Dog thefts across the UK climbed by 5% in 2025 to nearly 1,200 incidents, with new figures identifying the five breeds most commonly targeted by thieves. The data, published in The Pet Database Pet Theft and Abduction Report 2026, shows that most pets are snatched directly from their owners' homes and gardens rather than in public spaces.
Most Stolen Breeds Named
Freedom of Information data gathered from police forces across the country identified the five most commonly stolen dog breeds:
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier
- French Bulldog
- Dachshund
- German Shepherd
- Cocker Spaniel
The report was compiled by Dr Daniel Allen of Keele University, whose campaign helped lay the groundwork for the Pet Abduction Act 2024. It cautions that stealing pets continues to be a low-risk crime, with charging rates remaining low despite police forces actively applying the new law.
Low Charging Rates Despite New Law
Although a suspect was identified in 44% of dog theft cases in 2025, just 11 incidents (1.4%) resulted in a formal charge or summons. Across both cat and dog cases combined, only approximately one in 80 cases led to a criminal charge. The new Act now accounts for 33% of classified dog cases and 52% of cat cases, but the increased adoption has yet to result in convictions.
The research revealed a disconnect between where pet owners think danger lurks and where thefts genuinely take place. More than half of pet owners (51%) believe their dog is most vulnerable in a public setting, such as being left tied up outside a shop, stolen from a vehicle, or targeted while on a walk. In reality, just 13% of thefts occur in public spaces.
Theft Locations and Owner Misconceptions
Nearly three-quarters of stolen pets - 73% of dogs and 74% of cats - were taken directly from the owner's home or back garden. Due to this misconception, only 27% of owners have enhanced their home security to ward off thieves. By contrast, 40% make certain they never leave their pet unattended in public, 35% rely on GPS trackers, 20% refrain from sharing pictures online, and 14% alter their walking routes.
Indy Sangha, CEO of Pet Database, said: "Owners are doing everything they can to protect their pets on walks, while the data shows thieves are coming to the front door."
"When a pet is taken, the microchip is often the clearest proof of who it belongs to, yet a fifth of owners don't know it's their job to keep those details up to date. We back Dr Allen's call for police to record microchip status in every pet theft case, so we can finally see how many stolen and abducted pets could have come home."
Microchip Confusion and Recovery Rates
A nationwide survey of 2,000 people commissioned alongside the report exposed widespread confusion surrounding microchip registration. One in five pet owners (21%) are unaware that keeping microchip details up to date is their legal obligation. Many incorrectly assume the responsibility lies with their vet (21%), their pet insurance company (15%), or the original breeder (7%).
Almost half (46%) do not realise they need to update the microchip registry when switching mobile numbers, and 33% neglect to update records after moving house. Nearly a third of owners (29%) confessed they have either never checked their pet's microchip information or cannot remember when they last did so.
Recovery rates remain disappointing, although they showed modest improvement for dogs: 21% of stolen dogs were reunited with their owners in 2025, up from 18% in 2024. For cats, recovery fell from 17% to 15%.
Debbie Matthews, Co-Founder of the Stolen and Missing Pets Alliance (SAMPA), emphasised that prevention starts at the front door: "The vast majority of pets are stolen or abducted from homes and gardens, so pet owners must consider security measures such as good lighting, reliable locks, and CCTV."
"Also, keep your dog in eyesight when walking in a park and never leave them tied up outside a shop or alone in your car. Every pet owner should know what action must be taken in the unfortunate event that they are a victim of pet theft."
"You must report the pet as stolen to the police, local vets, animal warden and rescues, while concerned communities on social media can prove very helpful. However, in every case, pet owners should check their pet's microchip database registration and ensure all contact details are correct as a crucial step to being reunited with their pet."
