ID Tags & Microchips

Identification tags for your pet are very important, especially if your pet escapes frequently or if he is an outside pet. In many places, dog ID tags are mandatory. A cat ID tag is generally voluntary, but owners of outside cats usually tag their cats. Dog identification tags usually are required to have rabies vaccination information on them. ID tags for cats are usually just ID name tags, though some owners put their address or phone number on the tag.

There are several different kinds of ID tags for your pets. Custom ID tags for your pet can be made through a manufacturer or you can make instant pet ID tags on a machine at your local pet store. Custom ID tags are usually ordered through a catalog or online; the instant pet tag machine at your pet store takes only a few minutes while it engraves a tag from the machine’s supply.

Many companies that produce medical ID tags or military ID dog tags also make custom pet ID tags. A medical ID tag and medical ID dog tags are similar to the types of ID tags pets wear, except the information is more about the owner on a pet’s tags. Some pet tags are like jewelry; pet identification tags can be very stylish, like Swarovski pet ID tags or a Mickey Mouse pet ID tag. Some companies offer free dog ID tags when you purchase a collar and leash.

Pet microchips are a new technology that helps prevent your pet from getting lost and never being able to come home. The history or microchips is a simple one. The history of the microchip is basically the purpose behind it. A veterinarian injects a very small microchip under the skin between your pet’s shoulders. This microchip has a number that can be read by a handheld scanner. Most vets and animal shelters have a scanner, and immediately scan incoming animals for a microchip. Once the number on the microchip is read by the scanner, the vet or shelter can look in a database to find owner information for the particular pet. Then the owner is contacted and the pet and owner are reunited.

Microchipping a pet takes only a few seconds and is just like giving a vaccination or any kind of a shot. The process is almost completely painless for the pet and the microchip lasts for the duration of your pet’s life.