Tag your dog!

Importance of micro chipping and identifying your pet with a tag!

Every year a few hundred thousand dogs get lost under different circumstances in the U.S.  1 in 3 pets will get lost during their lifetime; 10 million pets get lost every year. Losing a household pet is losing a member of the family. Tragically, few are reunited with their owners. Many strays are lost pets who were not kept properly indoors or provided with identification in the U.S. or lost dogs end up in shelters where they are adopted out to new homes or even euthanized. It is relevant that your dog has identification at all times. It’s so important to start to microchip and tag your dog today if he or she is not already.

Every day I look at dog’s collars and harnesses and I’m always astonished how many dogs are running around without a name tag. If I ask handlers and owners, I always receive the same answers: “My dog is always with me” “I take care of my dog” “My dog doesn’t run away” ” I think the sound of the tag is annoying for my dog”. “I live around the corner”.  Here are two important things you really need to do.

Implant a microchip: A microchip is a transponder in the size of a rice grain. It can save your dog’s life and your dog can be identified if found by a shelter or veterinary office. Microchips are implanted by veterinarians between the dog’s shoulder blades under the skin and most dogs do not feel anything being implanted. Several brands are available. Every single chip has a unique numeric code, which can be detected by a hand held device. Do not forget to register your dog with the microchip company, otherwise your dog can not be traced back to you if found, and always update your contact information promptly when you move or get a new phone number. A microchip is effective in reuniting a lost pet with his owner only when the owner’s contact information in the microchip database is accurate.

Create a name tag: Keep current identification tags on your dog at all times, people can directly connect with you without taking the dog to a vet. The dog’s name and your current phone number and your address are a must on the tag. You can find tag machines at every pet store or on the internet.

Most dogs from animal shelters are already micro chipped and come with a name tag. Please be a responsible dog owner, protect your dog and cat and tag your pet, it is not expensive or complicated and can safe your pet’s life!

You can find more information about micro chipping here. Also, feel free to check Home Again‘s website.