13 Reasons Why a Pet Might Disappear

Pets vanish for many reasons but usually the disappearances fit into one of 15 categories.

1. Intentionl Theft

People may steal a pet that has market value and sell it to someone else.  Pure-bred dogs and cats as well as exotic animals like reptiles and birds are often victims.

2. Intentional Theft

People might steal a pet to keep it for themselves.  Animal hobbyists or those that are interested in particular breeds are the culprits

3. Intentional Theft

Sometimes people will steal animals and sell them to research labs.  This is rare, but it does occur.

4. Relational Theft/Cruelty/Euthanasia

In order to retaliate against a relative for any reason, people often target their pets.

5. Misappropriation of Lost Property

6. Captured by Animal Control

7. Turned In To Animal Control/Humane Society

8. Self-Adopted by a well meaning person

If a person is unaware that the pet they find is lost, they sometimes just keep it for themselves.

9. Rescued and Adopted Out by Rescue Groups

10. Victim of Animal Cruelty

This can include mutilation, animal sacrifice, etc.

11. Hit and Run

These are often unidentified animals in veterinary clinics

12. Transported out of Area

Pets can wind up at distant shelters, rescue groups, etc.

13. Trapped or Deceased and Never Recovered

Animals can end up under homes, down wells, etc.