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When my beloved Lulu was still with us, I took her on all my errands. To the farmer's market, the pharmacy, the video store (pre-Netflix), the laundry mat. It was the perfect opportunity for us to spend time together and for both of us to get some much needed exercise. 

Since I couldn't take her in to many of my stops, I would tie her up outside, run in, take care of my errand and come back out to see her patiently waiting. My mom was always worried that someone would snatch sweet Lulu up, but I always hoped she wouldn't walk away with just anyone. 

The American Kennel Club, which has been tracking pet thefts over the past few years, announced on Good Morning America this week that petnappings have increased 30 percent over the past year. My guess is that the poor economy is leading to the rise in snatchings. Many people grab dogs and wait for rewards to go up in order to claim the monetary prize when they return the "lost" dog. So sad. 

"We have seen a dramatic increase in this type of crime," Lisa Peterson, director of communications for the American Kennel Club, told Good Morning America. "In fact, the FBI National Crime Information Center tracks stolen pets and pet owners don't know that if their dog is stolen and has a microchip that they can file a police report to help them get their pet back." 

Here are some tips Good Morning America has for keeping your pets safe when you can't watch them.

• Don't leave your dog unattended. If you need to run an errand, leave the dog at home or make sure someone you know is keeping an eye on the dog while you are gone. 
• Don't leave your dog unattended out in the backyard. Dognappers will notice if a pet is outside on his own and take advantage of that. 
• Have your pet outfitted with a microchip. The chip is inserted between the dog's shoulder blades and can hold the owner's personal information, including address and phone number. If a stolen dog is found, the chip can help authorities determine the owner. Most vets and shelters have equipment to scan a dog for microchips. 
• Keep your dog on a leash. Off-leash dogs are more likely to wander off and into the hands of a thief. 
• Consider the AKC's Lost Pet Alert if your pet is stolen or missing. The service works like an Amber Alert for pets and sends out an e-mail notification to veterinarians, shelters and animal control agencies within a 50-mile radius asking them to be on the lookout.  

_{via ABC News}

And for those of us who insist on still taking our dogs with us, check out Sarah's post about a new online service that lists stores you can bring your pup in  with you.