National Pet ID Week starts the 17th! Did you know that up to one in three pets will get lost at some point in their lives? That’s a pretty sobering number. While we of course hope all of our patients stay safe and sound at home, we can’t overstate the importance of making sure your beloved pet has proper identification! A Frisco, TX vet offers some advice on this below.

ID Tags

ID tags are an absolute must here. They’re required by law in many places, and are still just the simplest way to (literally) connect your contact information to your pet. You can have some fun customizing your animal companion’s tags, but keep in mind that the most important information to include would be your number, your fuzzy buddy’s name, and any major health issues they have. We strongly recommend offering a reward, as this can greatly increase the chances of someone bringing your furry pal home.

Microchips

Microchipping your four-legged friend is also very important. These chips don’t transmit any information, and they don’t contain your contact information. Each chip has an ID number, which correlates to your records. These tiny devices form an unbreakable link between you and your pet. The procedure itself is very quick and simple: the chip is inserted beneath your pet’s skin through a hypodermic needle. This is often, though not always, done in tandem with spay/neuter surgery. Your vet can give you more information. Of course, getting your furry bff microchipped is only part one. Make sure that your information is correct in the chipmaker’s database. The chip will be useless if your contact information is missing or outdated! (Tip: try using the AAHA Universal Pet Microchip Lookup Tool here to check your records.)

Other Precautions

While microchips and ID tags are the two biggest forms of pet identification, there are some other ways you can safeguard your four-legged pal and keep them from getting lost. First and foremost? Don’t let pets roam outdoors unsupervised. If you have a yard, make sure your fencing is secure. You may want to look into getting a GPS-enabled collar, especially if you have a pup that’s prone to bolting. Light-up collars are also helpful for finding pets at night. Do you have questions or concerns about your pet’s health or care? We can help!Contact us, your Frisco, TX animal clinic!