Help Fido and Fluffy Find Their Way Home!

Most devoted pet owners never intend to lose their beloved
pets. Unfortunately, accidents happen and all pets need
identification to help reunite them with their families.
That includes indoor cats! Scared or excited pets can slip
out the door before you can stop them.

Check with your city for any licensing or identification
requirements for your pet. Here are your three main choices.
Many pet owners opt to use a combination of them, just in
case one form of ID fails.

__1. LICENSE TAG.

Usually purchased from the city, your pet is assigned a
number which is tracked in a computer database. Tags are
attached to your pet's collar. If your pet is found, the
animal control officer can check the tag number, pull up
your address, and call you to let you know they have your
pet.

Many pet stores also offer an option to print up a simple
address tag -- your pet's name, address, and phone number
are the most commonly displayed information.

The disadvantages of using a tag are: the tag can fall
off and get lost; it might not be readable; your pet may
not always be wearing its collar; your pet may slip out
of or lose its collar.

__2. TATTOO.

Tattoos are commonly etched into one of your pet's ears
during spay/neuter surgery (pets must be under anesthetic
for this procedure). Tattoos are a visible and somewhat
permanent method of identification.

Unlike tags, tattoos are not reliant on your pet wearing
its collar. However tattoos usually fade over time, making
them illegible. They can be retraced ... but since pets
must be under anesthetic and there is always a risk with
anesthetic, retracing a tattoo should be done at the same
time your pet is undergoing another procedure anyways.

__3. MICROCHIP.

A microchip is a small, electronic chip (approximately the
size of a grain of rice) that is implanted just under your
pet's skin. It is administered by a simple injection.

Microchips each have an identification number associated
with them; along with this ID number, your name, address,
and phone number are entered into a computer database. If
your pet gets lost, animal shelters or city pounds equipped
with scanners will be able to scan your pet's body to
quickly locate the ID number of the microchip along with
the corresponding owner information. Many shelters and
pounds these days are equipped to handle microchips.

Regardless of what form of ID you choose, please be sure
to keep your contact information up-to-date. It will help
ensure that your pet finds his way home -- where he
belongs.