Four dogs a day stolen across the UK

An estimated 1,626 dogs were stolen across the UK in 2025, according to new analysis of police data by Direct Line pet insurance – the equivalent of four dogs a day on average.

This brings the total number of reported dog thefts across the UK to around over 25,000 in the past 11 years, with the insurer warning that the risk to owners and pets remains real, particularly for popular breeds like French Bulldogs, Staffies and Dachshunds.

Despite an 11% decline in dog thefts compared with the previous year, the crime continues to cause heartbreak for owners and remains a key risk of dog ownership, both emotionally and financially.

Direct Line says improved awareness and the introduction of the Pet Abduction Act in May 2024, which made pet theft a specific criminal offence in England and Northern Ireland, may be contributing to declining theft rates.

French Bulldogs remained the most stolen breed in 2025^[4], with 39 reported stolen, but the profile of targeted dogs has shifted as thieves adapt their tactics. The number of Staffordshire Bull Terriers reported stolen rose by 23%, German Shepherds increased by 38%, while the number of Dachshunds stolen more than doubled. Despite ranking eighth overall, Cocker Spaniels recorded the fastest growth in reported thefts compared with the previous year.

There was some positive news across 2025, with an estimated 344 stolen dogs reunited with their owners – a recovery rate of 21%^[5] in line with previous years. However, this still leaves nearly four in five stolen dogs missing, meaning many owners faced the permanent loss of a much‑loved pet.

How dog owners are responding to the threat of theft

Despite the fall in reported dog thefts, half (50%)^[6] of UK adults surveyed with a dog worry about them being stolen, with one in six (16%) saying they are very worried their pet could be targeted, according to a survey commissioned by Direct Line. The research also shows that many dog owners take everyday precautions to reduce the risk of theft.

• Nearly four in ten dog owners (38%) say they would never leave their dog tied up and unattended, such as outside a shop or school, or leave a house door open while their dog is inside (30%).
• When out walking, one third (33%) say they only ever walk their dog on a lead, with almost one in ten (9%) using a “theft‑proof” lead.
• Precautions also extend to the home. More than a quarter (26%) supervise their dog while it is in the garden, while almost one in five (18%) have installed motion‑activated or security cameras. Around one in six (17%) use a tracking device, such as an Apple AirTag or GPS tracker, to help monitor their dog’s location.
• Some owners are also restricting their online behaviour, with 13% avoiding dog‑sharing apps and 13% avoiding posting pictures of their dog on social media or only sharing images with location data hidden.
• However, not everyone is taking action, with one in ten owners (10%) saying they take no precautions at all.

Adam Burgin, Head of Trading and Customer, at Direct Line said: “Any reduction in dog theft is welcome, but it’s important not to confuse lower numbers with lower risk. More than four dogs a day were still stolen in 2025 and, with over 25,000 dogs taken in the last 11 years, it’s clear this issue hasn’t gone away.

“Certain breeds, particularly French Bulldogs and Staffies, continue to be targeted, and we see the emotional and financial impact this can have on owners. Dog theft often results in lengthy recovery periods and, in many cases, permanent loss, especially when animals are stolen opportunistically or sold on quickly.

“While it’s encouraging to see more dogs reunited with their families, the reality is that most stolen dogs still don’t come home. Thieves can strike at any time, so taking preventative steps – such as keeping pets identifiable, ensuring microchips are up to date, and remaining vigilant – can make a real difference. If a dog is stolen, insurance can also help with practical costs such as flyers and rewards, providing support at what can be an extremely distressing and vulnerable time.”

Annalisa de Carteret, Pet Loss Support Manager, at Blue Cross, said: “The uncertainty of not knowing where your pet is, or if they are safe, can be just as painful as bereavement, but without the closure that comes with it. This can make the trauma even harder to process, especially for children who may be left distressed and confused by the sudden loss of a cherished member of the family.

