It is absolutely crucial that your pet has identification so he can be returned if he gets lost. Here are three popular methods you may wish to consider:

• Collar tags. The most common and visible form of I.D., simply attach the tag to your dog's collar with your dog's name and phone number. For this to work, your pet must wear his collar at all times, and there is always the risk of the tags becoming detached.
• Tattoos. Tattoos are more permanent than a tag, and a tattooed pet I.D. number links your dog to the AKC's Companion Animal Recovery Program. Call 1-800-252-7894 to learn more.
• Microchips. Another permanent form of I.D., a microchip is about the size of a grain of rice. It is painlessly implanted under the dog's skin (no anesthesia or surgery is required.) The microchip contains an alphanumeric code that can be read by animal shelters equipped with a hand scanner. The shelter then notifies the chip manufacturer that the pet has been found, and the manufacturer contacts the owner. At Dublin Animal Hospital, we would be glad to microchip your animal to ensure a permanent form of identification for your pet. Because a tattoo or microchip can go undetected, it is best to also make sure your dog has a collar with tags.