With hurricane and tornado season approaching, I want to remind pet owners how important it is to have identification on your pets. There are several types of identification that is available.
Probably the simplest and most inexpensive form of identification is a pet tag or id collar. Pet tags can be purchased in just about any local pet store or even at flea markets. Embroidered pet collars can be found online or also at the local pet stores. Remember, if you are putting a collar on a cat to make sure it is a breakaway collar. You can also have horse halters embroidered and for horses kept in the pasture, they too should be break away. May pet tags even come in flourescent so that your pet can be seen at night. This is a very good idea, especially if your pet gets out during a storm. For those of you who don’t like the jingle jangle of the pet tag, there are noiseless pet tags available at places like pet supermarket. If your pet has a special need, such as a diabetic, you can also put a veterinary special needs tag on your pet.
The second choice for identification would be to have your pet microchipped. The best time to do this is when they are being spayed or neutered. All of the local veterinarians and rescue groups are equipped with hand held scanners, many which are universal. A microchip is a small chip, about the size of a piece of rice, placed between your pets shoulder blades just beneath the skin. This chip has an identifying number which is then registered with a national registry. Both the owners and the vets name are listed with the registry. Many many pets yearly which are microchipped are reunited within 24 hrs with their owners. Your veternarian or even some of the local feed stores have the means to microchip your pet for around $50.00. This is even a great idea for your horse, since they seem to be most vulnerable during a storm and can break pasture fences and take off.
The last form of pet identification would be to tatoo your pet. Many breeders tatoo their puppies before selling them. Tatoos can be found on your pets belly or in their ears. This is a different kind of identification and used more for show dogs than the family pet.
Above all, have a pet ID card for each of your pets in your wallet. Include on your card the pets name, breed, color, any special markings, sex, and a recent picture. Should your pet become lost, you have the immediate means to make posters to hang about or a card to show around when searching for your pet.
Protecting your pet is part of being a responsible owner, but tradgedies happen and pets can get lost. In order to make finding your pet quicker and easier, use some common sense and pick a form of identification that best fits your pet and your pocketbook. Its much better to be prepared, just in case.
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