The importance of ID for your dog

Heather Ainsley
ECB Publishing, Inc.

The sky outside rages with explosions. Bright flashes of light illuminate the sky, followed by booms that resonate in the otherwise still night air. It's late; and the air outside is filled with a disorienting fog and the acrid smell of burning chemicals. It's New Year's Eve, and it's no small wonder why your dog is stressed out.
As we celebrate annual holidays with exciting fireworks and loud festivities, it is often unnoticed how these events can affect our animals. Our dogs, cats and even livestock don't exactly have the benefit of checking their calendars and mentally preparing for the sudden and exuberant sights and sounds that accompany human celebrations. There is no official animal meeting where they discuss the reality of what these loud sounds and strange smells mean, and assure one another that there is no inherent danger. Alas, these celebratory activities come as a surprise, and can cause animals who are ordinarily very aware of where they should be to flee from their homes or yards in panic, getting increasingly disoriented as they try their best to escape the impending danger around them.
The same is true for sudden storms, an increase in strangers in your home or on your property, or the presence of construction. When presented with these anomalies, our pets can make a run for it, as these strange new additions to their homes trigger a fight or flight response. Once the danger seems to fade, a pet may be completely unaware of how to get back home and may wander endlessly, searching.
Every year, approximately 10 million pets are lost in the United States, and according to American Humane, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, millions of those lost pets end up in the nation's animal shelters. Unfortunately, only 15 percent of dogs and two percent of cats in shelters without I.D. tags or microchips are reunited with their owners.
Even if a pet owner takes every precaution to prevent their pet from getting separated from them, it can still happen. The most effective way to increase your chances of finding them again is to have some form of identification on them at all times. This separates your animal from every other animal on Earth, and will make them easy to identify by members of the community. Here are three effective methods of identification for your dog:
Collars- A brightly colored collar can be an easy identifier from far away, which is very helpful if your pet is under-socialized and won't approach strangers. While something decorative, like a bandana may serve the same purpose, collars are intended to be sturdy and durable. Make sure your dog's collar is easy to see, and fits well. You should be able to get two fingers under your pet's collar to allow them to breathe and swallow comfortably. Too loose of a collar can allow for accidental removal, or even pose a risk of getting snagged on trees or bushes as your pet wanders.
I.D. Tag- A fantastic addition to your dog’s collar is an I.D. tag. This should be connected to your animal's collar and should include their name as well as your name, address and the best number to reach you. This way, if your dog is located, proper steps can be taken to return your companion to where they need to be. Keep all information on pet I.D. tags up to date.
Microchip- The most effective method of identifying your dog is with a microchip, which is an identification that is inserted just under the skin. When a lost animal is brought to a vet or animal rescue facility, it is common practice to check for a microchip first. This microchip carries a unique identification number and is about the size of a grain of rice. After your pet is registered to you, any scan of a chip will alert the vet to reach out to you if your lost pet is found. In animal shelters it is regular practice to scan any and all animals for identification before administering vet care up to and including euthanasia. This can also be a huge help in preventing your dog from being stolen. Make sure your microchip information is always up to date and reflects current addresses and phone numbers.
The world can be a scary place. When our pets get scared, they tend to run and can get into all sorts of trouble. Having proper identification on your pet can help increase the chances of your companion being returned to you. Your pet doesn't know how to get themselves home, so make sure the person that finds them can.