Theo the 9-week-old Cavoodle had only been with the Townsend family for a week before he was taken, bought as a gift for their daughter's 13^th birthday.

"We're so worried he won't be getting love and attention or being looked after properly," mum Leanne Townsend said.

Mrs Townsend said the family were asleep when someone broke into their home in the middle of the night, taking Theo and a set of car keys.

"My daughter woke up in the morning to find the back door and Theo's cage open, and when we went to look for him, that's when we noticed my husbands keys were missing too," she said.

Riverina Police District Inspector Adrian Telfer said police were investigating the "unique theft", which occurred in the early hours of Friday morning last week.

"A number of residents were broken into that same morning in Springvale, but it is very rare to see a pet stolen from a property, particularly such a young, vulnerable puppy," he said.

"I'm told the puppy is worth in the vicinity of $3500 but it is not the financial aspect that concerns the owners, they're just very worried about their puppy which they love."

Police are urging anyone with information on the incident to come forward.

"We just pray everyday he finds his way back to us, we are all so heartbroken," Mrs Townsend said.