I.D. Tags Can Save Lives

When I was in Japan a few weeks ago, among the heartbreaking things I witnessed were the massive charts that a local animal shelter had set up to list missing animals and others who had been found by the shelter since the earthquake and tsunami devastated the coast. I couldn’t help but think that many of those animals would never be reunited with their families. And the saddest part? An I.D. tag could have saved them.

But identification isn’t just important in natural disasters. No matter how responsible people are, animals are separated from their guardians every day through simple mistakes—a repair worker mistakenly leaves a door open, or a windstorm blows open a gate. Ensuring that your animal has proper identification means that those mistakes are less likely to turn into tragedies.

Simple, inexpensive I.D. tags can be attached to your animal’s collar or harness. They’re small and flat and should display your name, address, and phone number. In combination with microchipping and tattooing your animal companion, I.D. tags are the best way to get your animal home should he or she decide to go for a stroll.

While we’re on the topic of companion animal care, do you have a natural disaster plan? No one likes to think about it, but the recent devastation in Japan has highlighted the need to be prepared for the worst.

Posted by Ashley Fruno