They're known as man's best friend, but most dog owners would say their pooch is a member of the family, a kid. And just like kids these days you need to make sure they are protected.

“For the last year and a half the American Kennel Club has been tracking pet thefts across the nation and we have seen dozens since the beginning of this year versus just a handful last year in 2007,” said Lisa Peterson with the AKC.

Yes, dog- napping is on the rise and the American Kennel Club is urging owners to be on alert and to take extra precautions to keep dogs safe.

First they encourage getting your dog micro-chipped for identification.

It’s very easy to micro-chip your pet. The chip is about the size of a grain of rice. You go to the veterinary office and the vet implants the chip right under the skin at the shoulder blade. It’s painless; it’s like getting a yearly shot. And then it’s very easy to enroll for a fee to keep your dogs information current in a recovery service. The fee is a onetime $12.50 charge.

Aside from identification you need to be proactive. Always keep your dog on a leash and if you have a backyard bring the dog inside when you leave your home. Never leave your dog unattended.

One of the trends we have noticed is that the recent rash of pet thefts has come from cars in parking lots. People go shopping, they bring their dog with them, or they are traveling on the road and they leave their animal in a locked car in the parking lot and unfortunately when they come back they see someone has targeted their car and stolen their pet.

Same applies in the heart of the city. Don't tie your dog up outside and leave it alone. Experts say that's the easiest way to get your pet stolen.

Also watch out who you talk to about your dog.

“Beware of people who come up to you and say ‘oh what kind of dog is that, what breed, how much did you pay for that dog,'” said Peterson. “Asking questions that lead to what they think the monetary value of the dog might be might be a red flag.”

Experts say criminals often target pure breeds with the intention of selling them on the black market. Or they attempt to seek ransom.

If your dog is missing take action immediately. Put up flyers with pictures throughout the community.

If your pet is micro-chipped you should contact the 24 recovery service at www.akccar.org.

For more pet safety tips visit the American Kennel Club’s website at www.akc.org.

Because being informed and alert is one way to tell would-be thieves they are barking up the wrong tree.