[caption id="attachment_48695" align="alignleft" width="200"] Photo: Ruth T.[/caption]

This Saturday, April 4, 2015, is designated by the American Humane Association as Every Day Is Tag Day™  to encourage all pet owners to tag and microchip their companion animals.

Did you know that 1 in every 3 pets will become lost in their lifetime? Many of these dogs and cats are taken to the animal shelters as strays each year, but only 20% of dogs and 2% of cats who end up in shelters without an ID tag or microchip are reunited with their owners. Why is this the case?

Well, being a pet owner is a big responsibility. It includes more than just providing food, water and shelter. Pet care also includes tagging and microchipping your pet. Even the most responsible pet owner's can unexpectedly be separated from their furry family member.

Tips to Make Every Day Tag Day:

  • Make sure your pet wears a collar with a current ID tag, rabies tag, and city/county license. Include a contact name, address, and daytime and evening phone numbers.
  • Keep your pet's licenses, ID tag, and microchip current. Make sure to update the tag if you change your address or phone numbers.
  • When moving or traveling, place a temporary tag on your pet with the phone number of someone who knows how to reach you.
  • Remember that even indoor pets need tags. Many strays in shelters are indoor pets who escaped and got lost.

Look for upcoming specials on Imarc tags at Braxton's Animal Works.

Don't forget you can pick up your Chester County Dog License at Braxton's. (Remember, it is the law in Pennsylvania that all dogs over 3 months of age must be licensed annually if they do not already have a lifetime license. For more information on this topic, click here.