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Pet Article
CAT AND DOG TAGS
Most cat and dog owners will have experienced it, I'm sure, at some point during their pet
ownership..... an escape artist! Even if your pet has never escaped it's a good idea to
have an organized plan ready should you need it.
When a pet gets lost, many pet owners may become distraught. This is not the ideal
time to have to organize a plan to recover the pet. Having information about your cat or dog
in advance can make locating a lost pet much easier.
Why not keep a recent photo of your pet on file as a print or digital image.
It may also be wise to prepare a generic flyer that describes your pet in detail.
Examine your pet carefully and include any distinguishing marks or physical attributes that
might aid in identification. You may want to include any medical conditions your pet has.
While including the pet's name in the flyer is probably a good idea for completeness, pets
that are not used to being outside may not come when called if they become lost and
frightened.
Because dogs are required to wear a rabies tag at all times, it is a good idea to get
an identification tag too. Many dogs get reunited with their owners simply because they were
wearing an identification tag. Keeping an identification tag on a cat is much trickier.
If the collar with the tag is too tight and their is no give when tugged, then the cat could
get stuck somewhere. Cats have been known to get their collars caught on fences and accidentally
suffocate. This is why it is important to use collars that will stretch or break when
pulled.
Microchipping as a means of pet identification has become more popular recently. The
microchip is a small electronic chip that is easily inserted underneath the pet's
skin, usually at the back of the neck. It provides permanent identification about your pet,
including the location (vet clinic or shelter) where your pet received the microchip injection.
Most shelters and many clinics have microchip scanners that will identify the presence of the
chip, which will help reunite the pet and owner.
In the event that you do lose a pet, it is important to take immediate steps to find
your pet. The longer you wait to try to find your pet once it has been lost, the less
likely it is that the pet will be found. One of the first things you should do is contact
your local shelter to leave a description of your pet, including the microchip number if
your pet has one. Many shelters have a program in place to match lost pets with their owners.
It is also a good idea to actually go to the shelter and look for your pet yourself.
Whilst the shelter employees will try to match your description with the right animal,
you are the one who knows your pet the best.
In addition to these tactics you can also look around the neighborhood and visit
places that you know to be familiar to your pet. Ask neighbors to watch for out for your pet
and post lots of flyers with your pet's recent photo and information. You may also want to
post flyers at local veterinary clinics.
Without a doubt, the hardest part is waiting to see if you will be reunited with your
pet, but if you prepare a little in advance and take a proactive approach to the
recovering of your pet, you may give yourself the best chance possible.
Mark Woodcock
1 Flea Control
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