Keeping Your Pet Safe- Melinda Dalke

Pet Identification

1. Pet ID Tags - Pet ID tags are the most reliable way to protect your pet. Each tag should include your animal's name, his license number, your cell phone number and your phone number. If your animal does become lost, the person finding them will have a couple of ways to reach you and arrange a reunion.

2. Microchips - Microchips are implanted under the skin and are available at most veterinary clinics. The chip contains the same information as a regular tag and is read using a scanner. Most shelters and clinics have scanners.

Having the chip put in your pet is generally done during an office visit. You should speak to your local veterinarian to find out if this option is for you and your pet.

It is important to have your pet wearing a Pet ID tag also.

What to do if you lose your pet

1. Immediately get your family, neighbors and friends to help look. Carry a recent photograph to show everyone you come in contact with.

If you are out of town ask people around you, including people working in local businesses. Carry a recent photograph and ask everyone you see if they have seen your pet.

2. Call your veterinarian and all others within in your city. If your pet is wearing a rabies tag on its collar, the tag number often can be traced to your veterinarian who can then help reunite you with your lost pet.

If you are out of town grab a phone book and call all the veterinary offices in the area.

3. Call every animal shelter within 60 miles of your area. Notify them about your pet and leave your information for future reference. It is always good to carry a photograph of your pet in your car for identification. Visit all the shelters close to you and have family and friends visit also. Keep checking daily!

If you are out of town, grab a phone book and call all the shelters listed.

4. Keep checking with neighbors and put up signs around your neighborhood (or area the pet was last seen) that include a photo or description of your pet, your phone number and cell phone number, and how long your pet has been missing.

If you are out of town, post signs also. Leave items with a familiar scent outside your home, just in case your pet manages to wander back home and is disoriented. Leave water and food out in case your pet returns.

5. Call your local newspaper and place a "lost pet" ad. Also check the newspaper daily for "found pets" ads. Often they will print found ads for free. If you are out of town, place ads in that cities papers.