"Dogs' lives are too short. Their only fault, really." Agnes Sligh Turnbull
You can use dog ID tags, microchips, and tattoos to identify your pet. Ideally, using two ways to identify your pet works best, in case one fails.
Interested in GPS for your dog? Then learn more about GPS collars here. Page opens up in new window.
Did you know that only 15% of the dogs arriving in shelters return home safely? Because the majority of pets arrive without identification, only a few ever find their owners.
In the event your puppy or dog is lost or stolen, make sure he makes it home to you by IDing him.
There are several ways to ID your pet to prevent against loss or theft.
For permanent identification, consider tattoos and microchips. These are methods shelters, veterinarians, and research labs know to look for when animals arrive at their facilities.
However, most regular people won't know to look for them. Or won't have access to the equipment needed to scan for microchips.
ID Tags
That's why it’s essential your puppy is outfitted with a collar and ID tag as the initial means of keeping your pet safe. An ID tag is the first thing people search for when finding a stray dog or puppy.
Even if your pup stays only in your backyard or house, it's important to kit him out with an ID tag. Accidents and mistakes do happen; what would you do if your dog escaped and had no ID? In this case, it really is better to be safe than sorry.
At the very least, the tag should list a current phone number. Consider adding a trusted friend or relative's phone number to the tag too. If you have room, include the dog's name, your address, and any medical conditions.
Find Cool Pet ID Tags
Okay, you agree; getting an ID tag to protect your pup is a must. So now what?
Check out the awesome selection of custom dog tags I've found across the internet.
These tiny chips are only the size of a grain of rice and are placed in your dog’s skin, typically under the scruff of the neck. Special scanners are required to view the vital information placed on the chip. Many veterinarian offices and shelters have scanners on-site, aiding in the recovery of your puppy.
To learn more about microchipping your dog and locating a vet to assist you, please visit www.HomeAgainID.com. Home Again has reunited more than 260,000 pets with their owners, thanks to their microchip and registry system. With an extensive list of veterinarians using the Home Again system, you'll find one convenient to your area.
Once your pet is tattooed or microchipped, you can register her with one of the many pet recovery facilities around the U.S. The AKC offers
Companion Animal Recovery
registration for $12.50 for the life of your dog.
Tattoos
When your pup is tattooed, a code is inked onto your dog's skin, usually inside the outer ear or the inside of a leg. Veterinarians or trained specialists will tattoo the code for you. In order to make your information available to anyone who finds your pet, you will need to sign up with a registry for a nominal fee. Tattoo A Pet gives information about getting your dog tattooed and provides a lifetime registry service for your convenience. They'll also help you locate someone to do the tattooing service.
Though an effective way of marking your puppy, serious thieves may disfigure or harm your dog in order to remove the tattoo. That's definitely something to think about.
Whatever way you choose to protect your dog, please make sure to keep the information current. Remember, that's the only way your lost or stolen pet will find it's way home to you!
"Man is a dog's idea of what God should be." Holbrook Jackson
You can use dog ID tags, microchips, and tattoos to identify your pet. Ideally, using two ways to identify your pet works best, in case one fails.
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