DOG ID TAGS-Identify and Protect Your Dog With Any of These Methods

The American Humane Society estimated that last year alone; fifteen million dogs entered its shelters. Not even twenty percent of these dogs' owners were ever contacted. They had no identification. It only proves that no matter how much you love your dog, no matter how much you spend on training and no matter many measures you take to ensure your pet's happiness; it could all go down the drain if your pet is ever recovered away from home without proper identification.

One of the first forms of identification is a simple collar tag that clearly marks that he has been vaccinated against rabies. This tag, often linked to a serial number and a veterinary clinic, may link the serial number to the owner. Also, it will show that someone has taken care of the animal and that it is not just a "stray".

Your animal should wear another tag that (at a minimum) clearly states the name, family name, address and phone number of the owner. If there is room, the tag should also contain the name and phone number of your veterinary clinic, which will also try contacting you if your dog is in custody. These tags should be replaced every year to ensure readability from ware.

To find some great ID tags for your dog, visit our site here: http://www.dog-gifts-and-toys-for-dog-lovers.com/dog-gift-tags.html Another option is to get your dog a tattoo. Not that he will have to gear-up in leather, because you can have the tattoo put in its usual location-under an earflap or underneath one of its legs. The tattoo will cause your dog some initial discomfort, but it's for his safety. Shelters and other organizations know that many pets are tattooed with a serial number that will lead to the owner's identification. You can register the pet's number to the American Kennel Club if your dog is a purebred. They will work on your behalf to locate the animal if it's ever lost.

One other option, growing in popularity, is a microchip (about the size of a grain of rice) injected underneath the pooches' first few layers of skin. An infrared computer that will give any pertinent information can then scan this microchip. It may reveal a serial number, like the tattoo, or even give the identity of the dog and its owner that any shelter, vet or humane society can use to contact you.

When the chip is inserted, it won't hurt your pet, such as a tattoo might. It's injected with a hypodermic needle and ready for immediate use. Once underneath the skin, the information stored on the tag can be updated and changed depending on your pet's medical history and condition.

When it comes to your puppy or dog, two types of identification should be enough. However, the more the better. If a regular person picks up your dog, he or she will at least be able to read the tag and hopefully call you. If the dog's collar is missing, maybe that person won't know to look for a tattoo, but a vet or shelter will for sure. Again, this is just one of many things you can do to ensure a safe and happy life for your pet-especially so that your pet remains with you! Puppies and dogs are lost everyday.

There's a high chance that yours will eventually wonder off too. So, instead of fretting, pay a little bit of money for peace of mind knowing that your dog will be prepared and identifiable in a big, and perhaps now, not so scary world!

About the Author:
Tina Spriggs is an expert dog lover whose lifelong interest in canines provides the motivation for her site. To learn more about dogs or to find gifts and toys for them visit her site at Dog Gifts and Toys for Dog Lovers.

Copyright 2004. All rights reserved.

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