Veterinarians estimate that some 10 million pets are lost each year in the United States alone, which underscores how important it is to have proper identification for your dog or cat. The third week in April is National Pet ID Week, and it's the perfect time to remind animal owners of some fundamental do’s and don'ts of pet identification.

Do:

Include the essentials on ID tags.

On your pet's ID tag, fill all available lines of text with information; the average tag has around four lines. Include the pet's name, at least one phone number, and the pet's home address. If you aren't comfortable displaying your home address, at least include the city name. Keep in mind that in the first hours when a pet is lost, they are often in the neighborhood, and a home address could get them returned to you that much sooner. If the pet is microchipped, indicate that on the tag as well.

Get your pet microchipped.

Microchips work: over 52% of microchipped dogs and over 38% of microchipped cats are successfully reunited with their owners. Just be sure to register your pet with the database immediately after the microchip is implanted by a veterinarian. Also, keep contact information current whenever you move or update your phone number.

Don't:

Remove ID tags.

An ID tag should be worn at all times, though some pets may initially find it uncomfortable. But it is imperative for their safety, even for animals that rarely, if ever, leave the home. Put the collar on for just a few minutes at first, then, with each passing day, keep it on longer and longer until they are wearing it around the clock.

Forget medical needs.

If your pet has specific medical needs, include these details on the ID tag. This will alert anyone who finds them that they require special attention, which may make the person more likely to take them to a veterinarian or shelter for assistance.

Keep your pets safe with help from the veterinarians at Wahiawa Pet Hospital, where they provide microchips. They also offer a wide range of health services, including wellness exams, pet surgery, spaying, and neutering, as well as boarding. Call (808) 621-7000 or visit them online to make an appointment today, and don’t forget to ask about monthly specials and military discounts.