Pet Theft in Florida: Reporting and Recovery Resources
· 7 min read
Explore reporting and documentation steps for suspected pet theft in Florida, plus practical recovery resources. Seek qualified advice about your case.
Pet theft in Florida is absolutely a crime — and in many cases, it's a felony. Despite the common misconception that "it's just an animal," Florida law treats the theft of a pet as property theft, and depending on the value of the animal, it can result in serious criminal penalties.
Florida's Pet Theft Laws
Florida Statute § 812.014 — Theft
Under Florida's theft statute, stealing a pet is treated as theft of property. The criminal level depends on the value:
- Petit theft (misdemeanor): Animals valued under $750 — up to 1 year in jail
- Grand theft (3rd degree felony): Animals valued $750-$20,000 — up to 5 years in prison
- Grand theft (2nd degree felony): Animals valued over $20,000 — up to 15 years in prison
Purebred cats, registered animals, and ESAs may be valued at thousands of dollars, pushing many pet theft cases into felony territory.
Florida Statute § 828.12 — Animal Cruelty
If the stolen animal is mistreated or caused to suffer during or after the theft, additional animal cruelty charges apply. In Florida, animal cruelty can be a first-degree misdemeanor or a third-degree felony for aggravated cruelty.
Additional Charges in ESA Cases
When the stolen animal is a registered Emotional Support Animal prescribed for someone with a disability, prosecutors may also pursue:
- Exploitation of a vulnerable adult (§ 415.111)
- Interference with medical treatment
- Under federal law: violations of the Animal Welfare Act (7 U.S.C. § 2131)
What to Do If Your Pet Was Stolen in Florida
- File a police report immediately — ask it be classified as theft AND animal cruelty
- Get the case number and follow up regularly — push for an active investigation
- Document everything: veterinary records, purchase/adoption receipts, photos, witness statements
- Flag the microchip with the registry as stolen
- Contact the state attorney's office if law enforcement is slow to act
- Consult an animal law attorney
Our Case
RJ, Lisana, and Daisy — three registered ESA cats — were stolen in Fort Lauderdale in February 2025. This case has been reported to the Broward County Sheriff's Office, FLPD, and the FBI Miami Field Office. A $5,000 reward per cat ($15,000 total) is offered for information leading to their safe return. Call +1 (541) 390-2114.