Don't Lose your Dog or Cat
I swear I'm not being paid in any way to advertise. I just have to tell other animal-loving travelers about this service because it's the best thing I can think of for traveling pet owners. I buy...
Forum Discussion
I have to disagree with you about microchips. My animals all have both, but I only consider a microchip as backup ID.
In order for a microchip to work:
#1, the finder has to know enough to take the animal to a vet or shelter to be scanned, and I don't want to depend on the knowledge and ambition of someone else in order to get my dog or cat back.
#2, the finder has to take the incentive to do it, which many don't.
#3, a vet or shelter must be close, which isn't always the case for us travelers (I stay on BLM and National Forest lands sometimes over 50 miles from a vet or shelter).
#4, chips must be reported lost or they don't work. Many people don't know that. So if I'm out of cell range when my dog or cat is lost, then my chip is useless until I drive into phone range. I want to look for my lost animal, not Chase around for cell coverage. Theoretically, someone could pickup my animal, have it scanned, and because I haven't yet been able to report it missing, not be able to contact me.
#5 vets and shelters are often closed evenings and weekends. I want someone to be able to call me immediately - not have to wait until Monday, and/or drive several miles with my dog or cat in their car. The finder might not even have a car. And they almost certainly won't have a carrier for a cat. Do you really want someone driving around with your dog or cat, with no carrier or leash, just to find out IF they have a microchip? I don't want someone else to lose my cat somewhere else while they are trying to find out if it has a chip.
#6, I'm pretty sure HomeAgain is still the only microchip company that doesn't charge to update your contact info. Avid and 24PetWatch I think both charge $15 for EACH pet, up to $45. That's a lot of money if you move often with several pets. I have 6 pets and 3 different microchip brands.
I recommend chips, but you also need a really good tag, and the Owner Alert system is better than any ordinary tag.
In order for a microchip to work:
#1, the finder has to know enough to take the animal to a vet or shelter to be scanned, and I don't want to depend on the knowledge and ambition of someone else in order to get my dog or cat back.
#2, the finder has to take the incentive to do it, which many don't.
#3, a vet or shelter must be close, which isn't always the case for us travelers (I stay on BLM and National Forest lands sometimes over 50 miles from a vet or shelter).
#4, chips must be reported lost or they don't work. Many people don't know that. So if I'm out of cell range when my dog or cat is lost, then my chip is useless until I drive into phone range. I want to look for my lost animal, not Chase around for cell coverage. Theoretically, someone could pickup my animal, have it scanned, and because I haven't yet been able to report it missing, not be able to contact me.
#5 vets and shelters are often closed evenings and weekends. I want someone to be able to call me immediately - not have to wait until Monday, and/or drive several miles with my dog or cat in their car. The finder might not even have a car. And they almost certainly won't have a carrier for a cat. Do you really want someone driving around with your dog or cat, with no carrier or leash, just to find out IF they have a microchip? I don't want someone else to lose my cat somewhere else while they are trying to find out if it has a chip.
#6, I'm pretty sure HomeAgain is still the only microchip company that doesn't charge to update your contact info. Avid and 24PetWatch I think both charge $15 for EACH pet, up to $45. That's a lot of money if you move often with several pets. I have 6 pets and 3 different microchip brands.
I recommend chips, but you also need a really good tag, and the Owner Alert system is better than any ordinary tag.
