ID tags

Looks like Mickey's not the only one to honor a pet with a charm around the neck as a zoomed in shot shows Drew Barrymore doing the same thing with her much loved Retriever-Chow mix's tag on a chain.While I'm hoping this doesn't mean that Flossie's passed away (we saw her not too long ago), it made me think of the several tags North has from our past residences. I've kept a couple but never done anything this clever – what do you do with old pet IDs?

Pacific Coast News Online

While I'm a big advocate of microchipping, some owners worry about the risks of injecting this foreign object into a pet's body . . . especially animals with existing health problems. There have been some cases where chip implants have been linked to malignant tumors so the whole concept is up for debate.

And that's what I'm calling for here. Fuzzles writes in about her smooshy Persian, Oliver:

The post about licensing really got me wondering about microchipping. I know that this is the thing to do, but I have a problem introducing something foreign into my cat's body, particularly with Oliver's medical issues. Yet again, I am conflicted as I realize that things happen beyond our control and can see that microchipping could be very helpful. Can we put the topic up for discussion? I would love to hear views from all sides.

Please share your thoughts in the comments below!

If you haven't lost a pet, then you're pretty lucky – I'm still sad when I think about little Scooter. Thousands of animals go missing every day and only a small portion of them are ever found. Thankfully, with technological advances, there are more tracking options for families with animals – as long as the finder takes the time to look for them. Microchips like HomeAgain are implanted under a pet's skin, and offer other services like vet and shelter alerts, poster making services, and pet ID cards that help you cover a broader area during your search.
I've already told you that my lil' guy has a microchip and an ID tag, but I think adding this USB ID Tag ($40) could prove useful in other situations as well. Storing essential information like owner address, phone number, alternate contacts, dietary restrictions, medications, and photos, it's also helpful for pet sitters, too. That way next time your pet checks into a hotel or goes to the vet, you can guarantee you have all his information on hand . . . or, in this case, right around his neck!

The noise of North's tags can cause the downstairs dogs to run to the door and begin barking . . . before we even make it off the landing! Because my pup trots in a harness, I only snap it on when it's walk time. If not, he would make quite the racket with his Good Boy tag, ID tag, rabies tag, and HomeAgain microchip tag all clanging together. For those with pals that sport their tags 24/7, learn about possible solutions to the dangling jangling when you read more

When Vanessa Williams' pooch, Enzo, went missing this summer, he was found two weeks later and a state away thanks to his microchip! After this happy return, the actress decided to join forces with HomeAgain to announce Bring Pets Home, a nationwide campaign to microchip and enroll two million pets by the end of the year. I strongly encourage all dog and cat owners to get their pets fitted with a microchip, in addition to providing ID tags with current addresses and phone numbers. It's only a small price to pay – North got fitted with his HomeAgain tag for only $39!

Wanna see more pics of Vanessa and Enzo, read more

I'm lucky to have never lost a pet, but I can't even imagine how I would cope if it happened to me. Microchips and tattoos provide an extra level of protection if a pet becomes separated from you, and from his collar and tags. Providing tags and a microchip or tattoo can help ID him if he is turned in. Both procedures typically cost around $45.

You'll remember, I'm a strong supporter of ID tags – for us pet owners, microchips and tattoos are common knowledge, but those who do not have pets may not even know that these exist. In the chance that your dog escapes, but that his collar remains on, I believe ID tags are the first step in recovery. However, I am equally committed to this additional step of protection.

Want to learn about the differences, click here to read more

I got found by a dog in Austin last November. Here I was minding my own business walking down the street when he trotted up to walk alongside. Not only was no one calling him back, there were no other people on the entire block. Being the animal lover that I am (and missing my lil' fella back home), I began talking happy puppy voice to him. We cross the street and the dog continues walking towards a man standing on the corner. As I was about to chastise the man for letting his dog roam off-leash, he grabs the dog's collar right before the dog darts into traffic, asking me if I am even paying attention to my dog. Realizing that the dog belonged to neither of us created quite the dilemma.

Luckily, the dog had an ID tag like the Bon Ton Baby – Flashing ID Tag (seen above). After trying three times to unsuccessfully get anyone to answer the phone, the only other option was to convince the dog to come into the car and bring him home, a good 10 minute drive away. But, unluckily, we arrive to a fenced-in yard and no one answering the door. We can't just leave the dog, nor can we sit in a stranger's driveway all day...

Eeks! Click here to read more