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.
The idea of picking up a horse's hooves can intimidate... Read More
Dog's come in all shapes and sizes ? out of... Read More
Since having a dog is such a common thing, do... Read More
If you have ever tried to take a picture of... Read More
Have you ever thought about what you need to do... Read More
There are headstrong dogs that know too well that a... Read More
It's been weeks since you went riding. Now you have... Read More
Animal Communication, or telepathy with animals, is as common an... Read More
In most cases you should not be too concerned about... Read More
Stroking your cat can be good for your health! It... Read More
You might think the most important bit of dog health... Read More
Almost without exception, breeders will advertise that their favorite terrier,... Read More
Let's face it ? everything is cute when it's small... Read More
How important is a dog name? Well let's think about... Read More
What is Separation Anxiety?When you leave the house, it is... Read More
Fleas are wingless, blood-sucking insects that feed on dog, cats,... Read More
Twenty-six percent of the dogs at the six Los Angeles... Read More
Contributed with the help of Karen L Overall of the... Read More
Westies dogs' owners delight in the companionship their dogs give... Read More
You are ready to bring your Boxer home? First, you... Read More
With ancestors who were a breed of tenacious terriers, most... Read More
Dog Shock CollarsDog shock collars are a touchy subject among... Read More
Beaks, Bills, Face Knives, Beakers - whatever we want to... Read More
Have you ever been to a dog kennel and listen... Read More
If you decide you want a purebred, make sure it's... Read More
family-safe home cleaners Northbrook ..Dog grooming is relatively simple for most dogs. I have... Read More
Dog training is not rocket science and is not as... Read More
In the last decade or so, the popularity of sugar... Read More
Do I Need A Quarantine Tank?Ah, yes, the often dismissed... Read More
In the animal kingdom there is a pecking order. Richard... Read More
Lonely, bored, tired of eating that same old stick, then... Read More
Parasites are organisms that survive by feeding off of other... Read More
One of the reasons I strongly encourage horse owners to... Read More
Has your pet recently been coughing, eating less, or being... Read More
Did you know that pets outnumber people in the United... Read More
Author of Keep Fleas OffStill using all the chemicals you... Read More
Boy or Girl?How can you tell whether your Goldfish is... Read More
Gain some insight into how your favorite feline actually feels... Read More
Now that you're dog has shown you so much love... Read More
Bringing home a Pug can change our life, but it... Read More
So you're bringing home that cute little puppy from the... Read More
Pet adoption is a fabulous option if you're seeking a... Read More
The other day I was doing a research online for... Read More
The teaching and training of dog tricks while not a... Read More
When goldfish swim up to the glass of the tank,... Read More
Until a very recent period, dog worms were thought to... Read More
Why paint your cat? After all cats are beautiful creatures... Read More
1. Accidents and medical emergencies in the home happen frequently.... Read More
Teaching your dog to heel is one of the most... Read More
Preparing yourself and your household before, during, and after your... Read More
Pet |