The American Humane Society estimated that last year
alone; fifteen million dogs entered its shelters. Not even
twenty percent of these dogs’ owners were ever contacted.
They had no identification. It only proves that no matter
how much you love your dog, no matter how much you
spend on training and no matter many measures you take to
ensure your pet’s happiness; it could all go down the drain if
your pet is ever recovered away from home without proper
identification.
One of the first forms of identification is a simple collar tag
that clearly marks that he has been vaccinated against rabies.
This tag, often linked to a serial number and a veterinary
clinic, may link the serial number to the owner. Also, it will
show that someone has taken care of the animal and that it is
not just a “stray”.
Your animal should wear another tag that (at a minimum)
clearly states the name, family name, address and phone
number of the owner. If there is room, the tag should also
contain the name and phone number of your veterinary
clinic, which will also try contacting you if your dog is in
custody. These tags should be replaced every year to ensure
readability from ware.
To find some great ID tags for your dog, visit our site here:
Another option is to get your dog a tattoo. Not that he will
have to gear-up in leather, because you can have the tattoo
put in its usual locationunder an earflap or underneath
one of its legs. The tattoo will cause your dog some initial
discomfort, but it’s for his safety. Shelters and other
organizations know that many pets are tattooed with a serial
number that will lead to the owner’s identification. You can
register the pet’s number to the American Kennel Club if
your dog is a purebred. They will work on your behalf to
locate the animal if it’s ever lost.
One other option, growing in popularity, is a microchip
(about the size of a grain of rice) injected underneath the
pooches’ first few layers of skin. An infrared computer that
will give any pertinent information can then scan this
microchip. It may reveal a serial number, like the tattoo, or
even give the identity of the dog and its owner that any
shelter, vet or humane society can use to contact you.
When the chip is inserted, it won’t hurt your pet, such as a
tattoo might. It’s injected with a hypodermic needle and
ready for immediate use. Once underneath the skin, the
information stored on the tag can be updated and changed
depending on your pet’s medical history and condition.
When it comes to your puppy or dog, two types of
identification should be enough. However, the more the
better. If a regular person picks up your dog, he or she will
at least be able to read the tag and hopefully call you. If the
dog’s collar is missing, maybe that person won’t know to
look for a tattoo, but a vet or shelter will for sure.
Again, this is just one of many things you can do to ensure a
safe and happy life for your petespecially so that your pet
remains with you! Puppies and dogs are lost everyday.
There’s a high chance that yours will eventually wonder off
too. So, instead of fretting, pay a little bit of money for peace of mind knowing that your dog will be prepared and
identifiable in a big, and perhaps now, not so scary world!
About the Author:
Tina Spriggs is an expert dog lover whose lifelong interest in canines provides the motivation for her site. To learn more about dogs or to find gifts and toys for them visit her site at
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