Pet ID Week/ National Adopt a Pet Day
In honor of Pet ID Week (April 17-23) and National Adopt a Pet Day (April 30), we would like to discuss the importance of pet identification especially when adopting or adding a new member to your family.
Pets should always wear a collar with identification, but it is extremely crucial when they are outside or travelling. According to the ASPCA, only 33% of pet owners reported that their pet wears identification all the time. With so many lost and sheltered animals out there, making sure your pet has proper identification is very important in both the safety of your pet and your peace of mind.
It is important to include a current address and phone number, and put a plastic protector over the writing to ensure that wear and tear doesn’t affect the legibility of the pet’s information. Not only is it important to provide your cat or dog with a name tag that includes current address and phone number, but it is also important to consider getting your pet microchipped. This ensures that if they ever do get lost or are without proper ID, there would still be a possibility of returning them safely to their owner.
Although microchips can be extremely helpful, it is important to remember to update your information related to your pet. If your address or phone number are not current in the records, having a microchip will not be helpful. It is a good idea to check this information yearly, or update it whenever there are any changes.
With all the lost and stray animals brought into shelters due to lack of identification, it is also important to consider adoption as a first option when adding a member to the family. So many amazing dogs and cats are brought into shelters each day because of unfortunate circumstances and all they really need is a loving home. According to the ASPCA, approximately 35% of dogs and 37% of cats that enter a shelter are adopted, and with your help this number can grow even more this year!
Check your local humane society and please DON’T SHOP….ADOPT! And always, provide the proper identification for your furry friend. For more information on microchipping, please give us a call at Laveen Veterinary Center at 602-559-9600 to make an appointment or visit us online.