4 Options to Tag and Track Your Pet if They Get Lost

No one ever plans for their pet to get lost, but accidents happen — a delivery person leaves the gate open, you forget to close a window after cleaning, your dog gets locked in on chasing a squirrel or one of several other unexpected situations. It happens more often than you might think, with approximately 10 million pets going missing each year.¹

The good news is that taking a few proactive steps can help increase the chances of your pet being safely returned to you.

Most Common Pet Identification Methods

Ensuring your pet's safety begins with proper identification, and an ID tag is a good place to start. Here are some of the most common options to help ensure your pet finds their way back home if they get lost.

Engraved ID tags

Getting your dog or cat a collar with an engraved ID tag containing your current contact information is one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect against losing your pet. You can obtain an engraved tag at almost any pet store, and some rescues will provide a collar and ID tag when you adopt your pet, recognizing its importance in keeping your pet safe.¹

Additionally, you can get a personalized collar embroidered with your pet's name and your phone number for added security.²

Digital ID tags

As technology has advanced, so have pet tags. Now there are digital ID tags with QR codes. When someone scans the code, they are taken to a website containing all your and your dog’s information. Such services typically require a subscription fee.²

Some companies have also developed GPS smart collars that can track your pet's location. These collars typically cost over $100, but they let you see your pet’s whereabouts directly on your phone.²

It’s not recommended to add an Apple AirTag to your pet’s collar for several reasons:³

• The small AirTag is a choking hazard.

• If your dog chews on it, the lithium battery can be toxic.

• The casing material can irritate your dog’s skin.

• The tag relies on Bluetooth® connectivity and needs to be charged.

Pet microchips

Collars and ID tags can fall off and break, but a microchip offers a more permanent option for backup identification. These are safe, reliable and about the size of a grain of rice. A veterinarian implants the microchip between your dog’s shoulder blades, similar to a vaccine injection, making it a permanent fixture.²

While it may move slightly, your pet’s subcutaneous tissue usually bonds to the chip within 24 hours, ensuring it will never get lost in the body. After the microchip is implanted, you need to register the number and add your contact information to the pet registration service.⁴

Your information remains private and is only accessed if your pet’s microchip is scanned and someone needs to contact you. Your vet will charge you for the chip and implantation, and the ongoing service can range from free to a one-time or annual fee. If you move or change your phone number, you’ll need to update your information accordingly.⁴

Microchips require a special scanner that vets, shelters and animal control officers will have, but the average person won’t have access to one if they find your pet in the neighborhood.⁴

Tattoos

Another permanent method of identification for your pet is a tattoo consisting of a set of numbers and letters that are registered with a pet registration service. A vet or specialist must apply the tattoo to your pet’s ear, belly or inner thigh while your pet is sedated. However, microchips are often preferred over tattoos for pet identification.²

Which Type of Pet ID Is Best for You?

There are pros and cons to every type of identification:²

When Should I Get My Pet Identification?

As soon as you adopt your pet, ensure they have proper identification. If you use an ID tag, make sure they wear it both inside and outdoors.¹ ID tags attach to your pet’s collar, and pets may be microchipped around 8 weeks of age.⁵ The sooner, the better, and there is no age limit for microchipping your pet.⁵

What Information Should I Include on the Pet Identification?

Depending on how much space you have (which varies by the type of pet identification you choose), you should include the following information:²

• Pet's name

• Your phone number (including area code)

• Your address or city

• Your pet's medical or behavioral issues

• Alternative phone numbers (your partner, emergency contact or veterinarian)

How Does Pet Identification Help Find Lost Pets?

If your pet gets away from home, the person or animal control officer who finds them will have no way of contacting you if your pet doesn’t have identification. The more difficult it is for someone to identify your pet and contact you, the less likely it is that your dog or cat will be safely returned to you.

What Should I Do if My Pet Goes Missing?

If your pet goes missing, try not to panic. Enlist family, friends and community members to help you search the neighborhood or area where your pet was last seen.¹

You can also:¹

• Display signs and posters around your neighborhood.

• List your pet as missing on online platforms, community forums, lost pet websites and local lost pet registries.

• Contact local shelters and animal control agencies to file a lost pet report.

• Call local veterinarians in case your pet shows up there.

While it is a scary feeling to not know where your pet may be, multiple forms of identification can help increase the chances that your dog or cat makes it back to you safe and sound.

CareCredit Credit Card Financing for Pets

Taking good care of your pet's well-being from nose to tail is essential. Make sure to stay up to date on their regular checkups at the vet to help keep your pet happy and healthy for a lifetime of love. You can use your CareCredit credit card for pet care throughout the year for routine veterinary services as well as emergencies and surgeries.* Use our Acceptance Locator to find a veterinarian near you that accepts CareCredit.

CareCredit is there for you and your pet every step of the way; continue your wellness journey by downloading the CareCredit Mobile App to manage your account, find a provider on the go and easily access the Well U blog for more great articles, podcasts and videos.

In addition to pet care, you can also use your CareCredit credit card for dentistry, cosmetic, vision, hearing, health systems, dermatology, pharmacy purchases, spa treatments and so much more within the CareCredit network. How will you invest in your health and wellness next?

Author Bio

Abbie Mood is a freelance writer with more than 15 years of experience. She has worked with clients of all sizes to create compelling content and she has written for the American Kennel Club, Marriott Bonvoy, Women’s Health Online, Headspace and more.