Pet Identification
For Happy Reunions

Pet identification tags are an idea that has been around, well, forever. At least it seems that way. Choices range from low tech plastic, brass or steel tags engraved with the dog's name, address and a phone number to high tech pet microchips encrypted with a multitude of data which are implanted under your dog's skin.

The Low Tech Choice

With the low tech choice, a simple visual glance at the tag can identify your pooch from basic information. These can be relatively inexpensive and plain to moderately expensive and designer snazzy. As a way to identify Rover, they do a pretty good job. However, if the tag has been on the dog for a long time and is so scuffed up it cannot be read, your pet may be out of luck in being reunited with you. So, if you use this type of pet identification you had better make sure it is still in good shape. However, the information you can put on the tag is extremely limited and if the pet's collar gets pulled off, lost, whatever... so does the information.

The High Tech Choice

The high tech choice requires the use of a scanner to read identification information stored on a microchip which has been embedded under the animal's skin. This means the animal has to be transported to a vet (if you can find one who uses scanners) or to the local animal shelter where you HOPE they use scanners. Reliable? Absolutely. Pricey? You bet. And, unless I misunderstood, not only do you pay for the device to be embedded, you pay for any "scanning" that has to be done. Which means you'd better hope that Traveler doesn't take off and travel!


Ok, we've got low tech and high tech choices. Is there a middle tech choice?

You bet'cha!


The Middle Tech Choice

Pet identification tags using mini-USB drives are available and affordable. How does it work? You load information about your pet directly from your personal computer to the mini-drive, place it in the waterproof container and attach it to your pet's collar. If your pet gets lost or separated from you, anyone with a computer can identify your pet and read any information you have provided about the animal. There is no need for the additional stress of a trip to an animal shelter or vet's office, unless absolutely necessary. On the downside, as with the low tech pet tag, if the animal's collar comes off and gets lost...well, things get a little harder. However, if you include a photo of your pet with the information on the mini-drive, your pet has a good chance of being identified and reunited with both it's collar and with you!

Don't Take Chances

Hurricanes, floods, wildfires. Every time there is a natural disaster of some kind, people and their pets get separated. Too many times, days turn into weeks, and weeks turn into months before they are reunited, if ever. Why? Oftentimes it's simply because the dog (or other pet) had no reliable source of identification on them. A rabies tag isn't good enough.

And don't think that natural disasters are the only things that could keep you from your four-legged baby! Something as simple as an open door or open gate combined with a dog that loves to roam can equal a long and upsetting separation - for both of you.

Whether you use low, middle or high tech, pet identification can prove the dog is YOURS and is almost a guaranteed way to ensure happy reunions.

So if you aren't using one...what are you waiting for?

Choose one. Now.


Still aren't convinced it's important? Read this article by the American Humane Association regarding pet identification.


In addition to having a good pet ID, check out all the wonderful collar charms for your pet at THIS cool site that we highly recommend!