“Reaching out to someone who understands the emotional impact of losing a pet can make a real difference. At Blue Cross, we provide a vital lifeline for devastated owners whose much-loved companions have been stolen, offering practical support and a listening ear during an incredibly difficult time.”

Direct Line top tips to help owners reduce the risk of dog theft:

Dog theft can be devastating for owners and pets alike, but taking simple precautions can help reduce the risk and keep dogs safe.

• Keep microchip details accurate and up to date. Make sure your contact information is registered and current so your dog can be reunited with you quickly if recovered.
• Never leave dogs unattended in vehicles, gardens or outside shops. Even a short amount of time can make them an easy target.
• Secure gardens and gates, particularly if dogs can be seen from the street. Fit sturdy fencing, locks and consider motion‑sensor lighting where possible.
• Stay alert when out walking and be aware of people paying unusual attention to you or your dog, especially in quieter areas.
• Vary walking routines and locations to avoid establishing predictable patterns that could be exploited by thieves.
• Be cautious on social media and avoid sharing details about your pet’s routine, walking routes or exact location in real time.
• Train dogs not to wander or respond to strangers, where possible, and keep them on a lead in unfamiliar or busy areas.
• Use visible deterrents, such as collars with ID tags, GPS trackers or warning signs on gates, which can discourage opportunistic theft.
• Trust your instincts – if something doesn’t feel right, leave the area and keep your dog close.
• Review your pet insurance cover to understand what support or protection may be available if theft does occur.

For more than 30 years, the Pet Loss Support Service at Blue Cross has been helping owners through the heartbreak of losing a pet. The team provides free, confidential support 365 days a year on 0800 096 6606 or plsmail@bluecross.org.uk through any loss of a pet, either through death, enforced separation or theft.

Enquiries:

About Direct Line:

Started in 1985, Direct Line became the first UK insurance company to use the telephone as its main channel of communication. It provides motor, home and pet insurance cover direct to customers by phone or on-line and is part of the Aviva Group.

Customers can find out more about Direct Line products or get a quote by calling 0345 246 3761 or visiting www.directline.com

Additional information:

About Blue Cross

Blue Cross is a national charity that has been helping sick, injured and homeless pets since 1897. Every month we help thousands of pets and their people by providing veterinary care, expert behaviour advice and find homeless pets loving families. We also offer education for future generations plus pet loss support for those who have lost their beloved pet companion. We love the ways that pets can make such an amazing difference to the people they live with and we offer lifelong support and advice to help that unique relationship thrive. With your support we can give back to more pets and their families who need our help. Pets change lives. We change theirs.

For more information visit www.bluecross.org.uk

X: @The_Blue_Cross

Instagram: @The_Blue_Cross

Facebook: @thebluecrossUK

References:

^1. _{Direct Line submitted a Freedom of Information Request to all 45 UK police forces. All but two responded, although some forces were unable to provide data for their force area. To estimate the total number of stolen dogs across the UK, a calculation based on the number of dogs stolen per 10,000 people (0.000023) was applied to the population in the police force areas that were unable to provide data. The average return rate of police forces that did provide data was applied to calculate the number of dogs returned across all forces.   UK Pet Population | UK Pet Food – household dog ownerships, according to UK Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association (PFMA). [↑]}

^2. _{These figures are calculated using actual figures from police force FOI responses as well as adjusted estimates across an eleven-year period [↑]}

^3. _{The average return rate of police forces that did provide data was applied to calculate the number of dogs returned across all forces. [↑]}

^4. _{Of the police forces who provided breed-level data [↑]}

^5. _{The number of dogs returned and estimated returned dogs across all polices forces divided by the number of dogs stolen [↑]}

^6. _{The Combines ‘Very worried’ and ‘Somewhat worried’. The research was conducted by Censuswide, among a sample of 2,001 Cat and dog owners. The data was collected between 16.03.2026-20.03.2026. Censuswide abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society and follows the MRS code of conduct and ESOMAR principles. Censuswide is also a member of the British Polling Council. [↑]}