What should I know about ID tags, collars and microchips for dogs and puppies?

No matter how well-behaved your dog, it’s important that you give him proper identification.

That means putting a rabies certificate tag, and a tag with your name, address, and phone number all on your pet’s collar. Consider having your dog microchipped, too. The process is painless. The microchip – which is about the size of a grain of rice – will be placed just under your dog’s skin and can be read by a scanner, revealing your contact information.

Millions of dogs end up in shelters because they get lost and have no form of ID. Don’t let this happen to your precious pup! Give your dog both an ID tag and a microchip – after all, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

– Dr. Larry McDaniel, DVM for the “Purina® Animal Instincts” Podcast Series

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