An escalating concern in the United States is the theft of pets, particularly dogs. To combat this, retired police sergeant Carol Salvatierra has founded Leash and Shield—an armed dog walking and bodyguard service in Orange County. This unique service was inspired by an incident involving Lady Gaga's dog walker, Ryan Fischer, who was targeted in February 2021 according to KTLA.
The rising instances of dog theft have prompted the need for protections measures. For instance, last month, in North Hollywood, a woman was violently assaulted and her dog stolen inside a 7-Eleven store on Burbank Boulevard. The woman's reunion with her stolen pet was a relief, but these incidents continue to alarm pet owners.
Thieves seem to prefer high-breed dogs such as French Bulldogs and Labrador Retrievers due to their higher value in the black market.
Fulfilling her mission to deliver "peace of mind" to dog owners, Salvatierra, with her 27 years of law enforcement experience, offers a range of services with Leash and Shield. Starting at $60 per hour, they include armed dog walking, pet sitting, and home protection services. Salvatierra also trains her clients in situational awareness and practical crime prevention strategies, implying that, less conspicuous accessories and jewelry can reduce the risk of unwanted attention.
