According to a recent report, 30% of cats and dogs get lost once in their lifetime. The interesting thing is that only pets who have identifications return home.
No one ever wants to lose their pets because they bring immense joy and companionship into our lives. However, life can take unexpected turns. Pets might wander away through an open gate or become separated during a natural disaster. In such situations, they can find themselves far from home and feeling lost.
The best way to ensure that your pet returns home safely is to use reliable identifications, such as pet tags in Australia.Â
Let’s find out in detail why pet identification is so important and the different methods for it.
Why Is Pet Identification Important?
Here are some of the compelling reasons why you must opt for some pet identification:
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Proof Of Ownership
Pet identification is a reliable way to prove pet ownership. It involves registered information and personalized details through various methods. This identification prevents disputes since no one else can claim your pet. It also helps you quickly reunite with your pet if they go missing.
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Safety
By choosing an identification method, you can ensure that your pet is safe all the time. If your pet gets lost, anyone who finds it can contact you immediately and return it. This is how your pet has less risk of potential dangers.
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Medical Emergency
In any medical emergency, these identifications provide veterinarians with all the necessary information. Identification methods like tags or microchips have detailed medical information, such as allergies, pre-existing conditions, and medications. This allows the veterinarians to make informed decisions on time and start treatment without any delay.
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Legal Compliance
In many places, pet identification is a legal requirement. Therefore, it is necessary to get a pet license or permit, ensuring pets are accountable under local laws and regulations. Moreover, this requirement helps authorities keep pets safe from diseases and public health risks.
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Peace Of Mind
It gives pet owners great peace of mind to know that a lost or stolen pet can be easily identified and returned to them. So, you can enjoy outdoor activities with them easily without having any anxiety. This confidence makes your life quite relaxing.
Various Methods Used for Pet Identification
There are different methods of pet identification. Each method has its own purpose and reliability. Let’s have a look at them:
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Pet ID Tags
Putting ID tags to your pets is the most traditional method of identification. Generally, these tags are attached to the pet’s collar and are made of metal or durable plastic. They have all the basic information of a pet, including their name, owner’s contact number, and sometimes their medical condition as well. These tags are quite economical and easy to use. Moreover, you can get different customization options as well.
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Microchipping
This small electronic device helps identify pets. You place it under the pet’s skin between the shoulder blades. Each chip has a unique identification number, which you can read with a handheld scanner. Many shelters use this device because it is permanent and cannot be easily removed. This way, it ensures lost pets can be identified and returned to their owners.
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Tattoos
In this method, you can tattoo a series of numbers or letters onto the pet’s skin. It is a unique identifier and only the owner can track it through a registry. As it is a visible identification, no one needs any additional equipment to read it. But remember, they can fade or become illegible over a period of time.
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GPS Tracking Devices
You can track the real time location of a pet using a smartphone, a web app or using GPS trackers. You can attach them to a pet’s collar and feel relaxed if the pets roam freely. However, this method is comparatively costly and does not suit areas with poor GPS signals. Also, you require battery recharging or replacement for effective tracking all the time.
How To Choose The Right Pet Identification?
Before selecting a particular method for pet identification, you need to keep in mind several factors. They include:
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Understand Your Pet’s Behavior
If your pet loves to roam and spends a lot of time outdoors, you should select a method that is suitable for quick location tracking like microchip or GPS tracker. On the other hand, if the pet is suffering from some medical condition, it is better to go for an ID tag with all medical alert details.
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Check Local Regulations
Before selecting a specific identification method, it is always better to check with local regulations. Some areas mandate microchipping or some specific information on collar tags.
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Check The Reliability Of Methods
Always go for a method that is more durable and reliable. Choosing a method with permanent identification is much better compared to those that can be easily lost or damaged over time.
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Consider Your Budget
You should evaluate the initial cost of every method and keep in mind its ongoing maintenance fee as well. For example, for ID tags, you have to bear the purchase cost only whereas for microchips there is a registration fee. Apart from that, if you go for a GPS tracker, you need to pay a subscription fee. So, always select a method that suits your budget.
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Consult With Pet Professionals
You can also seek professional advice to make the best decision. Based on the age, health and lifestyle of your pet, they will recommend suitable methods for pet identification.
Conclusion
In short, pet identification is a responsible action to keep your pets safe and prevent them from being lost. A little effort in putting an identification on your pets can save you from severe headaches in the future. So, choose a reliable and easy-to-use identification method like pet ID tags and enjoy full peace of mind.
References
https://animals.howstuffworks.com/pets/how-to-care-for-a-dog8.htm
https://www.akcchf.org/educational-resources/library/articles/identification-methods-for.html
https://www.carecredit.com/well-u/pet-care/common-types-of-pet-identification/
Lead Image: ScottHughesphotography / Getty.
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