Every year shelters and animal services facilities across North America are filled with displaced animals. This is not only a stressful experience for many animals, but can also mean that shelters become over crowded. Many of these animals need not have come into the facility if it had been wearing an identification tag. Most animals coming into the shelter are found by a member of the public. If the animal had been wearing an I.D. tag it could have been reunited with its family without ever having to enter a shelter or animal services facility.
To help keep animals from being admitted unnecessarily, the Brant County SPCA has now implemented the Tag-You’re It! program. Every cat or dog that leaves our shelter after being adopted or claimed will be leaving with a collar and tag. Help get the word out that every dog and cat needs and deserves identification.
Not convinced? Please read below just some of the reasons why your pet needs an I.D. tag. We have also included some recommendations for what to include on the I.D. tag and types of collars.
The ASPCA did a study on pet ID tags. The study found that although 80% of pet owners believe that external identification is important, in reality only 33% reported actually putting tags on their pets.
The following are just some of the reasons that you should put I.D. Tags on your pets:
- According to the American Humane Association, 1 in 3 pets will become lost at some time in their lifetime. Without proper I.D. most will never make it back to their home.
- Even if your pet is considered an indoor pet, disasters (fire, flood), accidents and other unforeseen events (home break-ins) will happen and it only takes one time.
- Anyone can read an external I.D. tag. Even if you have had your pet microchipped, that pet must be taken to a shelter or veterinary clinic to have the pet scanned to pick up the chip number. The pet may have a licence but access to licence databases is restricted.
- If your pet has a medical condition, that information can be added to the I.D. tag
- If a member of the public finds your pet, they can contact you without needing to take the pet into a shelter/animal services facility.
- If you travel with your pet there is a risk of the animal getting loose in airport tarmacs, at roadside rest stops, camp grounds, etc.
I.D. Information
- Your pet’s I.D. tag should have your name, address and telephone number (make sure the phone number is one you can be easily reached)
- Include a second phone number of a friend or relative in case you are unreachable and let that person know you have used them as a secondary contact person
- Check the tag regularly to make sure it is still readable
- If you are traveling it is a good idea to put a second tag on your pet with the information on it about where you will be staying
Collars
- There are a wide variety of collars available for purchase at local stores and even online
- For dogs, make sure you are getting the right fit
- For cats, make sure you are using a breakaway collar for its safety