Pet Identification Tools

A lost dog is every pet parent's nightmare! It's incredibly stressful to not know where your pup might be, what dangers they could run into, and how to get them home. That's why it is so important to have identification such as a microchip, ID tags, or even GPS accessories on your dog.

Microchips

A microchip is a very small device, about the size of a grain of rice, that is placed under your pet's skin by a veterinarian. The microchip contains a unique identification number, which corresponds to a database entry with the owner's information. When scanned by a microchip reader, the person scanning it can see the information and know who to contact in the event of a lost pet. Most rescue organizations and responsible breeders will microchip dogs before sending them off to their fur-ever home, so chances are your dog already has one, but this is the time to check if you're unsure.

Microchips are incredibly important identification tools. While a collar or harness can be slipped out of, the microchip will stay in a dog's body forever. They do, however, require someone with a scanner in order to access the information stored in the chip. So, if someone finds your dog without their collar, they would need to go to a local vet or rescue in order to scan the microchip.

A dog getting their microchip scanned

ID tags

These are the most common form of pet identification. Your dog's tags probably include their name, rabies vaccination, and your phone number or other contact information. In the event that your pup bolts out of the house or wriggles free while on a walk, their tags are the easiest way for someone to figure out who to get in touch with if they find your dog!

Dog tags are great tools, with their range of customization and ease of use. That being said, their usefulness depends on a dog having them on if they get loose and whether someone is able to get close enough to them to read it. Make sure the tag contact information is up-to-date. You'd hate for someone to have the wrong number for you at such a time as this.

GPS collar accessories

A more recent addition to pet parents' arsenals, GPS tags are rising in popularity. As the name implies, these devices attach to your dog's collar and have companion apps that allow you to see where your pup is in real-time. There are many different kinds, offering a variety of additional functions such as activity monitoring (think like a doggie FitBit), scannable QR codes, and escape alerts.

GPS tags can be on the pricier side, with many being over $100, but the real-time tracking and peace of mind is often considered to be worth the cost. Some people use AirTags as a cheaper option, but they have smaller ranges and depend on someone having an Apple device nearby in order to see the tag's location. This is not to say they aren't a viable option, but their limitations should be considered when considering them as a tracking device.

Additional notes

Besides identification tools, there are a few other ways you can lower the risk of your pup getting lost: recall, keeping them on leash, and having backup gear.

The first of these, and perhaps the most important, is training your dog to have a super-reliable recall. That way, if they get loose, the chances of them coming back to you when called are much higher.

Keeping your pup on a leash, even in areas where it is allowed to have them loose, is especially important if their recall isn't the most reliable. Long lines (leashes that can reach 50+ feet) can be a great option for areas where you'd like your dog to have more freedom but may not trust them to come to you when called.

Lastly, extra gear such as backup leash clips or additional collars give more security in the event of something breaking. These aren't necessary for every dog, but may be useful for larger breeds or pups with a pulling habit.