Pet Identification
How to keep track of your dog
There are various laws about dog tracking, depending on which county you live in.
You should always do what is required by law at a minimum, but nothing stops you from going beyond that and doing more than the minimum.
This is how we at Pet Dreamland use our dogs' identification on walks to keep them and others safe.
Dog Collar Tags
This is a method that is the law in most countries. If you leave your property, your dog must wear a dog collar with a tag on it with the owner's name and address or phone number. Even if you have just let your dogs out in the garden, then it is wise to put the collar on them as the dog might escape.
Never put the name of the dog on the tag if, in the terrible event that a dog is stolen, you do not want the thieves to know the name of the dog, as that could be an advantage to them.
On one side of the tag, we have our Surname and Address. Then on the other side, we have our mobile phone number and a quote saying, "I am microchipped."
There are some exemptions to the dog tagging law depending on where you live, but it usually means some working dogs are exempt… for example:
- Hunting dogs
- Dog sporting events
- Dogs used to control vermin
- Working farm dogs
- Law enforcement dogs
- Assistance dogs
These are usually highly trained dogs who have an entire family history.
Microchipping
This is where a microchip is placed under the skin of a dog, usually behind its ear. In countries where microchipping is a law, a vet is generally done when a puppy gets their second set of vaccinations, which is usually around the 8-week mark. Also, in these countries, all dogs you get from rescue shelters will be required to be chipped before you take ownership of them. They will generally sort this out for you.
If it is not law, you will pay a Vet to do the effortless procedure.
Depending on if it is a law or not, a microchip will contain some or all of the below information:
- The dog's name
- The breed
- The gender
- An identifier, e.g., the color or pattern of the dog's fur
- The dog's date of birth or estimate
- Owners name
- Owners address
- Owners phone number
- A microchip number
Every time you take the dog to a Vet, they should check the microchip, first to fit you and the dog are whom you say they are, and make sure it is working and hasn't failed.
The good thing about microchipping is that no matter where your dog is, if someone finds it, whether it is a law enforcement or the general public, they can take it to a vet and all the information is there for the dog to be returned to you safe and sound. It also lets the local authority know that this is not a stray dog and that someone owns it.
In countries where it is a law, there are usually no exemptions with collar use.
HERE ARE OUR RECOMMENDATION FOR DOG COLLAR TAGS
GoTags Stainless Steel Pet ID Tags
GREAT IDENTIFICATION FOR YOUR DOG & CAT - When it comes to durability and quality our stainless steel tag holds up to the most active pet.
Silent Slide On Pet ID Tags - Premium Pet IDs
SAFE, STYLISH & COMFORTABLE - Pet IDs are made of a durable and cat and dog safe rubber that slips on over clips and slides on the collar.
LuckyPet Slide-On Pet ID Tags, Personalized Dog Tag
Our SLIDE-ON PET ID TAG Gets All the Details Right Resulting in an Attractive, Durable and Effective Tag that will Protect Your Pet for Years To Come.
GPS trackers
As far as we know here at Pet Dreamland, there are no countries with GPS trackers as law. However, once we tried them, we fell in love with them, and we think they are beneficial.
They all work by attaching a GPS unit to your dog. Usually, they connect to the collar. Then it would help if you had a smartphone, as you have to download the required app. Once you have done this, you can track your dog in real-time and know exactly where it is. They usually use Bluetooth to link the tracker and the phone.
Make sure you buy one that has a good range and a good battery life. We find these very useful because often, the most critical time in finding a lost dog, for example, is the first few minutes. These allow you to track your dog before it gets too far away quickly or something terrible happens to it.
We often do much walking off-leash in hilly woodland areas, and it is easy to lose sight of our dogs as they can get over ridgelines and get disoriented. So, it is good to have the option of knowing what direction they are in, so I can get to a spot where I can be seen or heard by them.
Another good thing about them is that they can be used as health trackers like doggie Fitbit's. So, you can make sure your dog is getting enough exercise.
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Hands Free Dog Leash for One Small to Medium Dog (Short Version)
Hands Free Dog Leash for One Small to Medium Dog
Hands Free Dog Leash for Two Small to Medium Dogs
Final thoughts
Having a means of identifying dogs is very important; they are pets that can spend much time outside, and local authorities need to know that they are not stray animals that could be vicious or disease-ridden.
However, it is to your benefit, too, as you know that a dog gets lost from you if the worst happens. There is a perfect chance that it will be returned to you quickly before something terrible happens.
For all general inquiries, please contact us at customer@petdreamland.com