There was an article in the local paper the other day about lost dogs and cats. I know there is not one animal owner reading this who would not be devastated should the unthinkable happen. There is no worse feeling when your animal becomes lost or escapes from the backyard. While I hope no one will ever have to deal with a lost animal, I want to focus on 3 steps you can take before you have a problem.
The more ways you have to identify your animal, the more chances of you being reunited with your beloved companion animal. With this in mind, I always stress the importance for all animals to wear a collar, an ID tag and to also be micro chipped.
The first line of defense is for your dog and cat to always wear a collar with an identification tag. Yes, even if your kitty is an indoor only cat. It only takes one slip for a cat to get loose. If a kindly stranger should find “Harry, the escape artist,” a collar and an ID tag tells the finder they belong to someone.
Many owners tell me their cats detest collars. Yes, they can take some getting used to. Cats, in particular, are very adept at convincing their owners they are dying — yes, dying — with a collar on! I have seen some very convincing acts with my own cats, and some of the gyrations they go through would be worthy of an Academy Award! But, you the owner need to be strong and not fall for their antics. Give them a week or so and nine times out of ten they will adjust.
If you are reading this, and sitting back and thinking you’re safe because “Spot” has and wears an ID tag and collar, do yourself a favor and go look at “Spot’s” ID tag. Is the information current or does it contain addresses/phone numbers that are no longer current? Equally important, can you read the ID tag? An ID tag that cannot be read is as good as no ID tag. It might be time to go get some up-to-date ID tags!
Many people have told me that their cat or dog is micro chipped and for this reason they do not feel the need to have an ID tag or a collar. While I applaud those of you who have taken the steps to have your animals micro chipped, a micro chip alone is not enough! If someone finds your companion animal, they may just keep them, not thinking to check and see if the animal is indeed micro chipped.
If you have previously had your pets micro chipped, you probably filed their information with your other important papers. Maybe you even put the micro chip ID tag (if you got one) on their collar. Did you know most of the micro chip companies allow you to also go online and register your animal for a nominal onetime fee? You can also include important additional information such as medical conditions and alternate emergency contact numbers.
For my own animals, I have two local emergency contact numbers listed. However, should we have a major earthquake and I or one of my local contacts cannot be reached, I also have an out-of-state contact listed as well. I know my good friend Eindy in Atlanta will do whatever it takes to ensure my animals are kept safe and sound until I can be contacted.
While I hope your dog or cat never goes missing, you will have peace of mind knowing you took action with these three simple steps.
— Jan Brown
— Jan is the Owner of Jan’s Pet Sitting & a Pet Tech Pet First Aid Instructor. She can be reached at