National Pet ID Week

Prepare & Protect Your Pet

Pet owners everywhere fear that their furry friends will run off some day — and for good reason, as one in three pets are estimated to go missing in their lifetime.

In honor of National Pet ID Week, please join us for an exploration of how to prevent this situation or at least ensure that pets return home safe.

Collars: The Old Reliable

Collars have been a trusted method of identifying pets for thousands of years, dating back to ancient Egyptian and Greek times. Greek farmers even equipped their dogs with spiked collars to protect them from wolf attacks. Over time, collars became more than just protective gear — they evolved into a simple yet effective way to display important information about pets.

Collars today include tags labeled with:

• The pet’s name
• Their owner’s phone number
• Their home address
• The phone number and address of the pet’s vet clinic

The downside of collars is that they can easily be removed or get lost. In those cases, dogs and cats without identifying features are much less likely to be reunited with their owners.  

Microchips: Small Device, Big Protection  

Microchips offer a permanent, reliable form of identification that ensures your pet always has a way home. Unlike collars, they can’t be removed or lost, making them a crucial safety net if your pet ever goes missing.  

Microchip benefits include:

• Higher Reunification Rates: Microchipped pets are significantly more likely to be returned to their owners.
  • Dogs with microchips reunite with their owners at a rate of 52.2%, compared to 21.9% without.
  • Cats with microchips — 38.5% are reunited, compared to 1.8% without.
• Quick and Painless Procedure: Similar to a vaccination, the microchip is implanted in seconds with minimal discomfort.
• Proof of Ownership: A microchip provides indisputable proof in cases of lost pets, theft, or ownership disputes.
• Low Maintenance: Once implanted, no upkeep is required except to ensure your contact information remains current in the microchip registry.

New Microchip Ordinance in Marion County

Starting January 1, 2026, a new ordinance in Marion County will require pet owners to microchip their animals. For the first year, Indianapolis Animal Care Services (IACS) will focus on educating pet owners, providing resources, and informing them about the new requirement. However, after the initial year, pet owners who have not microchipped their pets will receive a citation. This ordinance aims to increase pet reunification rates and reduce the number of lost animals in shelters.

While we hope your pet never goes missing, it’s best to be prepared.  

Protect your furry friend this week and all year round! Contact one of greater Indianapolis vet clinics?to schedule a microchipping appointment or to discuss a plan for your pet’s safety.