Van with at least 8 dogs stolen in Chicago's Lincoln Park

Owner of Indiana boarding facility says dogs were being transported when van was taken

Published on Mar. 3, 2026

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At least eight dogs were missing after someone stole a van that was shuttling them back and forth to a boarding facility in Indiana. The theft happened at Animal Lovers Pet Salon in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood as the owner of the boarding facility was dropping off the dogs' belongings.

Why it matters

Pet owners rely on boarding facilities to care for their beloved animals, and the theft of a van transporting dogs raises concerns about the safety and well-being of the missing pets. The incident also highlights the vulnerability of pet-related businesses and the need for enhanced security measures to protect animals in transit.

The details

David Cox, owner of Markay's Castle of the Dogs in Tippecanoe, Indiana, was dropping off dogs at the Animal Lovers Pet Salon when the theft occurred. He said that in a matter of minutes, someone got into his van and drove off with it. One of Cox's boarding facility's clients followed the van, but the thieves discarded Cox's cellphone, which was also in the van, a few blocks away.

  • The theft happened on March 3, 2026 at around 5:10 PM.

The players

David Cox

Owner of Markay's Castle of the Dogs boarding facility in Tippecanoe, Indiana.

Animal Lovers Pet Salon

A pet grooming and boarding facility located in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood where the theft occurred.

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What they’re saying

“So I pulled in, I unloaded the dogs' belongings, and before I could come back out, somebody got into my van and drove off. So in a matter of two, three minutes of pulling in, somebody drove off with my van.”

— David Cox, Owner, Markay's Castle of the Dogs (CBS News Chicago)

“These are our best friends. These are our dogs. People are counting on us to take care of their best friends to take care of their dogs. Right now, it's out of my control. This isn't how supposed to be how this works.”

— David Cox, Owner, Markay's Castle of the Dogs (CBS News Chicago)

What’s next

Police are investigating the theft and are searching for the stolen van and the missing dogs. Cox is hopeful that the dogs will be safely returned to their owners.

The takeaway

The theft of a van transporting dogs from a pet boarding facility highlights the vulnerability of pet-related businesses and the need for enhanced security measures to protect animals in transit. Pet owners must be vigilant in ensuring the safety of their beloved animals when utilizing boarding services.