Pet owners know that a missing pet is scary and upsetting. But, in general, one of the biggest issues in returning a missing pet to his proper home is a lack of adequate identification. Microchips and tags mean pets, and their parents are reunited far more quickly. Pet ID Week is observed next on Sunday, April 17th, 2022, but it’s always a good time to look more closely at pet IDs and how to make sure your pet can be brought home quickly.
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ID Tags
While microchips are great, wearing a collar and ID tag with your name and phone number is also important. If your pet is found by a neighbor or passerby, they can easily contact you and reunite you with your pet. Microchips require a special tool to read, and it can be months or years before that finally happens.
Microchips
Particularly in the case of cats or smaller dogs, collars easily get caught in bushes and safely break away to prevent choking your pet. However, once they’ve fallen off, they don’t help your pet get back home. Therefore, having your pet microchipped is an important safety net. Shelter workers and veterinarians can scan for the chip and contact you based on that information.
Make Sure Microchip Info is Updated
If you move or change your phone number, be sure you update the information on file with the microchip company. Your pet can’t tell whoever is scanning the information that it is wrong, and if you’re unreachable, the microchip is essentially useless. So it’s a good idea to ask your vet to scan it once a year to ensure the information is up to date.
Any Pet Can Get Lost
Some pet owners think that because their dog is always on a leash or their cat is an indoor-only pet, they can’t get lost. The truth is, leashes can break, doors get left open, and other tragedies like fire or natural disasters happen. Losing a pet is always a possibility, so take a few moments this week to ensure your pet has the proper ID. It is well worth the effort.
Start Searching for Your Lost Pet Immediately
While this may sound obvious, many pet owners assume their pets will simply turn up on their own. The sooner you start looking, the more likely it is that you’ll find your pet. Make posters with a picture of your pet and your phone number and hang them in the area your pet was last seen. Contact the animal control officer in your area and alert local shelters. Most lost pets don’t stray too far if you start looking right away.
- Pet FBI The Free Information Center For Lost and Found Dogs, Cats and All Other Pets
In my house, and probably in yours, pets are family. So please spend a few moments this week making sure they’re safe and can be quickly returned to you in case they’re lost.
