According to the American Humane Society, just 15% of dogs in
shelters ever find their way home again. Thankfully, these loved
pooches had identification, enabling shelter personnel to
contact and return them to their owners. With such discouraging
statistics, it becomes clear how important it is to tag or
identify your new puppy.
Even if your dog doesn?t go outside much or is always in your
company, you must identify him or her. Windows and doors can be
left open, offering your pup a too-tempting escape to the
outside world. What should you do to keep your pup safe at home?
There are several ways to ID your pet to prevent against loss or
theft. Ideally, implement at least two methods to ensure a safe
return should your dog go missing.
Tattoos and microchips provide permanent ways to identify your
dog. Shelters, veterinarians, and research laboratories know to
look for these keys when animals are brought to their facilities.
?Tattoos: this permanent identification system involves
tattooing a code onto the dog?s skin, often inside the outer ear
or on the inside of its leg. Veterinarians or trained
specialists will ink the code for you. You will need to list
your dog with one of the many tattoo registry programs around
the country.
?Microchips: these minuscule electronic chips are embedded under
your dog?s skin. Because special scanners are needed to read the
information located on the chip, most veterinarians, shelters,
and research laboratories have these on hand to scan all strays
for identification. Several registries offer membership for dogs
with microchips.
While tattoos and microchips offer excellent safety measurements
at a reasonable cost, the fact is most people don?t know to look
for a tattoo or have the means available to scan for microchips.
As a result, it?s essential you provide your pup with an ID tag
worn on its collar. ID tags are often the first thing searched
for when a stray is found by someone.
At a minimum, the tag should list a current phone number.
Because people move and phone numbers change often, a second
phone number of a trusted friend or family member is also
recommended. If space is available, additional information to
include is: your puppy?s name, your address, and any medical
conditions.
Luckily, dog ID tags are not expensive to purchase, so it should
be one of the first things you get your dog, once you?ve chosen
a name. You can usually find just the right tag, too, that fits
your lifestyle and your pet?s personality. Tags come in
different materials, such as aluminum, brass, stainless steel or
plastic, and in a variety of shapes and colors. Today?s glamour
pooch can even have his or her own tag made of Swarovski
crystals! When it comes to choosing a fun dog ID tag, the
choices are limitless.
Whatever methods you use when protecting your pet against loss
or theft, please remember to keep the contact information
current. Just a few minutes of your time to update registry
information or purchase a new dog tag can make all the
difference in the world in your beloved dog?s life.
About the author:
The author, Jennifer McVey, wants you to keep your dog safe and
at home. To learn more, visit www.favorite-puppy-nam
es.com. You?ll also find a collection of thousands of common
and not-so-common puppy names to enjoy and great tips on naming
a new puppy.
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