Missing-dog scams and verifying claims

Pause before paying

A demand for a fee, transport cost or reward before proof deserves caution. Do not send money, banking details, passwords or security codes. A photograph copied from your notice is not independent evidence. This is a possible risk, not a claim that every contact is fraudulent.

Verify through a trusted organisation

Ask for a current photograph and a detail you withheld from the notice. Arrange verification through the dog warden, veterinary practice or police where theft is suspected. Contact that organisation using an independently found official number, not only a link supplied by the claimant. Share ownership evidence privately with the organisation.

Save evidence, then report

Keep messages, account names and payment requests. Report threats or suspected fraud to police/the appropriate national reporting service and flag abusive accounts to the platform. Do not travel alone to an isolated meeting or retaliate publicly. Suspected theft steps.

Next steps

Lost, Found & Stolen Dogs

Evidence and review

• Metropolitan Police: dog crime
• North Yorkshire Police: pet safety and ransom scams

General guidance, not an individual medical, behavioural or legal assessment. The treating veterinary team’s instructions take priority. Search outcomes, recovery and dog relationships vary. Local services and legal arrangements must be confirmed for the location; procedures here are verified for the labelled UK nations and Republic of Ireland, not assumed to apply elsewhere.

Behaviour support should use humane, reward-based methods. Ask your vet about pain or illness and referral to an appropriately qualified clinical behaviour professional for safety concerns. In the UK, the ABTC register identifies assessed roles; check relevant species, role and referral requirements.

Evidence standards · Report a correction