Today, July 1st, is ID Your Pet Day. This is definitely a timely request: The Fourth Of July is just around the corner, and lost pet reports often spike around the summer holiday. That’s because so many of our furry friends are terrified of the fireworks and commotion, and bolt out of sheer terror. While we would of course advise keeping your animal companion safely indoors as much as you can over the next few days, it’s also important to make sure they have proper ID. A North Redington Beach, FL vet offers some advice on this below.
ID tags are required by law, and with good reason. They’re the easiest way for people to be able to contact you if they find your furry pal. Be sure to keep the information up to date. It’s a good idea to note that you would offer a reward, as this can drastically increase the chances of someone returning your beloved pet to you. We’d also recommend adding a backup number, such as a friend or family member, in case you can’t be reached.
If your four-legged buddy hasn’t yet been microchipped, we would recommend getting that appointment on the books as soon as possible. Microchips may be small, but they can have a huge impact on your pet’s life if they were to get lost. Several studies have shown that shelter pets who had microchips had much greater rates of being reunited with their humans than those without chips. Of course, you’ll need to keep that data current in the chipmaker’s database. The chip won’t be of any use if the information is outdated or missing!
One new device we’re happy to see rolled out is the smart tag. These offer all the same information as classic ID tags, but with a high-tech twist. The tags have QR codes which lead people to a customized website, where they can find information about your pet and options for contacting you.
Speaking of high-tech products, the GPS tag is proving to be a game changer. These allow you to pinpoint your fuzzy friend’s location in real time. You will want to do some research before ordering one, however, as there are different types.
Is your furry companion due for an exam? Contact us, your local North Redington Beach, FL pet hospital, today!
