After her puppy Flossie disappeared from Port Elliot holiday home, Jayne Kader called a pet detective

Australia’s only comprehensive pet detective has been called in to investigate the case of a missing puppy suspected to have been stolen from an SA holiday house.

The heartbroken owners of a seven-month-old King Charles cavalier have employed a pet detective in the hopes of being reunited with their beloved puppy.

Jayne Kader and her husband were visiting their Port Elliot holiday home when Flossie vanished from the frontyard on June 1.

Ms Kader says she believes Floss was stolen.

“My husband was around the side of the garden with Floss,” she said. “She wandered to the frontyard and he followed moments later but she was gone.

“We’re all devastated. Our kitten, Dido, mothered the pup and went off her food when Floss went missing.”

Ms Kader is concerned for Flossie’s wellbeing.

King Charles cavalier puppy Flossie, who is missing and was possibly stolen from a Port Elliot home on June 1, with her housemate and friend, Dido. Picture: Supplied.

Flossie with her best mate Dido.

“She has an umbilical hernia and a rotten tooth; she needs to go to the vet,” Ms Kader said.

Following hours of outreach across the community and social media, Ms Kader was referred to what’s thought to be Australia’s only pet detectives, Arthur & Co Pet Concierge, by good Samaritans online.

Founder and owner Anne-Marie, who did not want to provide her surname for security reasons, said the organisation was trying to bridge the gap of resources not available from police.

“We have agents in most states and territories and so far this year we’ve had 57 cases. Of those, 47 have been found.”

Arthur & Co Pet Concierge services are tailored to the circumstances of the missing animal.

“It’s not a cookie-cutter approach, like with a missing person, every case is unique,” Anne-Marie said.

Jayne Kader and her cat Dido at home in Rose Park. Picture: Matt Loxton

“We conduct a profiling call and this is the most important part of our approach, it helps us determine the tactics or strategies required.”

Flossie’s case shines a light on the increase in pet theft since the start of the pandemic.

“For the first time we saw pounds empty and waiting lists for foster carers, but we also saw a doubling, if not tripling, in prices,” Anne-Marie said.

The investigative team is still obtaining nearby CCTV footage but Anne-Marie believes someone must have seen something.

“It’s not finders keepers; you can’t take a dog from a yard or outside a yard and keep it; it’s theft,” she said.

“Flossie has a loving home and if you have picked her up, you are required by law to take her to a vet, pound or authorised premises for a microchip scan.”

Anne-Marie is encouraging anyone with information to contact authorities or Arthur & Co Pet Concierge. Anonymous tips are welcome.

SA Police was asked to comment on pet thefts but was unable to separate the statistics from non-pet-related thefts.