Naperville police are searching for a man who walked out of the Petland store at 720 Route 59, Friday morning, with a 2-month-old Pomeranian puppy worth about $1,500.

The thief is between the ages of 18 and 22, and is around 5 foot 8, Sgt. Ken Keating said, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. He speculated that the thief took the puppy for himself, a friend or family member, rather than to sell it because without its paperwork, the thief won’t be able to get $1,500.

“It's considered retail theft. A shoplifting. Purebred dogs are expensive. The downside for this guy is that he doesn't have the paperwork,” Keating said.

Because of his size and age, the puppy needs to be cared for like a newborn baby, or his health could fail rapidly.

Immediately after the theft, Mike Isaac, the owner of the Petland store set off an online “amber alert” by a pet locating service. Police also said they hope to recover the dog, which has a microchip implanted under one year.

Pictures of the young thief were available as the shop’s security camera captured clear images of him asking information about the dog while examining it.

A Web site, HelpMeFindMyPet.com, issued an alert to all veterinarians, pet stores and other businesses within 50 miles that deal with animals.

Anyone with information can call police at 630-420-6666.