Three Actions That Will Help Reunite You With Your Dog If It Gets Lost

Posted on: 18 March 2016

If you are a proud new dog owner, you're no doubt looking forward to sharing many years with your pet. However, those years could be cut short if your dog gets lost and can't be reunited with you. Instead of risking that, take these three actions to give you and your pet the best chances of being reunited should the dog become lost.

Add a Microchip -- and Register It

If you haven't already done so, get your dog microchipped. As strange as it can seem to some people -- after all, you'd likely balk if told to put a microchip in a human -- it's really one of the best ways to up the chances of finding your dog. Your dog can't talk, and if its collar is lost, the chip is the easiest way for a vet or animal control officer will be able to find your contact information.

In addition to getting the chip, remember to add your information to it. The chip does no good if no one programs it with your contact information.

Remember to update the information on the microchip if you move or change your phone number. The only thing more frustrating for the person who's found your dog than finding an unregistered microchip is finding that the only contact information available is old and practically useless.

Get an All-Day Breakaway Collar

Speaking of collars, ensure your dog wears a collar with identifying tags as much as possible. Your average person on the street won't have a microchip reader with them, and it's very easy for them to call a number on a tag if they find the dog. To reduce the risk of the collar causing choking by getting caught on something, make the collar a breakaway collar. (You can see now why also having a microchip is necessary even if the dog normally wears a collar.) Also look for an "all-day" collar for best comfort.

Keep Up-to-Date Pictures

Always have up-to-date pictures of your dog, preferably in both hard copy and digital format. That way, should the dog get lost, the collar break off, and the microchip suddenly stop working, you can still post flyers with pictures to try to find your dog. You can also email local vets and the animal control offices around town with pictures.

If you want more tips for keeping your dog safe and identifiable, contact your vet and local pet hospitals, like Akron Veterinary Referral & Emergency Center. Don't let your new friend suddenly find its world turned upside down because you didn't take these simple steps.

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