Protect Against the Unthinkable: Tag Your Pets!

American Humane Association
Wednesday, 4 April 2001

American Humane Association Targets Saturday, April 7 As National Tag Day To Help Lost Pets Get Home

According to the American Humane Association (AHA), a simple pet tag may be the one key item that makes the difference between life and death for your dog or cat. Consider the following sad statistics, compiled by AHA:

- Approximately 15 million dogs and nine million cats enter shelters throughout the US each year as strays.

- Only 19% of dog owners and 3% of cat owners ever redeem their lost pets.

"It's pretty simple: if your dog or cat has an ID tag and becomes lost, the chances it will make it home again are pretty good. If your pet doesn't have a tag or some other form of ID, statistics show the chances are your lost pet isn't coming home," said Dr. Lynn Anderson, Vice-President, Animal Protection Services, AHA.

With these alarming statistics in mind, the American Humane Association is holding its third annual national Tag Day on April 7. Tag Day comes at a crucial time of the year when warmer temperatures mean more people will be outdoors with their pets. Increased outdoor activity always corresponds with an increase in lost animals arriving at shelters. AHA hopes Tag Day activities around the country will have a positive effect in reducing these seasonally higher numbers.

Dr. Anderson stressed the following information is important for pet owners to remember not only this week, but throughout the year:

- All cats and dogs need to wear collars with city licenses and rabies vaccination tags.

- Personal identification tags - which need a phone number at the very least -- are important back-ups.

- Keep all contact information up-to-date.

- Special cat collars with elastic sewn into the band are available to protect cats from being caught in trees or on fences.

- In addition to ID tags, both microchips and tattoos are effective identification methods for your pet.

For the second year in a row, artist Lori Faye Bock is helping spread the word about pet identification by generously donating artwork which AHA is making available to the public. Entitled "Seldom Separated," Lori Faye Bock's painting is a year-round reminder to pet owners about the important role and friendship animals play in their lives. For more information on how pet owners can obtain this poster, visit the Tag Day section of this website. For more information on Lori Faye Bock, please visit www.lorifayebock.com.

"Unfortunately, even the most responsible owners, through unexpected circumstances, can experience the heartbreak of a stray pet becoming permanently lost or injured. Don't let your best friend become your lost friend; get your pet some ID," Dr. Anderson concluded.

Founded in 1877, the American Humane Association is the nation's only national non-profit dedicated to protecting children and animals from cruelty, abuse and neglect. With headquarters in Colorado, AHA also works in Washington, DC, as a voice for children and animals before government, and in Los Angeles to protect animals used in film and television.

For more information, or to contact American Humane Association, see their website at: www.americanhumane.org