An ID tag is your pet's quickest way home

In 2019, about 9,700 stray dogs and nearly 5,800 stray cats entered the Oklahoma City Animal Shelter. Only 2,260 of those were able to be reunited with their owner, and only 66 of those were cats. That means only 23% of dogs and about 1% of cats are reclaimed by their owners. Pet identification is essential in being able to return your lost pet home.

The fastest way to get your pet home is a collar with an identification tag. The tag should include your name, address and phone number. It is important you ensure the collar is fitted appropriately so it doesn’t come off and not so tight that it becomes a choking hazard. Cats should have breakaway collars. Yes, cats should have identification tags, too! Oklahoma City ordinance requires all dogs and cats to have a current rabies vaccination, and a rabies tag is required to be on the animal at all times. Pets are able to be reunited using rabies tags, but they are not as reliable, and your information can only be obtained if the veterinarian who gave the vaccine is open.

You can receive free identification tags at the Oklahoma City Animal Shelter seven days a week between 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.

Microchipping is another great form of identification. I would recommend you have both an identification tag and a microchip for your pets. Microchips are great because they are a permanent form of identification. You don’t have to worry about the collar coming off or losing it. The only negative to microchips is you have to have a microchip scanner in order to read them. Most shelters and veterinary clinics will have these scanners available if you find a lost pet. The microchip is small and inserted under the skin between the front shoulder blades. When scanning for a microchip, be sure you scan the entire neck and back area as well as down the front legs. In some rare instances, if not inserted properly, the microchip can migrate under the skin.

If you happen to lose your pet, always check your local shelter first. Oklahoma City residents can view all of the stray animals in the shelter on its website at www.okc.gov/animalwelfare. I always recommend visiting the shelter in person. Sometimes your description of your pet might be different from what the shelter employee puts into the computer.

Posting flyers in your neighborhood is another great idea. Most neighborhoods now use www.nextdoor.com, or download the app as a way of communicating with your neighbors. This is a great place to post that you have lost a pet. I also would talk to the neighborhood kids. They see everything! Most importantly, don’t wait. The sooner you begin your search, the more likely you are to find your missing pet.

To find out more about Oklahoma City Animal Welfare, visit the shelter at 2811 SE 29, or go to www.okc.gov/animalwelfare.

Jonathan Gary is Oklahoma City Animal Welfare superintendent.