petnapping

or pet·nap·ing

[ pet-nap-ing ]

noun

1. the stealing of a pet, as for resale or ransom.

Other Words From

• petnapper petnaper noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of petnapping¹

An Americanism dating back to 1965–70; pet ¹ + -nap + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

It would have been nice to know if the dog was stolen because he was a service animal or if this was merely a petnapping.

From New York Times