Missing, Possibly Stolen Dog Spotted In New Jersey: Police

WAUKEGAN, IL — Police believe a dog reported missing in March while under the care of an online sitter in Waukegan may now be living in Bergen County, New Jersey.

As first reported by Patch in April, Nia Morgan's 10-month-old poodle mix was lost or stolen by a woman she hired to take care of him via the online service Rover.com.

Morgan, 24, of Chicago, said the dog sitter had lied to her about the circumstances of the dog's disappearance.

"Recent information suggests he may have been purchased in this area (no fault of the new owners), and he has been seen at local dog parks," according to a statement issued last week by police in Paramus, New Jersey.

A spokesperson for the Seattle-based internet company said the sitter who claimed to have lost Morgan's dog had previously performed more than 300 services, and her account was deactivated in response to the incident.

READ MORE: Online Pet Sitter Loses Dog, Lies About It, Owner Says

Rover's spokesperson previously described Morgan's situation as rare but declined to say whether the company tracks the number of pets lost while in the care of its sitters — who are all considered independent contractors.

RELATED: Rover Pet Sitter Blamed For Feces-Filled Home, Trashed Car

The Paramus Police Department asked anyone with information that may lead investigators to the dog to contact Det. Marc Glantschnig at 201-262-3400, ex. 1413 or via email.