What do you think

[Brattina88]

Thanks xxxpoo!
I would definitely use the chip and collar w/tags! I'm going to call the local dog warden when they open and see if they have a scanner, and what 'type'. I always take my 'finds' to the vet for a scan and a quick checkup, because I wouldn't want them to get sicker, or spread anything to my pups. I've actually never found a dog that had a chip ... always no means of identification

 

[filarotten]

My vet explained even if your dog is taken to a shelter that doesn't have the universal scanner it will still show a microchip is in place. However,it won't be able to read the numbers. The shelter should then be able to either get a scanner or take it to a vet to read it. From what I have been reading, most shelters and vets are getting the universal scanner. I think microchipping is probably the safest and most effective way to get a missing dog found. Collars and tags can be lost.

 

[juliefurry]

The way that I feel about all the microchips and tattooes is if someone REALLY wants your dog and it either gets lost or stolden and ends up with them then they will keep it. My dogs are registered with an online place and they have a tag with our name and number (not the dog's) but if someone gets your dog and wants to keep it no amount of tattooes or microchips will stop them from keeping the dog. When Maverick got lost the people lived about two blocks from us and I don't think I ever would have known he was ever there because I don't usually walk that way.

 

[Julie]

one thing i liked is a fourth of july a couple years ago i had a dog run up my proch and shot in my door scared to death of the firecrackers. I checked her tag and her name was aptly BABY and of course she was bawling her head off. She had a www. address on her collar. I was able to access the web and left a message..it didn't have the dog's address of course, but did have a phone number and a web address. A few hours later the owner called (she was still bawling) and we found she lived just around the corner and up the street. just thought i would ad this..was helpful

My dogs wear collar tags too. I have my email address, my cell phone, and my home phone. I used to put my parents phone number, but since we have a cell phone now, I use that instead.

It proved very helpful when we were at a friends camp and all three of our dogs got lost. They were only gone about 10 minutes but we couldn't find them anywhere. The people at a camp about 100 yards away took them inside and called my home phone, nobody home, so she tried my cell phone and I answered, walked to the next camp and got them. I know the dogs would have not run off, but since she took them inside, I couldn't find them. I was really happy that someone cared enough to manage to get 3 large dogs into her house and call me. I am also much more careful now!

 

[bonster]

The number are staggering on that web site, especially if they are UK numbers
5,700 dogs/cats lost/stolen weekly ( x 52 = 296,400 / year !!)
and
1,500 pets in traffic accidents a week ( x 52 = 78,000 / year !!)

I think that microchips are a good way to go, Bonnie's had hers read here in Spain, France and the UK no problem. All vets have had the readers, as they do at ports etc. This as well as good clear collar ID tags.

I'd research more about what the offer is, though, reading through it is seems to offer assistance in the event of an accident, but states 'it is not an insurance product' - and also of course should your dog get lost or stolen - AND found/recovered (sadly unlikey if 'stolen to order' or such I'd guess) - their records must be checked against found animals - how do they do that - do they contact the local police, pounds, vets etc for you if you make a report?

Just thoughts, might be good.... but I'd do more checking first.

 

[Gallien Jacks]

The way that I feel about all the microchips and tattooes is if someone REALLY wants your dog and it either gets lost or stolden and ends up with them then they will keep it. My dogs are registered with an online place and they have a tag with our name and number (not the dog's) but if someone gets your dog and wants to keep it no amount of tattooes or microchips will stop them from keeping the dog. When Maverick got lost the people lived about two blocks from us and I don't think I ever would have known he was ever there because I don't usually walk that way.

I disagree, there was a case here lately of a staffy stolen in a hit and run, she they had her for 3 years untill a vet reconised the dog from a pic the owners had put up and they were reuntied, if she wasnt chipped they would of had no proof that she was their and the people who stole her would of kept her, so i think its very important

 

[bigdaddyTank]

I had Tank chipped right after I got him. For Christmas this year I got him new tags with my new address along with my parents name and number on the other side. His collar has a slide type tag with our Vets name and number also. When they chipped him I got a yellow tag that has I'm Chipped on it along with the chip number so I keep that on his coller also.
I'm not worried about Tank being stolen, or dog-napped.

 

[Julie]

I had Tank chipped right after I got him. For Christmas this year I got him new tags with my new address along with my parents name and number on the other side. His collar has a slide type tag with our Vets name and number also. When they chipped him I got a yellow tag that has I'm Chipped on it along with the chip number so I keep that on his coller also.
I'm not worried about Tank being stolen, or dog-napped.

I love those slide on tags...my dogs have them too. Mine are colored though and they are getting really scratched up. The info is starting to get hard to read. Do they make non colored with etched dyed letters? I think they would be longer lasting than mine.