How to Deal with Pet Break-ins and Burglaries

How to Deal with Pet Break-ins and Burglaries

Dealing with break-ins and burglaries is not something anyone ever wants to face, but sadly, these incidents happen. As a concerned grandparent, I know how important it is to make sure that not only are your belongings safe, but also that your beloved pets are protected. They are a part of your family, and their safety should be a top priority in the unfortunate event of a burglary.

Understanding the Threat: Pet Safety and Home Security

Before we jump into specific strategies to deal with burglaries and protect your pets, let's first understand the threat. Burglars are often looking for valuables—electronics, cash, jewelry, and sometimes even pets to sell. Unfortunately, pets can sometimes become an unintended target because of their emotional and financial value. In many cases, they may not be harmed, but their emotional distress can be significant.

There are many aspects to consider when securing your home and protecting your furry companions, so let’s explore several effective strategies.

Step 1: Create a Secure Environment for Your Home and Pets

The first step to keeping your pets safe is ensuring that your home is as secure as possible. After all, prevention is better than dealing with the aftermath.

Install Quality Locks and Security Systems: It’s important to make sure all entry points to your home, including windows, doors, and any accessible back or side entries, are equipped with strong locks. Consider installing deadbolts on exterior doors. In addition, a good alarm system can be a real game changer. Many modern systems allow you to monitor your home remotely from your phone.

Use Security Cameras: Security cameras not only help to deter criminals but also provide crucial evidence if something happens. Installing cameras in visible places around the exterior of your home can help prevent intruders. Many cameras are now available with pet monitoring features, allowing you to keep an eye on your pets when you're away as well.

Motion-Sensor Lights: Burglars often prefer to work in the dark, so setting up motion-sensor lights around your property can help to prevent them from targeting your home. These lights will turn on when any movement is detected, which can scare off a potential intruder.

Reinforce Windows and Doors: Make sure all your windows are locked securely, and consider installing window sensors that will alert you if someone tries to tamper with them. Sliding glass doors are also a weak point in many homes, so be sure to have a dowel or security bar in place to make them harder to force open.

Step 2: Create a Safe Space for Your Pets

During a break-in, pets can become scared or disoriented, making it difficult for you to keep them calm. One way to mitigate this risk is by designating a secure area where your pets can be kept safe if you are away or during the night.

Create a Pet “Safe Room”: Just as you would have a safe room for yourself, your pets need a safe space too. A small room or a cozy corner can be equipped with their essentials—food, water, bedding, and toys. This room should be away from windows and doors to reduce the chances of a burglar spotting your pets.

Keep Your Pets Calm: Pets may panic during a break-in, and anxiety can worsen their fear. You might want to consider keeping them in a quiet space when you're away, such as a crate or a closed-off room. You could also use pheromone diffusers like Feliway for cats or Adaptil for dogs, which help to reduce stress.

Pet Identification: In case of an escape during a burglary, make sure your pets are always wearing ID tags. If your pet is microchipped, make sure your contact information is up-to-date. That way, even if your pet runs away, there is a higher chance of being reunited.

Step 3: Be Aware of Your Surroundings

The more aware you are of your surroundings, the less likely a burglar will try to break into your home. It’s important to stay alert and vigilant, both within your home and in the neighborhood.

Neighborhood Watch: Stay connected with neighbors and form a watch group. If everyone is looking out for one another, there’s a much lower chance that a break-in will go unnoticed. Pets, such as dogs, can also alert neighbors if they hear suspicious sounds.

Keep Your Pets Inside at Night: If you have outdoor pets, make sure they are kept inside during the night. Pets left outside may become targets, or worse, they may wander off if a burglar scares them.

Avoid Advertising Valuables: Never advertise your valuables, including pets, on social media. Burglars often use social media to scope out homes. Be cautious about posting pictures of your pets or expensive items that might attract unwanted attention.

Step 4: During the Break-In: Protect Yourself and Your Pets

If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of having a break-in occur while you're home, your first priority is always your safety. Once you're secure, it’s important to ensure your pets are as safe as possible.

Do Not Confront the Intruder: If you’re home during the break-in, do not try to confront the burglar. Your safety comes first, and nothing is worth putting yourself in harm's way. If you can do so safely, leave the house and call 911 immediately.

Use Your Pet as a Distraction: Sometimes, pets can serve as a way to distract or deter a burglar. An alert dog can bark loudly and draw attention, which may frighten the burglar enough to flee. However, you don’t want to put your pet in harm’s way, so use your judgment based on the situation.

Secure Your Pets Quickly: If possible, lock your pets in a safe room or crate to protect them from harm. Animals may be scared during a break-in, and keeping them in a familiar, quiet space will help reduce their stress.

Step 5: Post-Burglary: What to Do Next

Once the break-in is over, you need to deal with the aftermath—emotionally and practically.

Ensure Your Pet’s Wellbeing: If your pet was home during the burglary, they may show signs of trauma such as shaking, hiding, or refusing to eat. It’s important to offer them comfort and, if needed, consult a veterinarian for advice on how to manage their stress. If your pet was taken during the burglary, you should immediately file a police report and alert local shelters and vet clinics.

Increase Your Security: After a burglary, it’s crucial to assess and upgrade your home’s security system. You may need to install better locks, more cameras, or even a security guard to monitor the premises.

Keep an Eye on Your Pets: For a while after the break-in, be extra mindful of your pets’ behavior. They may have experienced stress or trauma, so offering them extra attention, love, and care is essential to help them recover.

QnA Section

Q1: What is the best way to keep my pets safe when I am not at home?

Ans) The best way is to create a safe space for your pets. A small, secure room with their essentials and no access to windows is ideal. You can also use pet cameras to monitor them from your phone. Additionally, setting up a high-quality alarm system and ensuring all doors and windows are locked will keep your pets safe while you're away.

Q2: Should I keep my pets in a crate during the night for safety?

Ans) Yes, a crate can help keep your pets safe and secure during the night. It’s important that the crate is comfortable and not a source of anxiety for your pet. If they feel safe and comfortable inside, they are less likely to panic if a break-in occurs.

Q3: What should I do if my pet is injured during a break-in?

Ans) If your pet is injured, seek immediate veterinary care. Contact your vet or an emergency animal hospital right away. You should also file a report with the police, as the injury may be relevant to the investigation.

Q4: How can I prevent burglars from targeting my pets?

Ans) Preventive measures include installing strong security systems, using surveillance cameras, and making sure your pets are kept indoors during the night. Keeping your valuables, including pets, out of sight from windows is also a good deterrent for burglars.

Q5: Should I report a pet theft immediately?

Ans) Yes, you should report any pet theft immediately. Provide the police with any information that can help locate your pet, such as microchip details, photos, and descriptions. Contact local shelters and animal control to spread the word.