Anyone else think dog collars should have info tags?

Every day on local groups, I see posts about lost or found dogs, especially friendly ones that show up at someone’s home. The typical post is, ‘Is this your dog?’ I always wonder why many owners don’t use collars with tags that have their info on it. I keep my own dogs indoors, but they still wear collars with my phone number.

It’s tough to see people so upset about their missing pets when they didn’t add a way for people to get in touch if the dog is found. I get that some dogs get skittish and collars can come off, but having a tag just really helps them get home.

Just put a chip in your pets. Tags are okay, but a chip doesn’t fall off, and anyone who finds the dog can check for it.

Chandler said:
Just put a chip in your pets. Tags are okay, but a chip doesn’t fall off, and anyone who finds the dog can check for it.

I’ve noticed a lot of arguments on social media between people claiming the same dog or accusing others of stealing pets! A chip could solve that without the drama.

Chandler said:
Just put a chip in your pets. Tags are okay, but a chip doesn’t fall off, and anyone who finds the dog can check for it.

But if people don’t get the animal scanned, the chip does no good. I’m in a few lost-pet groups, and some people refuse to scan for a chip, saying ‘finders keepers.’ Makes me nervous about letting my dog out alone, even in my own yard.

@Ira
But having a chip helps if someone steals your pet. It’s proof you own it if the police get involved. Without it, they can’t help.

@Ira
Wait…so people just keep pets they find?

Rin said:
@Ira
Wait…so people just keep pets they find?

Yep, unfortunately. If they like the animal, they claim it as theirs.

Rin said:
@Ira
Wait…so people just keep pets they find?

I know someone at a shelter who saw a lost French bulldog come in. So many people tried to claim it was theirs. People can be unbelievable.

@Ira
Every stray I find gets checked for a chip. Once, two German shepherds ran into my place! Took them to the vet, scanned, and got them back to their owner fast. I even shared a lost pet online once, and a family member recognized the dog. Chips and social media can make a big difference.

@Ira
Wish chips could be read by phones. My wife and I rescue cats and got a scanner just for this. Would be nice if rescues and vets let people borrow them instead of bringing the pet in.

Mai said:
@Ira
Wish chips could be read by phones. My wife and I rescue cats and got a scanner just for this. Would be nice if rescues and vets let people borrow them instead of bringing the pet in.

Same! Being able to scan a chip with a phone would make things so much easier.

@Ira
I live in an area with lots of puppy mills, and people steal dogs here. I don’t even let mine out alone because of it.

@Ira
Knowing where to find someone who can scan for chips helps. Tags are easier for quick contact, but scanning is still crucial.

Merrill said:
@Ira
Knowing where to find someone who can scan for chips helps. Tags are easier for quick contact, but scanning is still crucial.

Yeah, this is why my cat has both a secure collar and a chip. He’s an escape artist and can slip his collar, but I’d rather have both options.

@Ira
Some places have a ‘finders keepers’ attitude about pets, it’s sad to see.

Sia said:
@Ira
Some places have a ‘finders keepers’ attitude about pets, it’s sad to see.

Unfortunately, I agree.

Chandler said:
Just put a chip in your pets. Tags are okay, but a chip doesn’t fall off, and anyone who finds the dog can check for it.

Good point! Always keep their license and vaccine records nearby, especially if you walk them. A chip and a collar with tags are ideal.

Chandler said:
Just put a chip in your pets. Tags are okay, but a chip doesn’t fall off, and anyone who finds the dog can check for it.

All my pets have both. If the collar comes off, the vet can still scan the chip. No hassle.

Chandler said:
Just put a chip in your pets. Tags are okay, but a chip doesn’t fall off, and anyone who finds the dog can check for it.

Yeah, we use both, but our tag’s wearing down.

@Cary
Try adding clear nail polish over the engraving. Helps it last longer.