Unlike tags, tattoos are not reliant on your pet wearing its collar. However tattoos usually fade over time, making them illegible. They can be retraced ... but since pets must be under anesthetic and there is always a risk with anesthetic, retracing a tattoo should be done at same time your pet is undergoing another procedure anyways.

__3. MICROCHIP.

A microchip is a small, electronic chip (approximately size of a grain of rice) that is implanted just under your pet's skin. It is administered by a simple injection.

Microchips each have an identification number associated with them; along with this ID number, your name, address, and phone number are entered into a computer database. If your pet gets lost, animal shelters or city pounds equipped with scanners will be able to scan your pet's body to quickly locate ID number of microchip along with corresponding owner information. Many shelters and pounds these days are equipped to handle microchips.

Regardless of what form of ID you choose, please be sure to keep your contact information up-to-date. It will help ensure that your pet finds his way home -- where he belongs.

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This article is provided courtesy of PetFriendly.ca, Canada's ultimate online resource for traveling pets and their people! Visit our website for pet-friendly vacation rentals, hotels, cottages, cabins, B&Bs, and other lodging that welcome pets. http://petfriendly.ca/ You can also subscribe to our free email newsletter: mailto:petfriendlycanada@workyourleads.com