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Options Available for Pet Identification

26 9:17:07
There are all sorts of pet identification devices available in the market today. Ranging from simple plastic nametags to the more sophisticated microchips and GPS collars, there is an option to suit every pet and all budgets. When choosing a pet ID, take some time to consider some relevant points. For example, is your dog an escape artist? Is he young and boisterous and prone to running off and exploring? Has he been properly trained and is he obedient to commands? The answers to these questions will help you decide just exactly how high risk your pet is. The higher the chances of him escaping or running off, the more advanced your pet ID should ideally be. Of course pets don抰 always simply go missing - some of them are stolen. Certain breeds such as purebreds or trained dogs are more susceptible to theft than others. At the end of the day however, the cost of NOT having a pet ID is infinitely higher than actually purchasing one. After all, your pet is a part of your familyand wouldn抰 you do anything to keep him safe and secure?

Pet IDs can vary in terms of size, shape, durability and information storage capabilities. For instance, a simple dog tag could be anything from a plastic tag with the bare minimum of information (i.e. name, address, and phone number). While these plastic tags are lightweight and economical, they are not very long lasting. A better option would be stainless steel tags that can be attached to the dog collar. These could even be engraved with the necessary information and are sturdier than most other types. There are also temporary ID tags available that you can add on to your pet抯 collar when you are traveling. Here you should mention the address and numbers where you can be reached and more importantly the dates you will be at these places. All of these types of tags can be purchased from your vet, a pet store or even online. As with everything else, even the basic pet ID tag has been improved with technology. You can now get ID tags with digital displays or voice recordings, IDs that are linked back to pet registry sites making it possible to store more information about your pet and even USB drive pet tags that can be updated often and plugged into any computer for immediate identification.

A more permanent type of pet identification and one that is fast gaining popularity is the microchip. The size of a grain of rice, this actual chip is injected between the shoulder blades of your dog under medical supervision. Your vet will be able to carry out this relatively simple procedure in no time and will cause no discomfort to your pet. Microchips possess all the relevant information embedded within as well as a back up of the same with the provider抯 database. As a result there is an annual fee attached for registration and pet recovery services if required. Microchips also need scanners to extract the information and all vets and shelters might not be equipped with these scanners. In such instances, the very existence of a microchip becomes null and void, as there is no way to access the information included.

Tattooing your pet is another age-old solution to the identification problem. ID numbers are generally tattooed in the area of the pet抯 groin and the number is then listed with a registry service for optimum effect. Shelters and clinics also tend not to get rid of tattooed pets and hold them for a longer period. Over time though, the tattoo might fade so it is recommended that only a skilled tattoo artist handle the procedure so as to ensure its longevity.

The latest in pet identification today is the GPS Pet Tracker. Models such as the SpotLight GPS Pet Locator are attached to your dog抯 collar. It is lightweight, durable, and water-resistant and comes with round the clock access to the AKC CAR Helpline and recovery services. GPS Pet Trackers such as SpotLight use GPS technology to help you pin point the exact location of your pet in a matter of minutes. Therefore they serve a multifold purpose of identification, prevention and protection!