Pet Identification - Finding Your Pet Fast If Lost

The importance of pet identification is obvious. If your dog is lost or separated, you want others to know that he is not a stray. You want as many people as possible to be able to recognize that this animal is a beloved pet. And of course, the sooner this fact is recognized the faster he can get home. There are three basic methods of pet identification, a pet tag, a tattoo and a chip.

A personalized dog tag that is attached to your dog’s collar is very important. You can buy one cheaply at many different stores that sell pet supplies. You can customize them on site in a mere matter of minutes. Be sure to include your pet’s name and a phone number where you can be reached on the tag.

It is also very important that you make sure that you keep your pet’s tag up to date. If you do change your phone number be certain that you remember to change the information on your pet’s tag.

A tattoo is another great way to make certain that your pet is recognized as being owned. Tattooing is a standard method of dog identification. Unfortunately, there is not yet one uniform system that recognizes all tattoos. The tattoo will mark your pet as being owned but it will not tell the average person, who actually owns the dog. A person who finds your dog will have to locate the source of the tattoo.

If you have relocated your local pet association may not have access to the records where your dog was tattooed. They may not be able to trace ownership back to you.

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Chipping is another great way to make certain that a lost dog can be found. But once again, unless the person finding your pet takes the animal somewhere where the chip can be read, the chip is not of much use.

Each method of identification has its advantages and its disadvantages. So what is the answer? If you can, use all three methods. The more people who will be able to trace your pet back to you the better. After all, you want to get your pet back as fast as possible.

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