article_dogid

IDENTIFICATION TO KEEP YOUR DOG SAFE
by Kim Toepfer

Lost dog...it can happen in an instant. A serviceman or child leaves a gate open and a second later your dog is missing.
Even more sinister, a thief may steal your dog from its own backyard. Whether your dog is a valuable show dog, a
prized canine athlete or a beloved family pet accurate, positive identification is vital to the safe return of your dog.

An ID tag on a good quality buckle collar is a good first line of defense. These tags are easily recognized and read by
good-hearted folks who find your dog. Some people dislike the jingling sounds tags make in their homes and are
inclined not to attach tags to the collars at all. I prefer to use nylon collars with the dog's name and my telephone
number embroidered directly on the collar. My dog always has his identification and I have peace and quiet.

In addition to an ID tag or collar, dogs should have a method of permanent identification as well. Permanent
identification can provide proof of ownership should there be a dispute. Permanent identification can also protect your
pet from being utilized as a research animal in laboratory facilities.

For many years, tattoos have provided a means of permanent identification. Some people have placed tattoos in one
ear, but this not the most ideal location. Should your dog wind up in the hands of a dog broker who collects dogs for
sale to research laboratories the ear flap can be rather easily removed and along with it your permanent identification.
Tattoos are more frequently placed on the inner thigh of the dog. The identification number could be the AKC (or other
registration number) of the dog or the social security number or license number of the owner.

A more recent technology is a tiny microchip that is encoded with a serial number. The chip, about the size of a small
grain of rice, is injected just below the skin between the shoulders. The procedure is similar to a routine vaccination and
is not painful. The serial number is registered to the dog with a chip registry (such as Avid or Home Again) which keeps
current information on the owner. Most registries also provide a tag for the dog to wear with the telephone number of
the registry and the serial number of the chip. This is particularly helpful if you would prefer not to have your name,
address and telephone number displayed on your dog's collar. Stray dogs delivered to animal shelters are routinely
scanned for microchips which significantly increases your chances of finding your missing pet.

A little known method in the United States for identifying dogs is nose printing. Just like a fingerprint, each dog has a
distinct and unique nose print. The Canadian Kennel Club has accepted nose prints as proof of identity since 1938, but
the United States has only recently begun to utilize this as a means of permanently identifying dogs. A company called
Dognose ID has nose print kits and a registry for this painless, non-invasive method of identifying your dog.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) has used DNA to ensure the reliability of its registry. The DNA certification program
positively identifies dogs through their unique DNA signature. DNA is collected painlessly by swabbing the inner cheek
surface of the dog. The sample is then sent off for analysis and the owner is presented with a certificate with their dogs
DNA identifiers. DNA can also be used to accurately establish parentage. At a cost of $30-40, DNA certifying your dog
is very affordable.

Whatever methods you choose, identify your dog with at least two methods: an easily readable dog tag or collar as well
as a permanent identification method such as a tattoo, microchip, dog nose print or DNA. This is inexpensive insurance
to inprove your odds at recovering your dog should he or she ever become lost or stolen.