National Pet ID Week is for seven days starting April 17th. This national week gives pet owners a great opportunity to make sure their pet’s identification is up-to-date. ID tags and microchips give lost pets the best chance possible to be reunited with their owners.
It is estimated that one in three pets will go missing at some point in their life. According to the ASPCA, “Approximately 6.5 million companion animals enter U.S. animal shelters nationwide every year. Of those, approximately 3.3 million are dogs and 3.2 million are cats. About 710,000 animals who enter shelters as strays are returned to their owners.”
How to Observe National Pet ID Week
Vets recommend every pet owner prepare for a lost pet. They say pet identification is a crucial step to keep pets safe. Even the most well-behaved cats and dogs can get lost, runoff unexpectedly or get separated from their owners. Two popular ways to ID your pet are to use a collar with a tag, or with a microchip.
Collar tags are historically the most common, and the most recommended. Microchips are meant to be another level of protection, not a substitute. Pet owners can get personalized tags through their veterinarian. This week, make sure your pet’s tags are correct and have the most up-to-date information on them. Also, check to make sure the information is readable and hasn’t been scratched or worn away. If you have “chipped” your pet with a microchip, this week is a good time to see that it is working and you are prepared to use it. Is your pet’s microchip registered? Do you have the microchip brand, the 1-800 number of the company, and the microchip number of your pet in an easily accessible place? These are all great questions to ask yourself, and ways to celebrate National Pet ID Week!