Why your pets need ID tags and what to put on them!
While most people know pet ID tags are important, they don't know the specific reasons why. Most people agree that pet ID tags are very important for the safety of their pet but according to one ASPCA study, only about a third of all pet owners actually put pet ID tags on their furry companions!
It happens to everyone sometimes. Dogs and cats escape from the yard, slip their leash, or go missing. There are steps you can take to find your pet but part of being a responsible dog owner is ensuring your pet can be identified and returned to you if they ever get lost. In fact, it’s crucial that the person who finds your lost pet can get in touch with you as early as possible. The harder it is for people to identify you and your pet, the lower chance your pet will have of making it home safely. Luckily, technology has improved our odds of finding a lost pet with things like microchipping, social media, and even pet-tracking apps.
While microchipping your pets is certainly advisable, a good old-fashioned ID tag is a faster and more convenient way for people to contact you. In order to access the chip, your dog would need to be brought to a vet, and many people just won’t take the trouble of doing so.
According to the Found Animals Foundation, 1 in 3 pets will get lost at some point in their lifetime and 90% of them never return home without an ID. Another study reported that approximately 10 million pets get lost every year. Even if your dog isn’t a habitual drifter, you need to be prepared for things like natural disasters or accidents that could separate you from your dog. Pet ID tags ensure that if you get separated, it's easy for the person who finds them to get in contact with you and get your pet home safe.
Wearing identification will also make your dog more approachable to strangers. It indicates your dog is not a roaming stray and that they need help in getting back home.
Benefits of Tags:
- They’re inexpensive.
- They’re easy to purchase and customise with your details
- They’re easy to read, even without technology.
- They’re the fastest way to identify your pet.
Avoid the stress and heartbreak by getting your pet up with a proper, personalised ID tag with all the information below!
Space on an ID tag is usually limited to 2-4 lines of text, so choose your information carefully. For example, if your dog has a serious health condition, that might be more important to include than your dog’s name. Some key items to consider including are:
- Your pet’s name.
- Your phone number: You might want to add a friend or neighbour’s number as well to boost your chance of being reunited.
- Your address - if you cannot fit it maybe a landmark or location name.
- Medical and/or behavioural issues or special needs! If they are not friendly with people do mention it on the tag for a safe capture of the finder and the pet.
- Microchip Information - if they have one!
- If you have the space left or are attaching several tags a personal message can be a nice touch. You can use “I’m friendly” or “Please call my mom” or “If I’m alone, I’m lost” as options
If your pet does get lost it is a good idea to put out posters offering a reward as it encourages people such as securities, road-side vendors and locals to take the trouble to return your pet!