Save Your Dog with Identification
We never plan for our dogs to get lost. My heart sinks when I think about it. So let’s be prepared! Before taking road trips with your dog, let’s discuss a couple tips that could save your dog’s life!
ID Tags: A Must Wear for All Dogs
If your dog should become lost, an ID tag will quickly identify and provide valuable information to his “founder.” ID tags are attached to your dog’s collar.
What information should you add to your dog’s ID tags?
My recommendations are: dog’s name, your last name, your cell number and your dog’s medical issues (example: Stella Smith, 212-211-2222, Has Seizures). While ID tags are getting smaller, it’s tough finding space to add your address. So, why not add several ID tags?
What type of tag should you choose?
With so many options, it’s up to your dog’s activity level and your personal preference:
- Hanging ID Tag: Most popular, hangs from the D ring of a collar, can be noisy, more likely to fall off a dog’s collar.
- Embroidered Collar: ID information is embroidered across a collar, popular with owners wanting a “noiseless” version, less likely to fall off than a traditional hanging ID tag, larger lettering is easily seen.
- Belt Buckle Type Tag: Metal “belt buckle” tag, which slides on a nylon or leather collar, tag is slightly bent to curve around dog’s neck, noiseless, less likely to fall off than a traditional hanging ID tag.
If traveling, I add a temporary ID tag with my final destination. This is very helpful if traveling through many states. To draw attention to the traveling tag, I usually print in red font, cut to fit the width of my dog’s collar width, laminate and staple to the nylon part of the collar. All other ID tags remain in place. Example: Traveling to 211 Johnson St, Nashville TN 37444.
Microchipping: Please Chip Your Dog
Your vet places a small microchip, about the size of a grain of rice, under the skin between your dog’s shoulder blades. If your dog is found, a shelter or vet can scan the chip which provides your information. Microchips must be registered by the manufacturer so they can store your data. Plus there is usually a small yearly fee. When your vet inserts the microchip, she’ll provide you with details on registering the chip.
Yes, I highly recommend microchipping your dog too!
GPS Dog Collars?
With a surge in GPS devices and smart phones, we’re seeing GPS ID tags and collars enter the pet industry. You attach a water resistant device to your dog’s collar and it uses GPS and Google Maps to locate your runaway dog. Did I mention this device will track your dog’s activity level too!
There are a few to choose from, but from reviews, it seems bugs need to be worked out first. Devices are losing battery quickly (less than 24 hours), websites struggle to show a lost dog’s exact location, devices easily fall off a dog’s collar and disruptions in service are frequent. Alas, these devices are here to stay and manufacturers are updating their products constantly. I’m excited!
If this piques your interest, take a peek at Consumer Reports review of GPS Dog Collars. Another contender, WhistleGPS, is due out in 2015! They will unveil a smaller device, incorporating Wifi and Bluetooth capabilities, which extend battery life to over a week.
Have you tried a GPS Collar? What are your thoughts?
