Guide to different types of pet identification

As any parent can tell you, having a child identification kit assembled is a necessity in the event the unthinkable happens and a child goes missing. There are many resources available to parents, including the local police department, where actual kits are available to gather the important information you need to aid search efforts.

However, what if your children aren’t human at all but are still as much a part of your family as a son or daughter? Pet owners, especially of dogs and cats, stand a greater risk of loss should a pet run away from home by escaping through a door or under a fence. Pet owners can be just as devastated at losing a beloved animal as they would a human counterpart and in times of emergency, it can be difficult to stay mentally on task in order to help find a missing pet.

By establishing a pet identification kit that can be turned over to the local police or ASPCA, you can act fast and get out the vital information that you need to deliver in order to recover your pet. It doesn’t have to be an expensive kit. Just use a large manila envelope and keep the following items up to date:

A Clear Photo of Your Pet

It can be surprising to realize the number of times the owner of a lost animal can not easily locate a good picture of their pet. Take updated shots of your pet every few months, especially if it is still growing so you will have something to add to flyers and allow the public to help in your search. Blurry photos or ones that make it difficult to identify your pet will not be very useful.

A List of Vitals

You will want to make sure you can provide exact descriptions of your pets such as eye color, coat color, markings, and weight. If you pet has a microchip, keep information that pertains to the chip on hand for easier identification.

Copies of Medical History and Vaccinations

You will want to have these on hand to prove that your animal is up to date all on shots and exams in the event the dog is turned over to the pound. There is also the possibility that a dog on the loose can become frightened and end up biting its rescuer. You will want to be sure you can prove rabies in not a factor so your dog will not be turned over to authorities. Keep all copies of prescription and medical records current for each exam or treatment.

Registration Papers

If you have any information pertaining to local registration information such as tag number, keep them in your file. If you have any information or paperwork regarding your animal’s purebred status, this also may come in handy.

This information should be stored in safe but accessible place at home. If you put it away in a safety deposit box and your dog runs away on a Saturday evening, you will not have access to it until the following Monday during business hours. Also remember, if you are traveling with your pet, bring a copy of the entire file with you in case of an emergency. It is best to leave the original set at home where it is safe, as traveling can leave you absent-minded.<->