If there’s one thing I’m absolutely terrified of happening, it’s the possibility that Mauja and Atka could get lost or stolen. Preparedness will go a long way in ensuring your beloved pet will make his/her way home. National Pet ID Week is a great opportunity to check all of your pet’s information for accuracy. Here are a few things to check and update over the next week.
Collar & ID Tag
Your pet’s tag should contain the following information:
- Pet’s name
- Your name
- Telephone Number
- Home address (Personally, I don’t add my address to their tags. With frequent military moves, phone number is the most stable and reliable method of reaching me.)
- Pet’s with medical issues that require medication or special care should have an extra tag with this information.
Microchip
Don’t forget to frequently check your pet’s microchip to ensure it hasn’t moved and the information is still accurate.
Get Some Good Photos
If you’re anything like me, you have a bazillion photographs of your pet on your phone, computer, and walls. Make sure you have some pictures that show any distinguishing markings or unique features.
Organize Important Numbers
If your pet does become lost, the last thing you will want to do is search for local numbers. Keeping the local shelter, rescue groups, and vet’s numbers handy will alleviate some stress if your pet does become lost. Be sure to file missing pet reports at the local shelter so you will be contacted if your pet is found.
We cannot stress enough the importance of making sure your pet’s information is up to date, so we created this handy printable for you! You can check off the identification information as you confirm its accuracy and list some important, local numbers at the bottom.
Great post, Kelsie! So important. And love the sheet at the bottom. I’ve downloaded it for our use! Thank you!
Excellent advice! It would be terrifying to loose a furkid. I would be out of my mind if one of my kitties went missing! It’s so important to take precautions that can help your pet to be returned.
Great post! I’m a huge proponent of microchipping. I can’t tell you how many times we get a dog into the shelter and my heart sinks when we realize they aren’t chipped. If only people would microchip their pets, so many would make it back home instead of sitting in a shelter and going home with someone else … or never finding another loving home again. Love the checklist, thanks for this post.
Whoa! Some of these apply to my post too. I’m microchipped and you just reminded TW she has to change the vet info.
Great post! It’s so surprising the amount of people who don’t even have I.D tags for their pets.
I travel a lot with my dogs, so having current and easy to locate identification is important to me. I actually also carry an ID card for my pets in my wallet JUST IN CASE. I’d rather be safe than sorry…
Great post and reminder to make sure the chip info is updated! 🙂