Every pet owner’s nightmare is a lost pet. It’s as simple as leaving the backdoor open too long or having an undetected hole in the fence. Pets can easily get lost and if they do not have any form of identification, then it can be very difficult to recover them. One in three pets will be lost in their lifetime; out of all of those lost pets only 2% of cats and 20% of dogs are returned to their owners.
The third full week of April, starting with Sunday, is National Pet ID Week. It is important that we talk about how to keep your four-legged friends safe and their information easily accessible and up to date. To ensure your pets are safe, there are steps you can take to make sure that in the unfortunate case they are lost, it is easier to for them to find their way home:
ID Tags: More than a cute accessory, a pet’s ID tag can include important information about your pet and your contact information. Pet ID tags are inexpensive and easily accessible. These tags can be bought at pet stores or vet offices. A creative tag can be a great addition to a stylish collar for your pet and also carry crucial information for their safety.
Most pet owners include their pet’s name and a phone number at the very least. Some people include their email address or home address, so the pet can be returned safely. In some cases, particularly older animals, owners choose to put their medical information or any allergies a pet may have so they can be properly cared for if separated from their owners for any length of time. It is important to at least include contact information so in the case your pet does go missing, you are reachable and they can be returned to you safely.
State Licenses: In some states, it is required by law to register your pets. These licenses are significantly more in-depth as far as the information they require in comparison to the pet ID tags. This information can include color, breed, age, and microchip number if it’s available. Check with your veterinarian to see what your state governments requirements are.
Microchips: Microchipping is a main form of identification for pets and arguably the most effective method. A small microchip, about the size of a grain of rice, it implanted in the pet on the back of their neck. At the Animal Care Center, a vet can easily implant a microchip into your pet. Although the chip does not have any GPS locating abilities, it does offer your pet an identification that they can not lose.
Protect Your Pet Today
Making sure your contact information is accessible in the unfortunate case your pet gets lost can make things even the tiniest bit less stressful. Microchips should be checked regularly to make sure they are still working properly and securely in place. Many pet owners think it won’t happen to their pet and we would never wish losing a beloved pet upon anyone, but it is best to be prepared. At the Animal Care Center we make sure your pet is safe and secure.
Call or visit us today to make sure your pet is easily identifiable and secure in the unfortunate case they go missing.
