Dog Safety ID

Please make sure that your dog has proper identification at all times. As I write this, I have a cute little stray resting at my feet. He was found this morning outside of the dog park, and of course, he has no ID.

All dogs should wear a flat, buckle collar with identification tags at all times. Tags should include your personal contact information, with a daytime and evening phone number. My little nameless friend is not the first stray I have found and tried to return to his home. It can be very frustrating to find a dog on a Saturday night, with only a license or Rabies tag, and no way to get the owner’s contact information until Monday. So to insure that your dog is returned to you, and not left running loose on the street, make it easy for his rescuer to find you. Another good way to insure that your dog is returned to you, and not dropped off at the animal shelter, is to add the word “reward” on the tag. Whatever reward you may have to pay, is sure to be less than the fine you will pay to get him out of the shelter, and the potential cost of vet bills to treat the kennel cough he may be exposed to while incarcerated.

In addition to identification tags, all of your pets should also be microchipped, just in case they should lose their collar. The first thing I did with my little friend was run him into my vet’s office to have him scanned for a chip. Most veterinary clinics, as well as animal shelters, now have microchip scanners, and will happily scan a stray dog to help him find his way home. But remember to keep your contact information updated with the microchip company, especially if you move or change your phone number. Microchips are not GPS units! Also, in the unfortunate event that your dog is hurt and in need of emergency medical attention, having a microchip will give a veterinarian confidence to provide medical treatment, knowing that an owner can be found to cover the expense. In addition, a microchip is the best way to positively identify your dog should there ever be a dispute over ownership. Be sure to keep your microchip number in a safe place.

So let’s all do everything we can to insure that our precious pets can be returned to us, should they ever find themselves on the streets. This is Colorado, after all, and gates do get blown open. Just ask Lucky and Missy about their adventure!

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