Many pet collars come with
important 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.
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.
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.
| |
Pet id tags are easy to see and read,
inexpensive and can be applied quickly.
A simple cat id tag can provide enough information
to ensure you are easily contacted
... should someone find your missing pet.
|
|
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 pet 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. |
|
As well, adding a contact number in a different city or part
of the country could be real handy in the event of a disaster.
... 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 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. 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.
__________________________________
top
... pet collar
home <<< pet
identification <<< pet
collar
