Does your pet have a collar with an ID tag?

There are lots of ways an animal can get lost — a door or gate left open, a leash that slips out of your hand or a carrier that doesn’t close properly, for example.

Making sure your animal has proper identification greatly increases the odds of a happy reunion if you and your pet are ever separated.

• Ensure your dog or cat is wearing a collar that fits well, and they have an easy-to-read ID tag. Have your phone number embroidered directly onto the collar in case the tag falls off.
• Include more than one phone number on your pet’s ID tag. Do you have a roommate, friend or family member who can be your back-up if you can’t be reached?
• Talk with your veterinarian about microchipping your pet if they aren’t already. Register the chip and update the information associated with it as needed. We can also add your pet’s microchip number to our records at Washington County Animal Services.
• Make sure your dog is licensed and the contact information connected to the license is up to date. You can license your dog for the first time or renew it through our website, by mail, via phone or in person at the shelter. Call us at 503-846-7041 with licensing questions, to make updates or to add a microchip number. All dogs six months and older must be licensed in Washington County, and a current rabies vaccination is required for the license to be valid.

If you have pets other than dogs and cats, or care for livestock, consult with your veterinarian about the best method(s) of identification for your animals and situation.

We hope you’ll never find yourself searching for a lost animal. But if you do, you’ll be glad you took steps to make sure they have proper identification.

Find more information on this topic and more at www.WashingtonCountyPets.com.