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Collars, Tags, and Microchips

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May 30, 2016
in Blog
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How can you help ensure your wandering pet is returned to you safely? Besides keeping a watchful eye on your dog or cat, there are ways out there to enable a lost pet to be identified and returned to you.

A collar is a necessity. It is surprising how many dogs are lost and when discovered by some good Samaritan can’t be reunited because there is no collar or tag or microchip.

Let’s begin with the collar. Did you know there are many internet entries about the topic History of Dog Collars? There is a fascinating history of the types and uses of dog collars from the domestication of dogs some 30,000 plus years ago to current trends of purchasing collars based on style and fashion. There is even a museum devoted to dog collars at Leeds Castle in Kent, England. Its earliest collar dates to the late 1400s.

Wikipedia lists ten basic collar types and eight training collar types. Some of them are extreme collars used for early guard and herding dogs. In order to protect their dogs from wolves and bears, the collars were heavy and spiked with nails. In the Middle Ages dogs of upper class ladies had collars made of precious stones and metals. A rising middle class during the Renaissance years used leather collars with padlocks. Since the owner held the only key, it served as proof of ownership. Metal collars with engraved with witty sayings were popular during the Industrial Revolution years.

Next make sure there is a tag with current information on the collar. Unless you have a personalized collar with your phone number on it, a collar by itself isn’t a guarantee of your pet being returned. The key to using tags is to be certain you update the contact information. IF you can’t recall which company you are registered with or wonder if your info is up to date, have a shelter or your vet scan the pet to reveal its information.

The best possible way to ensure the return of your pet is a microchip. They are many companies who provide this service. Your local shelter will microchip, as will your vet. A chip won’t fall off or be removed.  It is proof the animal is yours. It’s there and if the info is current, your pet can find her way home to you.

For your peace of mind and your pet’s safety, practice CTM: collar, tag, microchip.

By:team-m4 Judy Lore

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