National Pet ID Week starts tomorrow, April 16th. Making sure that your furry best friend is wearing proper identification tags is a quick task, but could one day make all the difference in the world. This is one area where it’s definitely best to err on the side of caution. A San Diego, CA vet offers some tips on pet identification in this article.
Tags
Tags have long since been the standard pet identification tool. You can customize yours however you want, but we would recommend adding at least two phone numbers. Offering a reward can also be very helpful: money is a great motivator in getting people to return found pets. GPS tags are also an option. These can be great for people with pets that are prone to running off. (We’re looking at you, huskies.)
Microchip
The microchip may be tiny, but it’s a very powerful tool. If your furry buddy hasn’t been chipped yet, we strongly advise getting this taken care of ASAP. Microchips don’t store any personal information. Each one contains a single piece of data, a unique identification number which ties into your records with the chipmaker’s database. That number can be read by special scanners used by veterinarians and animal shelter staff. Be sure to keep your records updated. The chip will be useless if your contact information is missing or outdated! If you haven’t checked in a while, try using the AAHA Microchip Registry Lookup Tool here.
Carriers
Do you have a travel crate or carrier for your furry friend? If so, you’ll want to add some form of identification to this as well. Luggage tags are a good option. You can also use a mailing label, though you may want to put some clear tape over it to protect it from water and wear. If you ever have to evacuate and bring your pet to a shelter, this may prove invaluable. It’s also helpful for flying.
Photos
It’s best to take a few precautions to prepare for the worst, just in case. Have clear photos of your furry friend ready. Choose ones that show your pet from different angles. If Fluffy or Fido ever do go missing, these can be extremely helpful in posting flyers.
Do you have questions about your pet’s health or care? Please feel free to contact us, your local San Diego, CA animal clinic, today!
