As warmer weather approaches, now is an ideal time to consider the safety and security of your pets. There are several measures a pet owner can take to help ensure the safe return of a missing pet.
I constantly hear from owners, “My pet never runs off, so I did not have a collar or tags on him." So first of all, make sure your pet has proper identification at all times. Sacramento County, as well as many other counties, requires your pet to be licensed. This requirement is for dogs and cats. This license should be placed on the collar. In addition to the license, you need to also provide an I.D. tag. This tag should include your pet's name as well as a current telephone number. Be sure to update your ID tag with any phone number changes. These tags (usually metal or plastic) are available at many locations. Pet stores, veterinary offices, county and city pet facilities, etc., can usually provide I.D. tags while you wait. This way, if your pet happens to get away or run off, contact information will be readily available to whoever happens to find your pet. Remember to put the collar and tags back on after bathing your dog or cat. With proper identification, pets are far more likely to be reunited with their owners.
In addition to "tagging" your pet, microchipping is strongly advised. This is a process that places a small microchip just under the skin. This chip contains information that can be retrieved with the use of a hand-held scanning device. If your dog or cat ends up in an animal shelter or facility (animal control, city animal shelters, S.P.C.A., etc.) owner information can be obtained, and you should be contacted. Most veterinary offices also have these scanning devices. Microchipping can be done at most city and county facilities, as well as most veterinary offices and clinics. Cost varies slightly, but is relatively inexpensive. I should also mention that microchipping alone tends to create a false sense of security for some pet owners. Keep in mind that if your pet is taken in by someone in your area, that neighbor will obviously not have a scanning device and may not think about taking him/her in to a facility to scan for a microchip, so providing an identification tag AND microchipping is the best strategy.
After you have tagged and micro chipped your pet, take the time to check the fence around your yard to make sure it is secure. Check for holes or areas that may allow your pet to get out. Also check for any loose boards that might be an escape route.
Remember, these preventive measures and a watchful eye is the best ways to keep your beloved pets safe a secure!