Losing a pet is devastating for the entire family. You can do your best to ensure your pet is kept on a leash, and your yard secure but sometimes accidents just happen. One of the ways to ensure that your pet is returned home is to have some sort of identification should a stranger happen to find him or her.
One of the easiest and most effective ways is to have your pet wear a collar with identification at all times. The identification could be a tag with your pet’s name, address and phone number or written on the collar itself. If you do not want your information visible your pet’s rabies tag is a good option. This unique number will easily identify your pet when the clinic that issued the tag is contacted. Tags too noisy? Consider an engraved collar, which is a great alternative to tags and they are custom made for both fit and style!
Tattoos are another way to identify your pet. Tattoos are permanent and visible. A quick trip to a veterinary clinic or the Regina Humane Society can link the tattoo to its owner. Did you know that the first letter of a tattoo belongs to the clinic that tattooed the pet? That’s right V is for Victoria Vet Clinic!
Pet owners should be aware that tattoos are only good city wide, so if you move beyond Regina and surrounding area, your pet’s tattoo will not help in their return home. Overtime tattoos may blur or fade, so we recommend that tattoos be used with microchips for added security. Since tattoos can only be given under general anesthetic have your pet receive it when they are spayed or neutered.
Microchips. A microchip is a permanent form of identification placed under the skin between the shoulder blades of your pet. The chip can be implanted at any time and is read by a scanner which will identify the owner. Most microchips also come with an identification tag which not only indicates that there is a microchip present but also provide a unique ID number that will identify the owner once the microchip company is contacted. Most microchips are good throughout North America while others are good internationally. Microchips are often required to register pedigreed dogs and sometimes for international travel. Be sure to inquire which type of chip may be required if these are concerns.
Remember that none of these forms of identification will work if your information is not current. Renew your license yearly and be sure to include your pet’s tattoo number and microchip number as these are often forgotten.
If you move be sure to call the microchip company and veterinarian to update your information. We can’t call you if your pet turns up and we do not have a current phone number. If you are traveling and will be unavailable, make sure your have updated your emergency contact person as well. Just a few simple tools can make all the difference when it comes to finding your lost pet.
By Falyn Jarvis
