If your dog is ever lost...or stolen...

The very best thing you can do for your pet in case it is lost or stolen is have permanent identification on the dog.  A collar and tags are good, but a tattoo or microchip is better.  They are difficult to alter and provide legal protection should your pet end up with someone that doesn't want to return it.   Don't think it can't happen to your pet.  There are unscrupulous people who think nothing of stealing a pet from a backyard and selling it to a research facility.  Malamutes are considered a good commodity in this regard because of their high pain tolerance, they don't bark too much and have strong survival instincts.  The perfect research dog...

We all know about microchips, but tattoos are VISIBLE. Someone stealing your dog for research will think twice. Microchip all you want, but tattoo, too if possible.  It can sometimes be difficult to find someone to tattoo since it's so much easier to microchip, most vets will do it, but finding someone who can do a legible and lasting tattoo is harder. In some states it's a felony to hold a tattooed or microchipped dog without informing the owner and research facilities are supposed to not take dogs with tattoos or chips.  The negative side to chips is that most dogs are found by neighbors that don't have a scanner!  Only downside to tattoos is we had a litter that could not be tattooed!  We still don't know if it was their skin or the ink, but that happens rarely. And NOTIFY your tattoo or microchip registrar that the dog is lost.

Notify your local police department.  If a dog is positively identified with a chip or tattoo they can get involved because you have proof of ownership.

Visit the pound, humane society, etc. at least every other day.  Do not attempt to just phone every day - most pounds and shelters will not look for a tattoo and many don't know breeds very well.  Your wooly Malamute may look like a Collie mix to volunteer shelter workers.  Though some state laws require they look for the tattoo, most won't, and nor will they tell you if the breed you are looking for is there

Post flyers at grade schools, rec centers, pools, ski areas, and other activities where kids go.  Malamutes and kids tend to find each other so likely a neighbor kid has seen your dog.  Put flyers in stores, pet shops, grooming shops, gas stations, telephone poles, wherever there is a steady flow of people.  Post signs within a 25 mile radius - Mals can travel long distances in a short time.

Run an add in the lost/found of major newspapers & your local paper.  Don't give the dog's name or amount of reward if you offer one.  Don't give the numbers if you say it's chipped or tattooed.  Watch the found ads too.

Post signs at post offices in a 50 mile radius and talk to the employees.  Postal employees are aware of dogs on their route - many have been bitten!

Describe your dog as  "an Alaskan Malamute, which looks like a LARGE husky" or a "husky-type dog".   Even better, add that it's NOT a wolf or crossed with wolves.  You don't want it shot as a wolf or coyote and can only hope it stays out of the neighbor's henhouse.

Your dog should have a collar and a current license tag on at all times.  

If there is a secondary language in your area, get someone to translate and print flyers in that language too.

Print REWARD in large letters, but do NOT give an amount.

Get a cell phone.  A cell phone is a good thing to have so you can get calls about your dog whereever you are.

There is an increase of theft of dogs and cats in the spring.  It gets worse every year and Malamutes are one of the breeds they target.  Dogs are stolen for dog fighting, bait, cults, ransom, resale, research, breeding, furs, guard dogs, etc.  Your pet is an important commodity in illegal trafficing. 

Be careful about people that respond to your ad.  Never meet anyone alone.  Con-artists may or may not have your dog. 

Find out who your local USDA Licensed dog dealers and research institutions are in your area.  I bet you didn't realize these people live among you and scour the pounds and sometimes steal animals for research.  The US Dept. of Agriculture keeps lists of these people.  Their website where you can find this info is at the US Department of Agriculture. Also, here is a new link to the missing pet network.

Tips to keep your pet safe....

Never leave your dog outdoors alone where it can be seen when you aren't home.  Be aware this means even in an kennel, car, tied out in the street while you dash in to shop.  Bunchers are fast, it only takes a minute or two. 

Never place a free to good home ad in the paper.  Ask a fee for puppies or kittens or the adult you must place in a new home.  Have potential owners fill out a form  that includes name, address, veterinarian, their place of business and references and CHECK them.  Go to their home and check them out.  Call their vet.  See their driver's license.  Ask questions!

If you suspect your pet is stolen - act fast.  If you think it may be a dealer, you have the right to request a law enforcement escort onto the property. 

Repair fences and make your yard secure!  And never never let your dog run loose!