DOG owners have been issued advice on how to safeguard your dog from theft, and what to do if an animal is stolen or lost.

With police recording more than 4,500 offences involving stolen dogs in the last two years in England and Wales, Pets Corner, which has a store in Kidderminster, has put together an owner’s guide to help safeguard your dog from theft and what to do if an animal is stolen.

The advice includes the reminder to microchip and tag dogs, which became a legal requirement in England, Wales and Scotland in April 2016.

GPS dog trackers, which fit to the dog's collar and use GPS signals to provide live tracking information 24 hours a day, are also being suggested.

If a dog is stolen, the owner should contact police immediately. The owner should also contact all dog warden services, local vets, rescue centres and the Petlog Reunification Service to make them aware your dog has gone missing.

They should all share photographs and information, including where the animal was last seen, on social media.

Anyone who has experienced the loss of a pet should contact the pet bereavement support service on 0800 096 6606.

Lucy Ross, an animal specialist and head of training at Pets Corner, said: "The emotional impact of losing a cherished pet is profound so if an animal goes missing it can be an incredibly distressing time for its owners.

"There are a number of things that owners can do to help protect their pet from thieves as well as procedures they can follow if an animal is taken.

"Avoid leaving your pet alone in public places or cars. If you know your schedule will include visiting somewhere that dogs aren’t allowed, then it is safer to leave them at home."

Anyone experiencing the loss of a pet should contact the Pet Bereavement Support Service on 0800 096 6606.