One of the most important things we can do for our pets is to keep identification on them. Always keep a collar on your pet with an identification tag listing your address and phone number and, for dogs, a Harford County dog license (required for all dogs 6 months and older).
Millions of dogs and cats enter animal shelters nationwide every year with an average of only two percent of cats and eighteen percent of dogs being reunited with their owners. More than 4,500 animals are brought to the Humane Society of Harford County each year. More than 90% of the animals brought to us have no type of identification on them. The Humane Society of Harford County holds the stray animal for a period of four days and then the animal becomes available for adoption. Although we immediately post a picture and description of the animal on our web site for owners to locate their lost pet, our overall return to owner rate is 13%.
While collars and ID tags are essential, it is recommended that you have your pet micro chipped. Collars and tags can fall off and get lost. Micro chipping involves implanting a tiny chip under the pet’s skin, usually between the shoulder blades. Microchips can be used on dogs, cats, ferrets, birds and other companion pets. The chip is about the size of a grain of rice and causes very little, if any, pain to the animal.
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The owners submit their current contact information to a registering agency in the event the pet becomes lost. Be sure to update this information if you move or your contact information changes. When a pet is found, any agency with a scanner, including many animal care and control agencies, veterinary clinics, and animal shelters, can quickly identify a code that links the animals to its owner through a national database. Animals that get lost are much more likely to find their way home to you if they have identification on them.
Tag, you’re it. Get your pet a collar, an ID tag, license and microchip today. Keep your wonderful companion pet safe, protected and with you for a lifetime.