A HOMELESS man who smuggled out pet shop puppies in his underpants did it for "companionship'', a Gold Coast court was told.

Andre Jo Michel Saab, 23, was caught on CCTV stealing three puppies from two separate stores across southeast Queensland earlier this year.

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Originally from Brisbane, Saab started out by smuggling a $995 lemon-coloured beagle puppy from the Pet Super Store at Stafford on March 19.

On April 28 he returned to the store and ran out with a $890 chihuahua puppy stuffed down his pants.

A day later he hit the Puppy Palace at Enoggera and stole a $495 Jack Russell Terrier.

He was intercepted and linked to the puppy-nappings after being busted for 10 separate thefts of perfume, athletic shoes, cigarettes, TVs and blu-ray players at Brisbane shopping centres.

Saab yesterday pleaded guilty in the Southport Magistrates Court to 13 counts of stealing.

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Police prosecutor Senior Constable Murdoch Clarke said Saab's stealing spree totalled more than $3000 and extended over six months until his arrest on June 7.

Saab immediately confessed to police that he was a methamphetamine addict and had "little to no'' recollection of his criminal activities.

Solicitor Colin Greatorix said his client had been diagnosed with ADHD and Aspergers and self-medicated with "a cornucopia'' of illicit substances, including heroin, meth, acid, and fantasy.

"When you look at his actions stuffing a puppy down his pants, taking others and stealing TVs and personal items they are not the actions of a rational human being,'' he said.

He told the court Saab had a terrible childhood but loved pets and had stolen the dogs for companionship but in turn they were stolen off him when he was kicked out of temporary share accommodation.

Magistrate Michael O'Driscoll said Saab's repeated offending put him dangerously close to a jail sentence but agreed rehabilitation through probation was the best course.

He convicted and sentenced him to two years probation and ordered him to pay restitution to each store.

"I'm giving you this opportunity for rehabilitation because I know you need help,'' he said.

"You must stop using drugs because it causes you to commit offences and you have enough to worry about with using drugs.''

Saab profusely apologised in court and thanked the magistrate for the second chance.