Pet ID Facts

8-12 million pets are taken annually. Depending on geographic location, 30-60% are euthanized, according to estimates from the Humane Society of the United States.

Microchips are accepted by the following: AKC, Canadian Kennel Club, UKC, and the USDA. Check local regulations concerning which microchip to use based on final destination of the animal. Only 4% of cats and 14% of dogs in shelters are returned to their owners. Of all animals entering shelters, only 25-35% are adopted by new owners, according to the Am. Humane Association.

Collar tags can identify dogs and reunite them with their owners, but they can fall off or be removed. Tattoos are a good identification method, but can distort as the animal grows. Over time tattoos may fade or be removed.

Microchipping provides a permanent, non-alterable way of identifying pets, without disturbing the animal’s coat or appearance in any way.