Pet Identification

Tag or Chip Your Pet

We want to express the importance of Tagging or Micro Chipping (PDF) dogs and cats.  Even writing your phone number on their collar with a marker will work.  If your pet should come into our facility it will help us get your furry family member back to you faster!  

If your pet does go missing, please stop by our facility and check to see if we have your pet. It can be difficult to determine if we have your pet with nothing more than a verbal description. Many times we may have a few animals that match your description.  We have had individuals describe their pet as being "tan" in color when the pet was actually closer to "dark brown", making it difficult to positively identify the pet.

Identifying your pet sooner will also cut down on daily "Return To Owner Fees".

Be Prepared 

While no one likes to think about their pet getting lost, it is a good idea to be prepared.

Pet Identification Tips

Keep in mind that pets with identification have a better chance of making it back home. Here are some tips regarding pet identification:

  • Microchips are a great pet identifier. Be sure that the microchip is registered and up-to-date.
    • My 24 Pet is a free registry that accepts any and all types of microchips for a large variety of species.
  • The tag that usually accompanies a vaccine can be used by shelters, rescues, and veterinarians to find owner information.
  • The license tag can be used to trace owner information.
  • An identification tag with your name and phone number is a good idea for cats and dogs.
    • Remember that even indoor only cats can get lost!
  • Make sure your dog or cat is wearing a collar.  You can easily take a marker and write your phone number under the collar.  If your pet gets lost it will make it easy to contact you.

Pet Identification Kit

Consider creating a pet identification kit with all of your pet’s information. Having this kit in advance could save you time when you are actively searching for your pet. These are just a few items you could keep in a kit:

  • A full body, color picture of your pet.
    • It is best to update the photo twice a year to make sure the photo is a close likeness to what your pet currently looks like. Consider having the photos taken on your pet’s birthday or a holiday to help you remember.
  • A written description of what your pet looks like, including breed, coat and tail length, color, size, weight as well as unique and distinguishing features. You should also include if your pet has a microchip, collar, tag or tattoo.
    • To find out what breed of cat you have, check out PetFinder’s website. Please note that most cats who enter our shelter are American short hair cats (also called domestic short hair cats).
    • To find out what color your cat is, check out the University of Florida’s College of Veterinary Medicine website.
    • To find out what breed of dog you have, check out Dog Time's website.
  • Your contact details, including the best phone number to reach you.