Providing a pet collar with an identification tag is as easy

... as it is important

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Attach some identification to your cat or dog - with a pet collar and name tag, or other method of providing your contact information ... for the people who can help your pet ... if he or she becomes lost or hurt.

Many pet collars come with thoughtful safety features

The quick release or breakaway collar is designed with your pet's safety in mind

The clasp or buckle is designed to break apart, should your pet's collar become snagged or caught on a tree branch, fence or other object.

With no fingers to free themselves, your pet is helpless. If a pet collar becomes snagged in such a way that your cat or dog is hanging by its collar, strangulation can occur within minutes. It happens a lot more than you think. Your pet could become trapped somewhere ... it is just not a happy scenario.

Even in your home your pet can run into trouble. A small dog, home alone, snagged his collar on plumbing fixtures behind the toilet. He did manage to free himself - by ripping the plumbing apart. The home was flooded but happily the dog was not injured, only wet.

Although not well known, dogs have been injured or strangled while wearing a traditional collar and tag. They can become caught on the bottom and top of fences, branches, or even while playing with another dog. One dog's jaw can become stuck in the other's collar.

For some lighter activities, the breakaway pet collar can double as a traditional collar by attaching the leash to rings on either side of the buckle.

For activities requiring restraint, traditional collars have their place ... hopefully your dog or cat will be under supervision while wearing them.

Some breakaway collars break apart more easily than others. We think these are preferable, especially for an older or lighter pet ... or a younger animal, such as a kitten or puppy.

Personalized or embroidered pet collars

... has your pet's contact information imprinted on a nylon collar or stitched into an embroidered collar. This pet collar is of course lighter and some come with the safety breakaway feature.

Elastic cat collars are made entirely from stretchy material (like a headband)

These collars should expand in size (check it for stretch yourself). If your cat's collar does get snagged your cat's weight should stretch the collar ... allowing your cat to wriggle free.

Make sure your cat weighs enough for the stretch band to be effective. If the collar does become caught a small or lightweight cat may not be heavy enough to actually stretch the collar.

Cat collars with an elastic loop sewn in

Some of these elasticized loops don't stretch by much and, depending on the fit of your cat's collar ... we don't believe they would be effective if your cat's life depended on slipping his or her head out of this type of collar.

Busted. These collars, fitted properly, were tested on my (poor) cat. We couldn't pull either of them off his head.

Pet collars that are reflective or glow in the dark

... will provide an extra measure of safety for your pet at night. With a reflective collar, your cat or dog will be more easily seen by drivers and other home owners. It could also help prevent your pet from being mistaken for wildlife.

For a pet with longer hair there are flashing or blinking collars and also reflective tags.

The collar needs to fit your pet properly

... loose and your cat will dispose of it ... tight and your pet will be uncomfortable. A pet collar is usually adjustable. You should be able to fit one or two fingers between the collar and your pet's neck. For a kitten or young pet loosen the collar as your pet grows ... (this might seem obvious but it doesn't always happen).

Adding the identification to the collar

The most important information on the tag or collar is your contact information - your phone number and name. If you have room add your address, a friend's phone number and address.

Just as people should do for emergency preparedness, a contact number in a different city or part of the country will be effective if a disaster occurs. If your pet has a disability, such as a hearing problem, or other medical condition, include it or purchase a medical alert tag. You can also add "reward."

If you are looking for cheap pet id tags consider plastic or metal. For your cat's benefit choose a light material. Many pet stores or online stores provide engraved pet tag services. Some tags are double sided which allows you to add more information.

If you do get metal tags coat them with clear nail polish or sealant. Sometimes the metal has a way of rubbing off on a cat's fur and if they lick it off they can become sick.

Reflective Identification Tags

Reflective tags work well if your pet has long fur and a reflective collar cannot be seen.

Some are engraved. Other reflective tags come with a permanent ink pen and you write your contact info on the back. Some are quite large and will not suit smaller animals.

Also available are tags which have a slip of paper inside which can be viewed through a clear window on the tag. These products allow you to id your pet in a few minutes.

Identification tubes

Made of metal, these tubes unscrew and are able to hold your contact information on a slip of paper. If you are on the move or change addresses and phone numbers frequently this product will allow you to update your information quickly.

On the downside, many pet owners have found that some tubes unscrew on their own so the lower half with the identification is lost. The tubes are quite small and are better suited for small animals. As well, it might not be obvious to a person who finds your pet that the tube unscrews and contains id.

(Some government bylaws require bells to be placed on cats to protect local wildlife. Others require vaccination tags or licenses. Be sure to check with your local government or animal shelter to find out what the regulations are.

Remember to update your contact information if you are moving or giving your pet away.)

In the end, less than five percent of cats and 25 percent of dogs taken to shelters are reunited with their families. Many animals have no identification at all. Many don't make it to a shelter.

If your pet becomes lost, a simple collar with attached identification could very well end up saving his or her life.

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