Check out our 5 suggestions for types of identification every Dog Owner Should Have
- Dog Tag
- Microchip
- Ear Tattoo
- Embroidered Collar
- Tracker
You shouldn't need telling how important it is for your dog to be identifiable in the event of them being separated from you, but you would be surprised how many people don't even have a collar on their dog, never mind just a tag.
Dog Tag
The most basic and a legal requirement under the Control of Dogs Act 1992. Tags must contain the owners name and address with post code. Having the phone number on there too is a no brainer for quick and easy reunions.
Without a collar and identification, it is possible that if you and your dog are separated, they can, by law, be seized and treated as a stray.
Microchip
In 2016 microchipping of dogs became law. This law made it compulsory for owners to have their dogs microchipped when aged over 8 weeks. The details must be kept up to date with the company the microchip is registered to. Failure to do so can result in a fine. A fine shouldn't be your deterrent! If a dog's details are not kept up to date, when the chip is scanned, you cannot be contacted unless your details are correct. If you move home or if any details are changed, they must be kept up to date with the microchip company.
Ear Tattoo
During lockdown, I had all of my dog's ears tattooed. Would I do this again knowing what I know now? Yes, but there are some things that would affect my decision.
If the dog moves (yes it does hurt), then the digits may not be so clear.
If I knew my dog would be having a procedure involving sedation or a general anaesthetic, then I would hold off and have it done then.
It is not the most common type of identification, but a good idea as part of your 5-pronged attack.
Embroidered Collar
Having a dog collar embroidered is a great back up for your dogs' identification. Embroidery personalisation is displayed usually as just a phone number, but some people have their dog's name on their as well.
A special embroidery machine like then one Meg K9 uses, embroiders your chosen details on to the collar. Tags are great but they dangle and can get lost, so with the embroidery option, this will never happen.
Dog Tracker
There are many different types of dog tracker on the market like Tractive. Dog trackers fix to your dog's collar and use GPS and cellular technology to locate your dog in real time. It then transmits that information to a smart phone application (app).
Trackers are:
- Small and lightweight
- Attach to a dog's collar or harness
- Receives signals from GPS satellites
- They use your phone's cellular network to send the information to your smart phone
- Often a paid subscription is required
- They provide real time positioning of the animal wearing the device
I personally have Apple Tags on all my dogs. Apple Air tags can be fitted to a special case that attaches to your dog's collar. They track your dog's location via the iPhone 'Find My' app. Although Apple tags are not necessarily recommended for this use, they are a great supplementary location tracking solution. They do come with limitations, so a proper GPS system as stated above is better for those worried pet parents needing to keep an eye on their pets.
Although air tags are Apple specific, you can do limited things if you are an Android user. You can use a Near Field Communication (NFC) feature to scan it. Additionally there is an app called Tracker Detect for Android which will help to identify nearby air tags.
Summary
Having more than one type of identification is one of the most effective ways to protect your dog. From a legal perspective, a collar, tag and microchip are recommended. A little preparation will go a long way to making sure if your dog is ever separated from you, the chances of a speedy return is increased.
0 comments