number of dog thefts between January and May of this year compared with last year.
The office’s chief medical officer, Dr. Neil Shaw, recommends pet owners take the following precautions to ensure they can be reunited with their pets in the event that they are lost or stolen:
– Never leave your pet unattended outside
– See if your veterinarian recommends GPS tracking collar.
– Keep current photographs of your pets.
–Utilize your local veterinary community and sites like Craigslist to try to find your pet
If you feel you may be the victim of pet flipping, Shaw recommends alerting local law enforcement.
