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Overview:
Even if you have an indoor cat,
it is certainly important that you consider using some form of identification,
so should the worst happen, and your cat accidentally escapes, you have a much
greater chance of being re-united.
If a pet is surrendered to a
shelter & the owners cannot be found, there is a chance the pet will be adopted
out at best or euthanised at worst after the required holding time. Therefore it
is of vital importance to ensure your pet has adequate identification at all
times.
There are many methods of
identification, some permanent, some not.
Microchips:
In NSW, it is compulsory for
cats & dogs to be microchipped. This is a permanent method of identification.
Should your pet go missing, most veterinary practices & shelters have the
ability to scan the pet & if it has been microchipped locate the owner quickly.
Other states don't require pets
to be microchipped.
A small microchip the size of a
grain of rice is inserted under the skin by either your veterinarian or an
authorised implanter.
It is important to make sure
that you keep your information up to date when you move house, change phone
numbers etc.
Tattooing:
Some countries use tattooing as
a form of identification. A unique number is tattooed in the pet's ear which are then
stored on a database with details on the pet. Advantages of tattoos are that
they are a visible & permanent form of identification. However, microchips seem
to have succeeded tattoos.
Collar &
Tag:
This is the cheaper option.
Tags come in various shapes & sizes. Advantages are that they are cheap & can be
obtained from most pet shops or supermarkets, disadvantages are that they can
easily be removed/fall off & as such cannot be considered permanent.
Summary:
No method of identification is
foolproof. Tattoos can be altered, microchips can occasionally be missed &
collars & tags can fall off. It is for this reason that it is advisable to use
two forms of identification on your pet.
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