Pet Tattoo Codes and Registration: Essential Information for British Columbia Pet Owners
In British Columbia, pet tattoo codes play a critical role in identifying lost pets and reuniting them with their owners. This guide will explain how tattoo codes work, why it’s vital to keep the information updated, and how registering tattoos with the BC Pet Registry ensures the safety of your pet.
How Pet Tattoo Codes Work in British Columbia
Pet tattoos are a visible and valuable form of identification, typically placed in the pet’s right ear. These tattoos are linked to the veterinary clinic and through the tattoo code guide, we can trace back to the clinic who performed the procedure.
These codes are vital for identifying pets, but their effectiveness depends on the accuracy of the associated information. If the contact details with the clinic are outdated or the tattoo fades, it can hinder the process of reuniting a lost pet with its owner.
Did you know? As of January 1st, 2017, the BC Pet Registry proudly took over the administration of the Provincial Tattoo Identification Program from the College of Veterinarians of British Columbia (CVBC). For decades, this program has been a cornerstone in efforts to identify and reunite lost pets across Canada. You can learn more about the program here.
Keeping Your Pet’s Tattoo Information Updated
One of the most important responsibilities for pet owners is to ensure that the contact information linked to their pet’s tattoo remains up to date. If you change addresses, phone numbers, or plan to rehome your pet, it’s crucial to update these details with the veterinary clinic where the tattoo was performed.
In the case of rehoming your pet, remember to transfer the tattoo code information to the new owner. You can find detailed guidance on the steps for transferring ownership and registering pets at the BC Pet Registry here: Essential Guide to Microchip Registration and Ownership Transfer for Rehoming and Adopting Pets.
To further protect your pet, consider registering the tattoo code with the BC Pet Registry. This is especially important if the clinic where the tattoo was applied closes down or if their records become inaccessible.
Tattoos and Microchips: A Dual Approach to Pet Identification
While tattoos provide an excellent form of visible identification, they can fade over time, reducing their legibility. In such cases, microchips provide a more permanent method of identification. Microchips can be scanned and traced through international databases, such as the American Animal Hospital Association’s (AAHA) universal lookup tool.
To ensure your pet has comprehensive identification, it’s recommended that pets have at least 2 forms of IDs: a visible ID like a collar tag and a permanent ID like a tattoo or a microchip…read more about the types of identification here. While tattoos are easily recognizable to anyone who finds your pet, a microchip offers the added security of being scannable and linked to a central database, making it traceable across borders.
What to Do if Your Pet’s Tattoo Fades
As pets age, their tattoos may fade and become difficult to read. If your pet’s tattoo is no longer legible, we strongly recommend getting a microchip. Microchips provide a reliable and permanent method of pet identification, and they can be implanted at any time, similar to receiving a vaccine.
It’s essential to maintain both tattoo and microchip information with your veterinary clinic. If your pet only has a tattoo and it has faded, consider booking an appointment to have a microchip implanted. This ensures your pet has a durable form of identification that will last a lifetime.
Cleo's Heartwarming Reunion via a Tattoo Code
Much like Cleo’s story, ensuring your pet has a tattoo or microchip, and registering it with a reliable database, provides a critical safeguard against the anxiety of losing a pet.
Additional Safety Tips for Pet Owners
In addition to ensuring your tattoo or microchip information is up to date, there are other steps you can take to safeguard your pet’s identification:
- If you’re rehoming your pet, it’s vital to pass the tattoo code and microchip information to the new owner. Ensuring that this information is accurately transferred reduces the chances of outdated contact details complicating a lost pet’s recovery. Read our guide for tips on ownership transfer.
If you’re leaving your pet with a sitter while you’re away, consider including the sitter’s contact information with the clinic. This ensures the pet sitter can be reached if your pet goes missing in your absence. You can find more tips about pet sitting and microchip registration at the BC Pet Registry here.
Conclusion: Protect Your Pet with Proper Registration
Pet tattoos remain an effective form of identification, but their usefulness is dependent on legibility and up-to-date contact information. By registering your pet’s tattoo with the BC Pet Registry and keeping your details current with the veterinary clinic, you increase the chances of being reunited with your pet if they go missing.
Moreover, pairing a tattoo with a microchip provides a comprehensive approach to pet identification, ensuring your pet has both visible and permanent ID.