Whether your pet is a Houdini-wannabe or never seems to leave your side, some sort of identification is a must-have. Celebrate National Pet ID Week by making sure your pets have their ID ready!
There are many options to choose from, and your best bet is to have at least one, but preferably two of the following:
Tags:
In many jurisdictions, a rabies tag and city license are required accessories for dogs, and sometimes for cats as well. Even if you aren’t required to buy a license for your cat, your veterinarian would be happy to give you a rabies tag with your vaccination certificate. The numbers on both of these tags can be used to find you if someone finds your pet.
ID tag: a tag with your pet’s name and a couple of contact numbers is the quickest way to be reunited with your pet since the person who finds him or her can just call you directly. While it shouldn’t be instead of a license and rabies tag, it saves time because the finder doesn’t have to call the town or the veterinarian before you can be contacted.
Benefits:
- Tags are easily seen
- They identify your pet as lost rather than homeless right away
- Finding you is fast and simple
- You can get a temporary tag when you are travelling with your pet that has your local contact information
Drawbacks:
- They can become separated from your pet
Tattoo:
A number is tattooed in the ear or on the thigh; many breeders do this for their pups.
Benefits:
- It’s permanent
Drawbacks:
- It can become faded or distorted over time
- It can be hidden by fur
- Many people won’t know to look for it
- You have to remember to update your contact information with the tattoo registry if you move or get a new telephone number
Microchip:
A tiny electronic chip imprinted with a number is placed near the neck or shoulders using a simple injection. It is quick and nearly painless to do.
Benefits:
- It’s permanent
Drawbacks:
- Your pet will have to be taken to animal control, a veterinarian or the city to be scanned for a chip
- Some scanners don’t read some brands of chip
- You have to remember to update your contact information with the chip company if you move or get a new telephone number
Even if the risk that you’ll be separated is low, the consequences are too awful to contemplate. Getting your pets their own ID is simple, inexpensive, and if you’ve ever spent even a moment panicking when you couldn’t find your furry best friend, you’ll know it’s totally worth it.