Microchips, ID Tags and Escape-Proofing: How to Keep Your Pet From Getting Lost

Pets slip out through open doors, loose gates and unlatched crates more often than most owners expect. When someone else is looking after your pet, the odds of a surprise go up because the sitter does not know every quirk of your house.

ID tags

A tag with your phone number is the fastest way for a neighbor to reach you.

• Include at least one phone number, and consider a second contact.
• Re-engrave when a number changes.
• Use a breakaway collar for cats.
• Check the tag and collar fit regularly. You should be able to slip two fingers under the collar.

Microchips

A microchip is a tiny implant, about the size of a grain of rice, placed under the skin by a veterinarian. When a shelter or vet scans it, the chip returns a number that links to your contact information in a registry.

• The chip alone does nothing. The registration must be in the registry database, and kept current.
• Update when anything changes. A new phone number, address or email should be entered right away.
• Add a second contact who can be reached while you are traveling.
• Ask your vet to scan the chip at annual visits to make sure it still reads.

GPS trackers

Collar-mounted GPS devices can help locate a pet who escapes. They need charging and a subscription, and they supplement, but do not replace, ID tags and microchips.

Escape-proofing the home

• Fix loose fence boards, and check for gaps and digging spots
• Make sure gates latch securely and cannot be opened by wind or a determined dog
• Use baby gates or a closed door to create a "buffer" at the front door
• Put a note on the door for contractors, cleaners and visitors
• Check window screens, especially for cats
• Practice recall and "wait" at doors

Tell your sitter

1. Which door is the safest to use
2. Whether your pet is a bolter or a door-dasher
3. Where the leash lives, so it is easy to grab
4. To leash the dog before opening any door
5. To never leave a dog unsupervised in the yard unless you say it is safe

If your pet gets lost

1. Search nearby right away, calling calmly and shaking a treat bag
2. Notify neighbors and post on local community groups
3. Call local shelters, animal control and vets
4. Contact your microchip registry so they flag the record
5. Post clear photos with your phone number

A tag, a registered chip, and a secure home turn a heartbreaking situation into a short walk back to your door.