"Please help me--I've lost my dog''

"Has he got a dog ID tag?" Often, this is the 1st question an animal shelter worker asks when answering a call from a distraught dog owner.

Every year around 10 million dogs pass through the doors of U.S. shelters. This is from a total U.S. dog population of approximately 60 million dogs. Sadly, only 17 out of every 100 of these dogs will ever be returned to their owners. But, a simple pet ID tag can usually ensure a happy reunion.

Droopy, a beagle, was reunited with her family almost five years after she vanished from the garden of the her home in Birmingham U.K. Thanks to a microchip inserted in Droopy as a puppy by her owner, Stuart Stanford.

Found wandering the streets she was taken to the RSPCA shelter in Birmingham. A very surprised Stuart said "When we got the phone call telling us she had been found it was such a shock. I don't know where she was for the past five years. I wish she could talk and tell us."

Suzanne Murphy, a veterinary nurse, said "we often have reunions, but never after such a long time. I didn't think she would recognise her old owners, but she definitely did. " Suzanne added. "the reunion showed how important it was for owners to get a microchip inserted into pets."

Microchipping simply involves inserting a glass tube, about the size of a grain of rice, with a microchip and antennae inside, under the loose skin between the shoulder blades, just like a vaccination. Once scanned by a handheld device, a unique identification number is checked against a database, and the pet owner is quickly contacted.

Tattooing is another option. Permanent--usually on the inside of the leg, or the inside of the outer ear. As with microchipping use a specialist. Your veterinarian will be able to guide you on either of these programs.

So if a dog ID tag is your 1st line of defence---microchipping or tattooing is definetly the 2nd.

A collar and ID tag is the simplest way to increase the likelihood of recovering a lost pet. Simply because it is visible, and known to everyone. So please do............

• Use your cell phone number on the tag---its more immediate.
• Use your dogs name on the tag. And your surname.
• Use seperate lines for all relevant details.
• Motivate the finder by offering a small reward.

If you do lose your pet--don't hesitate--take immediate action.

• Phone your local animal shelter straight off.
• Some local radio stations give air time to people looking for lost pets--ask if yours does?
• Likewise, the lost-and-found section of your local newspaper is a top resource.
• Do nail up some flyers--with a photo--around the neighbourhood. This one is a must.

Pet ID tags are an efficient means of quickly helping to find lost animals. A wide range exists. They are as cheap, or as expensive as you want them to be. Why not do your dog and yourself a big favour---and get one?