Pet Identification
There are three common types of identification methods for your pets. If you are interested in any of these pet identification methods, please contact us at 604-526-0334 and our team would be happy to help you.
Collar
Collars are always recommended as a first line of identification. A simple tag with your phone number is best added to the collar.
| ADVANTAGES | DISADVANTAGES |
| Very inexpensive | Can come off |
| Easy to see identification without any equipment | Some pets won’t wear them |
| Does not protect against theft of the pet |
Tattoo
A tattoo is placed in the right ear of your pet. It is usually done while your pet is spayed or neutered.
The tattoo code is specific to you and our hospital.
If your pet goes missing and is found, the code traces your pet back to us, and we then locate you.
| ADVANTAGES | DISADVANTAGES |
| Inexpensive | Requires general anesthesia to do a tattoo |
| Good for pets who won’t wear a collar | Can fade or smudge over time |
| Only valid in B.C. |
Microchip
Microchipping has become a very popular and safe way to permanently identify your pet and you as the owner in the unfortunate case that your pet is lost. Microchipping involves placement of a small electronic chip that is the size and shape of a grain of rice underneath the skin in the neck area. A needle is used to inject the chip.
If your pet becomes lost and is taken to a humane society, a shelter, or a veterinary hospital, your pet will be scanned. The chip will provide information to locate you, the owner.
| ADVANTAGES | DISADVANTAGES |
| Secure and cannot fall out | Requires the finder to have and use a scanner |
| Easy to implant, does not require anesthesia | More expensive than tattoo or collar |
| Valid in B.C, North America, and some countries overseas | Can occasionally migrate from original location |
| Cannot “fade” | |
| Best protection against pet theft |