Nobody wants to think about losing his or her dog. But, unfortunately, dogs do get lost. Be prepared. Buy your dog a collar and some form of identification.
Identification tags are a popular and easy way to identify your pet. There are abundant options in colors, shapes, and sizes to fit your dog's needs and personality.
The problem with tags is that they can fall off or be removed. Two permanent methods are the microchip and the tattoo.
Microchips
Contained in a capsule, the microchip is a small chip coded with your contact information or an ID number. About the size of a grain of rice, it's injected under your pet's skin with a needle, a procedure no more uncomfortable than a regular shot.
Your information is then put into a national database so if your puppy is lost, identification is easy. Lost pets may be taken to the humane society or animal shelter for scanning identification. It's not as easy as reading a tag on a collar, but it cannot be lost. It's safe, effective, and meets international standards. Check with your local animal shelter or veterinarian for costs and more information.
It's important to keep your contact information current. When you move or change phone numbers, update your registration data.
The only drawbacks to these chips are that not every place has the scanner equipment and the chip may move (harmlessly) around your dog's body, making it difficult to scan.
Tattoos
A tattoo contains a number that you register with one of the national databases. It can be put on the dog's inner thigh or earflap. Wait until your dog is fully-grown so the numbers won't grow out of shape. Be sure to tattoo on an area that won't be covered by fur as your dog's coat matures. It's a simple and quick procedure, but check it periodically for fading. Don't forget to register the number and to keep the contact information current.
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