Veterinary tattoo codes are a critical element of permanent pet identification in British Columbia. Accurate, up-to-date record keeping of these codes is essential for ensuring pet safety. Since January, 2017, the BC Pet Registry has overseen the Provincial Tattoo Identification Program, which was previously managed by the College of Veterinarians of British Columbia (CVBC) since its launch in 1987. This program plays a crucial role in reuniting lost pets with their families across Canada.
This guide provides a detailed overview of how tattoo codes work, the importance of registering them, and the benefits of centralizing pet identification data in the BC Pet Registry’s system.
Understanding Veterinary Pet Tattoo Codes in BC
Veterinary tattoo codes are structured to identify the animal, the facility that issued the tattoo, and the year the tattoo was applied. Familiarity with these formats is essential for veterinarians and ensures the effectiveness of tattoo-based identification.
Provincial Tattoo Program Format:
Example: 123DBV
- 123 = Animal ID number
- DB = Facility code
- V = Year of the tattoo
Vancouver Island Tattoo Program Format:
Example: D123V
- D = Facility code
- 123 = Animal ID number
- V = Year of the tattoo
These codes are a key tool for identifying pets and linking them to specific veterinary clinics. Veterinarians and pet owners should ensure that all tattoos they issue are legible, properly recorded, and registered in a centralized database like the BC Pet Registry.
BC Pet Registry: Centralized Tattoo and Microchip Information
In 2017, the BC Pet Registry introduced a system to streamline the registration and management of tattoo codes. Veterinary practices can now eliminate paper records and maintain their tattoo code information in a centralized, digital database. This system not only simplifies record keeping but also allows pet owners to update their pets’ information as needed, ensuring that tattoos are more likely to remain effective throughout the pet’s life.
Registering tattoo codes with the BC Pet Registry complements microchip registration, offering an additional layer of security for pet identification. Clinics purchasing microchips from the BC Pet Registry can also register tattoo codes free of charge, providing a multi-identification system for pets.
For new clinics, obtaining a unique tattoo code is easy—simply contact the BC Pet Registry. By registering your clinic’s tattoo codes, your clinic will be part of a larger network that allows shelters and other veterinary clinics to trace pets quickly and accurately.
Managing Practice Closures, Mergers, or Renaming
It is rare but not unheard of for veterinary practices to close, merge, or undergo a name change. In such cases, it is essential to plan ahead to protect clients’ pets and their records. The College of Veterinarians of British Columbia (CVBC) should be notified in the event of any changes to the status of your practice.
The BC Pet Registry offers tattoo record-keeping services that ensure pet identification information remains accessible, even after the clinic closes or merges. Veterinary professionals are encouraged to inform clients about the benefits of registering their pets’ tattoo codes with the BC Pet Registry. This step ensures that the records will be available to other veterinary clinics or shelters when needed, regardless of the clinic’s operational status.
Addressing Misconceptions: Tattoo Codes and Microchips
A common misunderstanding among pet owners is that having a tattoo alone is sufficient for identifying their pet. While tattoos are valuable, they can fade or become difficult to read over time, especially as pets age. This reduces their effectiveness if not checked regularly. Veterinary professionals are encouraged to remind pet owners to periodically verify that their pets’ tattoos are still legible.
In addition to a tattoo, pet owners should be encouraged to get a microchip. The combination of these two forms of identification, linked through the BC Pet Registry, provides a more comprehensive and reliable system for ensuring lost pets are quickly returned to their owners. For clinics that already purchase microchips from the BC Pet Registry, adding a tattoo code to the registry is free of charge.
Best Practices for Tattoo Code Registration
Veterinary practices are encouraged to adopt the following best practices when managing tattoo codes:
- Register tattoo codes with the BC Pet Registry for all new tattoos issued by the clinic.
- Ensure that tattoos remain legible by advising pet owners to have them checked periodically.
- Maintain accurate records and regularly update tattoo information to keep it current. Consider having an emergency or co-owner field in case the pet owners are out of town.
- Plan ahead for closures, mergers, or name changes to protect clients’ records and ensure they remain accessible via the BC Pet Registry.
Download the BC Pet Registry Provincial Tattoo ID Program Guide
Veterinary practices can access the latest guidelines and instructions for managing tattoo codes by downloading the BC Pet Registry Provincial Tattoo ID Program Guide. This guide is updated annually to include the most current facility codes and identification standards.
To ensure you receive yearly updates with the latest tattoo codes, email us at info@bcpetregistry.ca to subscribe to our Tattoo ID Guide List. At the end of each year, we update the guide with the newest facility code and the new code for the upcoming year and email the revised PDF to subscribed clinics.
Conclusion
Veterinary tattoo codes remain a vital part of pet identification in British Columbia. By registering tattoo codes with the BC Pet Registry and combining them with microchip registration, veterinary practices can enhance the likelihood of reuniting lost pets with their owners.
Since 2017, the BC Pet Registry has continued to innovate and simplify the tattoo identification process, providing a centralized, secure system for both veterinary professionals and pet owners. For further assistance with tattoo code registration, tracing a pet tattoo, or getting your clinic listed in the guide, please contact the BC Pet Registry at 1-855-622-7722 or email info@bcpetregistry.ca.
Relevant Resources to Give to Pet Owners:
FAQs
1. How do I register my clinic’s tattoo codes with the BC Pet Registry?
To register your clinic’s tattoo codes, contact the BC Pet Registry at info@bcpetregistry.ca. If your clinic already purchases microchips from the BC Pet Registry, you can register tattoo codes at no additional cost.
2. What should I do if my clinic is closing, merging, or changing its name?
Notify both the College of Veterinarians of British Columbia (CVBC) and the BC Pet Registry about your clinic’s changes. This ensures tattoo records are accessible and allows the BC Pet Registry to update its Provincial Tattoo Identification Program documentation.
3. Can pet owners update their tattoo information?
Yes, pet owners can ensure their tattoo information remains current by registering it with the BC Pet Registry. This allows them to update their contact details as needed and ensures the tattoo remains effective for identification.
4. How can I ensure a pet’s tattoo remains legible over time?
Advise pet owners to have their pet’s tattoo checked regularly, especially as the pet ages. If the tattoo becomes faded or hard to read, additional forms of ID, such as microchipping, should be considered.
