Puppy 'Stolen' from Austin Shelter May Be Returned 'No Questions Asked'

Austin Humane Society releases video of woman who took 4-month-old terrier mix during adoption visit

Apr. 8, 2026 at 9:52pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a dog collar and ID tag, the metal tag reflecting a harsh flash of light against a dark background, conveying a sense of urgency and investigation around the alleged theft of the puppy.Security camera footage captures the alleged theft of a puppy from an Austin animal shelter, sparking an urgent search to locate the missing dog.Austin Today

The Austin Humane Society is searching for a 4-month-old black and brown wire-haired terrier mix named Chico, who was allegedly taken by a woman during an adoption visit on April 7, 2026. Security cameras captured the woman putting the puppy in her purse and quickly leaving the facility. The shelter is asking anyone with information about Chico's whereabouts to come forward, and says the puppy may be returned with no questions asked.

Why it matters

Puppy theft from animal shelters is an ongoing issue, often driven by demand for certain breeds or the desire to avoid adoption fees. This incident highlights the need for heightened security measures and public awareness to prevent such thefts, which can traumatize the animals and undermine the mission of shelters to find loving homes for homeless pets.

The details

According to the Austin Humane Society, a woman visited the shelter on April 7, 2026 and expressed interest in adopting Chico, a 4-month-old black and brown wire-haired terrier mix. The woman filled out an adoption application and was allowed to meet the puppy in a visitation room. Shortly after, the shelter staff noticed the woman had left the facility with Chico hidden in her purse. The shelter has reported the incident to the microchip company and Austin Police, and is asking the public for any information that could lead to Chico's safe return.

  • On April 7, 2026, a woman visited the Austin Humane Society and expressed interest in adopting the puppy Chico.
  • During the adoption visit, the woman put Chico in her purse and quickly left the shelter.

The players

Chico

A 4-month-old black and brown wire-haired terrier mix puppy who was allegedly stolen from the Austin Humane Society.

Austin Humane Society

The animal shelter in Austin, Texas that reported the alleged theft of the puppy Chico.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The Austin Humane Society has reported Chico as 'stolen' to the microchip company and Austin Police. They are asking anyone with information about Chico's whereabouts to contact them, and say the puppy may be returned with no questions asked.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing challenge of preventing puppy theft from animal shelters, which can traumatize the animals and undermine the mission of finding loving homes for homeless pets. It underscores the need for heightened security measures and public awareness to address this issue.