Make Sure Your Pet Returns Home: Tag Your Pets!

American Humane Association
Thursday, 4 April 2002

American Humane Celebrates the Fourth Annual Tag Day™, April 6, 2002

Englewood, Colo. (April 4, 2002) - Tattered pictures of lost family pets stapled to trees and telephone poles are heartbreaking, and with good reason. Consider these statistics, compiled by the American Humane Association (AHA):

- Each year, approximately 15 million dogs and nine million cats enter shelters as strays.

- According to the National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy, only 16% of stray dogs and 2% of stray cats are reunited with their owners.

The reason? These pets were not wearing identification tags.

"A simple identification tag can mean life or death for a cherished family pet. Through Tag Day activities, American Humane works with shelters, veterinarians, animal care and control agencies, and other humane agencies to educate pet owners on the importance of ID tags. We hope our efforts will prevent family pets from ever becoming lost strays," said Tim O'Brien, president of the American Humane Association.

AHA encourages pet owners to make every day Tag Day by following these suggestions:

- Pets need to wear collars with a current identification tag, rabies license, and city license. Include your name, address, phone number, and pet's name.

- Keep licenses current as they help shelters locate pet owners.

- If you are willing to pay a reward, put it on the tag.

- When moving, put a temporary tag on your pet. Include a phone number of someone who will know how to reach you.

- Don't assume that your indoor pet doesn't need tags. Many strays in shelters are indoor pets that escaped.

- Purchase special cat collars with elastic bands to protect your cat from being caught in trees or on fences.

- In addition to ID tags, consider getting your pet tattooed or microchipped.

For more information about Tag Day, visit the AHA website at www.americanhumane.org/tagday/default.htm or call Anna Gonce at 800-227-4645, ext. 462.

Founded in 1877, the American Humane Association is the nation's only national organization dedicated to child and animal protection. From its headquarters outside Denver, Colorado, and from regional offices in Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles, AHA provides national leadership in the development of programs, policies, and services on behalf of children and animals who are abused and neglected.

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