On Sat., April 7, the American Humane Association (AHA) and thousands of animal care and control agencies, veterinarians and humane organizations will celebrate Every Day is Tag Day, an event urging pet owners to equip their pets with one or more forms of ID.
“Ensuring that your pet has reliable and accurate identification so he can be returned to you if he gets lost is one of the most important things you can do to express your love to your pet and keep him safe,” American Humane President and CEO Marie Belew Wheatley said.
Of the eight million to 12 million animals that enter shelters every year, the AHA estimates that six million to nine million are euthanized. To spare the heartache of losing a pet, the Every Day is Tag Day event urges pet owners to understand the critical necessity to tag them.
The AHA recommends microchipping pets because many shelters that take in lost animals will check a pet for a microchip. Microchips are tiny electronic capsules embedded under pets’ skin that contain a code that links the pet to its owner through a database.
Microchipping and tattooing provide an additional layer of assurance if a pet's collar and tag fall off or are removed. However, any form of ID may be useless unless it contains up-to-date contact information.
Among the tips offered by the AHA to make sure pets can be identified if they are lost or stolen are:
- Make sure your pet wears a collar with a current ID tag, rabies tag and city/county license. Include a contact name, address and phone numbers. Consider providing a phone number for an alternate contact, such as a neighbor or family member.
- Keep your pet’s licenses and ID tag current. Make sure to update the tag if you change your address or phone numbers.
- If a reward is offered for returning the pet, put that information on the tag.
- When moving or traveling, place a temporary tag on your pet with the phone number of someone who knows how to reach you.
- Remember that even indoor pets need tags. Many strays in shelters are indoor pets that escaped and got lost.
For more information about Every Day is Tag Day, click here.