Dog thefts are on the rise in Switzerland—a recent case in Zurich: Why dog thefts are increasing in 2024/2025 and how we can effectively protect you and your dog
A recent incident at Glattpark confirms a dangerous trend
This morning, November 29, 2025, at around 10:55 a.m., Dora, a small Bolonka dog, was stolen from the Coop Glattpark. This incident has shocked many and shows that dog thefts in Switzerland are no longer a rare occurrence.
Areport hashas been reportingfor months on a “huge danger” that, according to several breeders and dog trainers, is becoming more real. Also Four Paws has officially issued a warning about rising thefts in Central Europe.
Particularly in cities such as Zurich, Basel, and Bern, there has been a rise in cases where dogs were left tied up unattended in front of stores or were stolen in the immediate vicinity of shopping centers.
Why Dog Theft Is More Common Today
Experts and animal welfare organizations cite several reasons:
Dogs fetch high resale prices
Illegal puppy dealers are active throughout Europe
Designer dogs and small dogs are particularly at risk
Spontaneous thefts occur more frequently than planned or authorized incidents
Many owners carelessly let their dogs “wait a moment”
Social media makes dogs more visible—and thus more attractive to criminals
Switzerland is considered safe—and that is exactly what makes many car owners careless.
We are often asked for help
At Züripets, we unfortunately experience these kinds of situations firsthand time and time again—usually when we’re asked for help at the last minute. But by that point, it’s often already too late to take preventive action. Many owners underestimate how quickly a dog can disappear and how difficult the subsequent search can become.
That’s why we don’t just support dog owners after an incident has occurred; instead, we consistently focus on preventive safety, clear procedures, and a structured emergency plan that kicks in immediately in the event of an emergency. Our goal is to prevent risks from arising in the first place and to protect dogs as best as possible in every everyday situation.
The most important rule: Dogs don't belong in the store
That is one of the strongest risk factors of all.
Please never:
tie the dog up in front of the store
"Just pop in for a minute"
Keep the dog out of sight
trusting other people to “pop in for a quick look”
A theft takes 5 seconds.
Most cases in Switzerland happen exactly that way.
Checklist: How to Keep Your Dog Safe in Everyday Life
✓ 1. Never leave your dog unattended
Not in front of stores, not in front of the post office, not at the bakery, not at the mall.
✓ 2. Don't take your dog with you when you go shopping
The only way to be safe is to keep your dog out of risky situations in the first place.
✓ 3. Use a GPS tracker
Long battery life, live tracking, emergency feature.
✓ 4. Update microchip & AMICUS data
Address, phone number, emergency contact—everything must be correct.
✓ 5. Always keep your dog on a leash and close by—especially in crowds
✓ 6. No real-time location posts on social media
Especially not with a dog + your actual location.
✓ 7. Always exercise caution in places with many strangers
—public transportation, shopping centers, parking lots, and tram stops.
✓ 8. Use professional childcare services when you're out and about
Daycare, in-home care, or short-term childcare—guaranteed to be safer than “just waiting a little while.”
✓ 9. Take immediate action if your dog goes missing
,Police (117), veterinarians, animal shelters, Amicus, social media.
✓ 10. Stay calm—take a structured approach
Time is of the essence.
What to Do If Your Dog Goes Missing: The 5-Minute Emergency Checklist
Call the police at 117 (to file an official report)
Note the location and time
Inform veterinarians and animal shelters
Report an Amicus
Engage with social media and local groups (Glattparkdogs, Zurich Dog Owners, etc.)
The sooner the announcement goes out, the better our chances.
How Züripets® Ensures Maximum Safety
Züripets protects dogs to a degree that is virtually impossible to achieve on one's own:
24/7/365 care— the only commercial dog-sitting service in the canton
Enclosed, secure premises
Video Surveillance
In-Person Deliveries
Enclosed Run Areas
Experienced, trained staff
Safety and Emergency Protocols
Pickup and drop-off service available upon request (directly from the apartment)
Full Transparency Regarding Visit Reports
At Züripets, safety isn't just a topic of discussion—it's a way of life.
Be alert—but stay calm
Dog theft is a growing trend in Switzerland—as the media and animal welfare organizations clearly show.
However, the risk can be drastically reduced with a few decisive measures.
The most important rule remains:
Never leave dogs unattended and never take them shopping.
Züripets supports all dog owners in Glattpark and throughout Zurich at all times—reliably, professionally, and available 24/7.
Züripets® GmbH
Headquater
Boulevard Lilienthal 5
CH-8152 Glattpark (Opfikon)
info@zueripets.ch
+41 44 810 80 00