In a recent discussion about pet safety, the services provided by a website entitled RecoveryPets.Com was compared to microchips and tattoos, and were they a better option to providing identification for pets. During this discussion a lot of statements were made and taken for fact, but here we will dispel some of those myths.

One of the myths about microchips is that they emit a signal that can be tracked by the company that provides the chip. The truth is that the chip emits no signal, and requires a special scanner to read the chip, and with the number of pet microchip manufacturers who require the end user to use the scanner manufactured for their chip.

Note: With so many different types of microchip manufactured, only about 10% of veterinarians, and less than 3% of rescue shelters have the needed scanners to detect all microchips. Also, if an individual finds the pet, they are usually unaware that the pet has a microchip.

The myth about tattooing is that it is a permanent form of pet identification, this is true and false. Pet tattoos are ideal for owners who intend to stay in one location for life, and never change their contact information. The majority of tattoo’s are placed on the underside of the pet were there is less hair growth, but someone finding a lost pet may not want to flip the animal over looking for a possible tattoo.

Besides, both of these forms of identifications are restricted to local areas, because there is no central registration that is available to anyone to help locate a lost pet’s owner. And, the topic of stolen pets was also brought to our attention, and no form of identification will prevent a person from stealing someone’s pet if they are determined to get the pet.

The discussion ended with the benefits of RecoveryPets.Com, and those are that the pet tag is the most recognizable form of identification, and it can be easily viewed by anyone who finds the pet. Also, the owners contact information is contained in one central Internet location, so that the finder of a lost pet can easily access it.