A simple identification tag on your pet's collar can make the difference between a sad or a happy ending, in the event your pet gets lost. Even if YOU are extremely careful, what about the landscaper who does not shut your gate securely? What about the family member who accidentally allows your pet to slip out the front door?
We highly recommend at least one, or all, of the following identification methods for your beloved pet:
* Pet Licenses: By law, all dogs older than 3 months of age must be licensed by Maricopa County Animal Care and Control. Cat licenses may be purchased as well. For a small fee, you will receive a license tag with a number that can help a "finder" to reunite you and your pet. For more information, call (602) 506-PETS.
* Commercial ID tags: ID tags can be purchased either at the Arizona Humane Society, through mail-order at most veterinary clinics, and at most major pet-supply stores. What an inexpensive "insurance plan" to give you peace of mind and protect your precious pet!
* Microchips: A more permanent form of identification, a microchip is a small device the size of a grain of rice that is implanted via a "shot" on the top of the back, between your pet's shoulder blades. The process takes only a few seconds! Every major shelter and animal-control facility automatically "scans" for microchips - if a chip is present, a code number will appear on the scanner, and that number can be matched to important data about you and your pet, including your address and phone number. Get your pet microchipped inexpensively at the Arizona Humane Society - call the Margaret McAllister Brock Spay & Neuter Clinic at South Mountain Campus at (602) 942-7283 (602) 942-7283 , or Sunnyslope Low-Cost Spay & Neuter Clinic in North Phoenix at (602) 216-6442 (602) 216-6442 , for more information.
* A collar and a permanent marker: As a temporary measure, before you have the chance to arrange for one of the types of identification shown above, grab a permanent marker and write your phone number clearly, and legibly, right on your pet's collar!
If you already have one of these forms of ID on your pet, be sure to check it right now, and every year, to make sure the information is current, and that you can easily be reached at the number(s) shown.