A look at different types of pet identification

There are several types of pet identification methods available on the market today.

Usually when we think of pets, we think of dogs and cats. Many people have birds, rabbits, ferrets and horses as pets. These types of animals need be considered as well for identification, as they too can get lost.

PERMANENT PET IDENTIFICATION

MICRO CHIP

The most permanent popular pet identification is the Micro Chip, developed in the early 1990s by a veterinarian. It is a very small chip inserted into the animal's skin using a small needle and local anesthetic and laced between the animals shoulder blades.

Within a few days, a piece of tissue will have grown over it to keep it in place permanently, even as the animal grows. While nothing is 100%, it is rare but possible it could move but it will still be detectable by scanning a larger area of the animal's backside.

The Micro Chip device can be used on all animals including the smallest of pet birds.

The price ranges from $30-$60. Many animal shelters will put the chip in free when you adopt a pet. The most important thing to remember is to register your pet with the "PetFinder" database, or at least verify that the veterinarian gave them the correct information. All veterinarian offices, animal control offices, animal shelters and some of the larger chain pet store (Petco, Pet Smart) also have the scanners.

TATTOOS

Tattoos are another popular identification for pets. The Humane Society of America is an advocate of this procedure. The tattoos are a code that is tattooed on your pet usually behind the ears or on the stomach. Your pet is given a local anesthetic for the procedure and it may need to be done more than once. Then the information is entered into a database.

NON-PERMENANT IDENTIFICATION

Non-permanent identifications come in several forms. From ID tags made of metal, plastic, rubber, nylon and even heat shrinkable tags. The information space is limited and tags have been known to get caught on tree branches and other obstacles your pet may encounter especially cats. The only collar an outdoor cat should wear is a break-a-way one, to prevent strangulation.

DNA IDENTIFICATION

DNA is now being used to reunite pets with their families. A simple swab inside their mouth and they are done. Painless, more costly and still in the development stages but has a promising future.

NOSE PRINTS

While humans are identified by fingerprints animals are identified by nose prints. No two noses are alike. The print is then entered into a database.

It is very important to at the very least register your pet with the proper authorities such as the animal control offices and of course make sure they are licensed even if it's not required by your local laws it may help bring home your pet.