Keep tabs on your pet!
As the weather warms up and you spend more time outdoors, it’s the perfect time to make sure you’ve taken proper precautions in case your pet is lost. Follow a few simple pet ID tips to make sure your pet can be returned to you safely if he goes missing.
Check for a microchip.
Even if you were told your pet had a microchip when you brought him home, it’s a good idea to double check. A microchip is a tiny sensor placed just beneath the surface of the skin that contains a pet’s identification information. It only takes a minute to scan for a microchip; most vets and humane societies will check for you for free.
Get a microchip.
In this day in age, it seems crazy not to take advantage of this simple piece of technology! It could make all the difference in bringing your pet back home to you one day. A microchip is about the size of a grain of rice, and it’s inserted under the animal’s skin with a small needle, similar to the way a vaccination is given. It’s a painless process, even for the smallest animals, and many pet owners will choose to microchip their pet at the same time they’re vaccinated.
Microchipping typically costs between $20 and $50, or less if it’s included as part of a larger package of services. Many veterinary offices and humane societies run specials on free or low-cost microchipping a few times a year, often during National Pet ID Week. Call your vet to ask about upcoming specials to take advantage of the reduced cost.
To see just how valuable microchips are in reuniting owners with lost pets, read about 5 incredible pet reunions here.
Have a backup.
Would you believe this? The ASPCA estimates that only one in three pets wears an ID tag at all times! That’s the equivalent of driving around without your driver’s license. A physical ID tag on your pet’s collar is always recommended, even if your pet has a microchip. It’s the quickest and easiest way for your pet to be returned to you safely should she sneak out or accidentally get loose.
Most major pet stores sell custom ID tags for less than $10 that can be engraved with your pet’s name and your phone number on the spot. Or, your vet can provide one at the time of your pet’s annual vaccinations.
By taking proper pet ID precautions now, you’ll save yourself a lot of heartache down the road if your furry friend is ever lost.
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