- Make sure your pet is wearing ID at all times. As a
minimum, dogs and cats should wear collars with ID tags.
A tattoo or microchip is also recommended as a permanent
way to identify your pet. Keep
records of your pet's identification for reference.
- Register your pet with a centralized pet recovery
system. This can increase the chances that you and
your pet are quickly reunited. One such system is
PetLynx.
- Carry a recent photo - it will help tremendously
if you need to describe or identify your pet, plus the picture
can be photocopied or faxed as needed.
- Make a list of unique or identifying marks. Does
your dog have a small scar on the front of his right hind paw?
Does your cat have heart-shaped white mark on her chest?
When confronted with several physically similar animals
in a shelter, these unique markings can help you make a
faster, positive identification of your pet.
Note: unfortunately, there are numerous scams involving
lost pets. If your pet gets lost, only provide the most basic
description. Do NOT provide this list of identifying marks.
Instead, if someone calls claiming to have your pet, ask him
or her to describe the pet to you (be sure not to ask 'leading
questions' that could provide the caller with hints).
- Keep your contact information up-to-date. If you
have moved since you tattooed, microchipped, or otherwise
registered your pet, contact the appropriate agencies
with your current address and phone number.
While traveling, attach temporary contact information to your
pet's license tag. A phone number where you can be reached
while on holidays will help to bring your pet back home to
you as soon as possible.
