It happens.
You are walking your dog and they slip their collar and are gone before you can grab them. Or someone accidently leaves a door open and your cat slips out. Or maybe an emergency came up, you weren’t able to get back to your pet and strangers have to get them safe.
It is heart-wrenching to think that it could happen. And even more heart-wrenching, if it actually does.
And it’s times like these where it is so important that your pet have some sort of identification that lets people know they belong to you.
Luckily, there are several options of pet identification for you to choose from. By learning about the different ID options, you’ll be able to choose 1 or even better 2 forms of ID that will best suit your pet.
Pet Identification Tattoos
One form of ID is tattoos. Pet identification tattoos are permanent markings applied to an area of your pet’s skin, typically inside the ear or on the inner thigh. They usually consist of an alphanumeric code such as a dog license number or a specific number from a pet database.
Specialized tattoo equipment is used to apply the number. It can take about 15-30 minutes to apply and some animals may require sedation for it to be done (a perfect time is when they are getting spayed or neutered since they are already under anesthesia).
In order for a tattoo to help get your pet home, it should be registered with a registry. Some of the registries are:
- National Dog Registry (NDR)
- AKC Reunite
- Some local government or animal control offices may maintain a database. Here is Pennsylvania, a lifetime dog license can be obtain by getting the license number tattooed on your dog. That number is then kept in a database that our local shelter has access to.
Pros of Pet ID Tattoos
- It’s permanent. A tattoo can’t fall off or be removed like collars and tags. It lasts for the lifetime of your pet.
- It’s a theft deterrent. Being a permanent I.D., they make pets less attractive to thieves. They can provide definite proof of ownership in disputes.
- No technology is required to read the tattoo. It can be visually checked without special equipment.
Cons of Pet ID Tattoos
- The tattoo may become illegible as pet ages. It may blur or fade, especially with exposure to sunlight
- Dark-coated animals may have less visible tattoos so you may need to keep the area shaved so it stays visible.
- Some pets may need to be sedated to have the tattoo applied
- A tattoo only includes the code, not direct contact information
- It requires lookup in an up-to-date database and it’s not possible to know which registry it’s registered with.
- Some people may not recognize it as identification.
Pet Microchips
Microchips are a newer form of pet I.D. They are tiny devices about the size of a grain of rice that are implanted beneath your pet’s skin, typically between the shoulder blades. Each chip contains a unique identification number that, when scanned, can be linked to your contact information in a national database.
It uses a specialized needle and the process is similar to your pet getting a vaccine. They don’t need to be sedated or anesthetized and it takes less than a minute to be done. It is often done during a routine vet visit.
Some of the major microchip registries include:
Pros of Pet Microchips
- Microchips can’t break or be removed easily
- They are designed to last for the pet’s entire lifetime
- Microchips have a low failure rate
- It’s standard practice for shelters and vets to scan stray pets for microchips when they come into the shelter.
- Microchip insertion is not very painful.
- They leave no visible marking or discomfort after placement and they don’t change your pet’s appearance
- The chip only contains the unique identification number and no personal information is stored on the chip itself
- Microchips can be used for dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, and small mammals
Cons of Pet Microchips
- Microchips require a compatible scanner to read. Brand specific scanners may only read that brand’s microchips.
- Microchips aren’t visually apparent to people
- They must be registered to be effective. The only way to obtain the owner’s contact info is through a registry.
- There are multiple registries and they aren’t connected so multiple registries may need to be checked when a pet is found.
- Registration must be updated when contact info changes.
- Chips can occasionally migrate from original implantation site and require a full-body scan to locate.
- There are rare cases of chips failing to read.
Traditional Pet ID Tags
Pet ID tags are probably the pet ID you’re most familiar with. They are small badges made of metal, plastic, or silicone and they attach to your pet’s collar. They contain information about your pet and your contact details so that anyone who finds your pet can quickly reach you.
Pros of Pet ID Tags
- No special equipment is needed. Anyone can read the information on the tag.
- I.D. Tags are inexpensive ($5-20 for most tags).
- Tags have no subscription or maintenance fees.
- You can get special tags for medical alerts.
- Tags can be found in multiple shapes, colors, and sizes and they can include decorative elements.
- Tags are easily replaceable if lost or damaged.
- Multiple tags can be worn at the same time.
- A tag shows the pet has an owner
Cons of Pet ID Tags
- Tags can break, fall off, or become unreadable
- Metal tags can make jingling sounds. This may bother noise-sensitive pets(and humans!)
- There is a limit to how much text can fit on the tag
- Your pet needs to wear a collar to be effective
- Tags aren’t effective if the collar breaks or is removed
QR Code Pet ID Tags
QR(Quick Response) code pet ID tags are modern identification tags that feature a scannable square barcode attached to your pet’s collar. When scanned with a smartphone camera, these tags provide instant access to an online profile containing comprehensive information about your pet and multiple contact methods for reaching you.
Some of the online services that pet parents can register their QR Code pet IDs with are:
Pros of QR Code Pet ID Tags
- No personal address is visible on the tag.
- You control what information is shared publicly.
- QR Code Tags can include multiple contact methods and emergency contacts.
- The database info can include photos for easier identification.
- You change contact information instantly.
- You can update medical information whenever it is needed.
Cons of QR Code Pet ID Tags
- A smartphone with camera is needed to access information.
- Not everyone may not be familiar with QR codes and how they work.
- Damaged codes may not scan properly.
- The database services require annual or monthly fees.
- Some people may have security concerns about scanning unknown QR codes with their phones.
Embroidered Pet ID Collars
Another form of pet ID is the embroidered collar. They are customized collars that have identification information, usually the pet’s name and owner’s phone number, directly stitched into the fabric material of the collar itself.
Pros of Embroidered ID Collars
- There are no dangling tags that make noise.
- There’s nothing to catch on objects or furniture.
- The information remains for the life of the collar.
- You can find a variety of collar colors and styles.
Cons of Embroidered ID Collars
- They might not be recognized as ID to everyone.
- They can be obscured by your pet’s fur.
- They have limited space for text.
- When information changes, the collar needs to be replaced.
- The text may become hard to read due to age and wear.
Combining ID Methods
One can never be to cautious when it comes to making sure our pets have ID. You might want to consider combing ID methods for maximum protection.
By combining different types of I.D., you will have a back-up in case your main form of I.D. fails. By using both I.D.s like tags with more permanent ID methods like a microchip or tattoo, you give your pet a better chance of getting back home to you.
Best Practices for Any ID Method
Pet I.D. isn’t set and it forget it. You’ll want to check it periodically to make sure everything is still working as it should be.
Some of tasks you’ll want to do regularly are:
- Make sure the information is current
- Check regularly for wear and tear
- Ensure proper fit and attachment
- Review how to activate emergency services if your pet is lost
Whether you choose microchips, ID tags, QR codes, or embroidered collars—or even better, use multiple methods together—you are giving your pet the best chance of getting back to you. A little preparation now can save you and your pet a lot of heartache later.
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