Pet Theft Awareness Day is fast approaching and while many consider the safety of their dogs, it can be difficult to know the best ways to keep your precious pooch as safe and secure as possible. Taking steps like keeping doors and windows locked when you’re not home and investing in collars with personalised dog tags can help to keep your pet safe. While it can often be a scary thought to think about losing your pet, sadly it’s something that can happen to anyone.

Taking preventative measures is always the best place to start, but if you’re worried that you aren’t taking the right steps to keep your dog safe, don’t worry. We have created a helpful list of handy tips and tricks to give you some great ideas about how you can keep your four-legged friends safe.

• Have your dog microchipped – The law states that you must have your dog microchipped. This will allow your pet to be identified in the event that you do become separated, giving you confidence in the knowledge that your pet will be returned to you
• Always use a leash – If your dog isn’t trained to recall then make sure that they are always on a leash whenever you head out for a walk. The last thing you want is for your dog to run off and not come back!
• Lock windows and doors –  When leaving your dog home alone double check that all of your windows and doors are closed and locked
• Pick collars with personalised dog tags – In the event that your dog does run off and you can’t find them, then a personalised dog tag can ensure that you and your four-legged friend are reunited as quickly as possible
• Never leave your dog alone when out and about – If you and your dog are out and about, never leave them alone, even if you are just popping into the corner shop. It can take thieves only seconds to steal your dog, so it’s better to not give them the chance at all
• Have your dog spayed or neutered – Studies have shown that if a dog isn’t spayed or neutered then there is a greater chance of them running off. Spaying or neutering is said to make dogs calmer and more at ease
• Train your dog for recall – It's always a good idea to spend some time training your dog to come at your command. That way, if your pooch does run off, you can just call them back to you without any additional hassle
• Update your information – Whether your dog is microchipped or wearing a dog tag, make sure that the information you are providing is up-to-date and correct. If you leave older information on the tag it can make it harder to be reunited with your dog should any incidents occur in the future
• Secure your garden – While your garden may have fencing and a gate to keep your dog safe, make sure that there are no gaps between the floor and fencing and that it’s high enough to prevent your dog from jumping over it. Also, make sure that your gate stays locked when not in use
• Never leave your dog in the car – Leaving your dog in the car can not only be dangerous to their health but it also gives dog thieves the perfect opportunity to try and take your pet. Avoid leaving your dog in the car alone to minimise the risks

By following these steps, you should be able to ensure that your four-legged friend is safe both at home and while you're out enjoying your time together. It can be easy to become complacent but it's good practice to regularly check that your safety precautions are up to scratch.