Imagine that you’re making dinner while the kids are playing. The doorbell rings. Your child opens the door to greet the neighbor’s kid, leaving it wide open. In a matter of seconds, your dog runs out the door. Or maybe you’re outside gardening in the backyard. You go around to the garage to get more supplies and forget to shut the gate. Your dog pushes it open and takes off for a joy run.
It only takes a second for your furry family member to become lost. You may think you will never lose your pet, but accidents happen. National Pet ID Week is a reminder for pet owners to get tags for their pets, especially dogs or outdoor cats. Give yourself some peace of mind before your pet goes missing. That way, you’ll know you’ve done all you can to ensure a quick trip back home.
Your pet should always wear a collar with an ID tag. An ID tag should include:
- Your name
- Address
- Phone Number
If you do not want your address or phone on the tag, use your pet’s veterinary clinic’s information. Rabies and license tags can also help locate your pet if it gets lost. There are also high-tech QR Code ID tags which contain a code to scan with a smartphone. A web page with your info can then be found.
Microchips
Microchips, encoded with an identification number and inserted between your pet’s shoulder blades, are a great ID option, too. Microchipping is a quick, painless procedure that costs about $50. Your pet’s microchip number will need to be registered with the microchip company’s database right away. Be sure to always keep the database information current. Be forewarned: microchips can move around (albeit very slowly) inside your pet and may travel to your pet’s neck or leg. Every time you visit your veterinarian, have him scan for the microchip to ensure it is still working and hasn’t relocated from its original spot.
With an ID tag, your pet will likely get home more quickly if he or she is lost on the weekend or over a holiday when veterinary clinics may be closed. Only about 15 percent of dogs and 2 percent of cats who end up in shelters without an ID tag or microchip are reunited with their owners. We feel that a pet should always have ID tags in addition to a microchip! So don’t wait until it’s too late, get ID tags for your pet today!
More Reading:
Why Should I Microchip My Pet?
