Losing a pet is an awful thing to have happen to anyone. That’s why this week has been designated national pet identification week. This week is used to help increase awareness of the importance of proper pet identification. Statistical only 15% of lost dogs are reunited with their families and only a shocking 2% of cats get found. There are several different methods for pet identification that can be used to help ensure that if your pet is lost it can be found and returned.
National Pet Identification Week
The most common methods
- Tags – This is the most common method for pet identification. if you have ever walked into a pets mart or even a walmart pet section you are sure to have seen the machines that can create a set of tags for you on the spot.
- Microchips – This is a growing option as our pet cant slip out of it the same way they can a collar with a tag. A small microchip is placed under the skin so if your pet is found the chip can be scanned to find information on contacting you.
- tattoos – This is not a “love mom” heart, this is a tattooed code that can be placed on your pet that lets them be identified quickly and easily if found.
- DNA swab – Your vet can take a DNA sample and enter it into the national registry. if your pet is found out on the street a vet can then take another swab and match it to the one on file.
- Nose Print – You are sure to have nose prints on virtually every piece of glass in your house that your pet can reach. These nose prints are much like your own fingerprints, only for your pet. Each cat or dog has a unigue nose print that can be entered into a database and then if you pet is found away from home it can be tracked back to you.
Having some form of identification on your pet is step one, step two is making sure that information is useful and current. Regardless of the identification method you choose if the information isn’t thorough enough or up to date it wont help bring them home.
things to include
- Your pet’s name.
- Your name
- Your current address.
- Both your home telephone number and your cell number.
- you might even include your email address
- Your veterinarian’s name and number
- If your pet has any type of medical condition that requires medication.
These simple steps can help make sure your pet family stays together