A painless tattoo placed on your dog's right inner rear thigh, is a permanent unmistakable identification that could lead your furry friend home again. Be sure this is where it is placed. In the past they were put in the ear and the "bunchers" cut off the ear. (or the lip).

There are several options as to what to use for the identification. One is a lifetime # from your county dog license. It contains the state, county # and a number for the dog. EX: PA221170. Another is a registration with a national dog registry, such as ID Pet or Tattoo a pet. Each start with a unique ID. X for I.D. and T for Tattoo.
There is also Nation Pet Registry. Which starts with NDR and you add your own number (birthdates SS# phone # or what ever) Personally I use my SS# as no one can say it's theirs. That is my # & therefore it's my pet.
Once a call goes in the search begins. If your pet gets to a research- and a tattoo is found- they will not normally use it (the pet). For your pets safety they remain anonymous to you but can call the registry & your pet will be returned. No questions asked. There is a hefty fine to use a tattooed pet. And auctions turn them loose.

The tattoo procedure itself is quick and painless. It's like drawing with a pencil. I watched 7 of mine have it done. Not one of they whimpered. They were scared but they were fine. The dog is laid on its side and held by an assistant. (they can't move or your couldn't read the tattoo) The owner is there to reassure the pet. The are is shaved and cleansed. The tattoo pen is dipped in ink & the number is written on the skin. If you have a long hair breed it is advisable to keep the area clipped so it can be easily seen. For 5 minutes of your (not your pets) torment it's a lifetime of protection for your furbaby.

When a pet is stolen or picked up - the first thing done is to get rid of the tag & collar but the tattoo is there for keeps. IDENTIFICATION that does not go away.

There are still some possibilities that this wouldn't always protect- some people like the ones in cults & dog fights don't care. But it protects from a lot and has a good chance of your dog being returned. First and always- keep your pet under your strict supervision or in your locked home.