Nametags: Your Best Insurance

	The saddest part about losing a pet is that it could often have been prevented with some sort of identification. Over and over again we hear from our customers that a nametag was the reason they were reunited with their lost dog or cat.

The proper ID tag with your name and contact information can save you hours of grief-stricken searching. Choose a tag that appeals to you and contains any necessary information needed to safely and quickly return your pet to you:

• Pet's name
• Owner's name and address
• Telephone numbers (day/evening/cell)
• Any medical problem requiring medication (may require separate tag)
• Veterinarian's name and number
• Reward offer should pet become lost

Nametag tips:

1. A collar worn for purposes of identification should remain on your dog or cat as long as he is in a situation where he could become lost.

2. Do not use a slip collar as an identification collar because it can slip off easily. A broad buckle collar, such as Drs. Foster & Smith Padded Collars is best. The collar bearing the identification should be fastened snugly enough that it does not slip off over the animal's head.

3. Keep important medical information - such as "diabetic" - on your pet's tags. This informs the person who finds your pet that special care and/or medication is necessary. This information may not fit on your pet's main tag, so a separate "medical tag" may be necessary.

4. Check your pet's tags regularly. They can become lost or unreadable with wear. If this occurs, replace them as soon as possible.

5. For travel, have a tag made just for your trip. Consider getting a special ID tag with your name, vacation address, and phone number(s), including a cell phone number. You may also include the telephone number and address of a relative or friend who knows your itinerary and will be easy to contact.

6. Many animals are lost when owners move, and they may try returning to your former address. When you change residences, add a tag with the new information to your pet's collar. Also consider placing a temporary tag on your pet with the telephone number and address of a friend or relative that lives close to your former address.

7. Keep an extra pet tag and collar on hand. This ensures that your pet always has identification on him, even if he loses the tag or collar he usually wears.

8. In addition to identification tags, you can use an indelible pen to write a phone number on the collar itself. You may also be able to order broad buckle nylon collars with your phone number stitched into the collar, such as Drs. Foster & Smith Personalized Collars and Leads.

Other recommendations

• All cats and dogs need to wear collars with city or county licenses where required by law, and up-to-date rabies vaccination tags. Personal ID tags are essential backups.

• Keep your cats indoor and tagged. Many stray cats that end up at shelters are indoor cats that have slipped past an open door or out of an open window.

• Keep an up-to-date file with a written description of your pet that includes his size, markings, weight, and unusual features. Keep a current photo on file to use for posters or to take to the animal shelter should your pet become lost.

Collars and tags are a reliable way to identify your pet should he become lost. You may also want to make an appointment with your veterinarian to accurately identify your pet by other methods as well, such as microchipping or tattooing. Make sure your dog or cat always wears a current identification tag.