Dog Identification and Your Boston Terrier

Dog Identification and Your Boston Terrier:

Collar with dog license, rabies and ID tags:
This is probably the most common method used. Unfortunately, collars and/or the tags may fall off and become separated from your dog. On the plus side, if they stay intact, they are the quickest way to to identify your dog.

Tattoos:
This method has been in use for several years. The tattoo is usually placed on the inside of the rear thigh after the area is shaved and numbed. Sometimes, the tattoo becomes illegible and needs to be re-done.

Some tattoos use a number with a registry, however, this may actually complicate things since there are so many registries to check. One option is to use your social security number since it can be traced by humane shelters. Of course, you may not be comfortable with your social security number floating around on a lost dog.

Microchipping:
Microchipping is done by your veterinarian. A microchip about the size of a grain of rice is implanted by injection between the dog's shoulder blades. The microchip has its own code and can be scanned by humane societies to locate you. Most dog microchip scanners will work with other microchip brands and related registries. When your dog is microchipped, you will also receive a dog tag that says so. Because there is no discomfort to the animal, this is considered a safe and efficient method of dog identification.

Finding Your Lost Boston Terrier:

Even responsible pet owners who keep their dogs in an enclosed yard or on a leash may lose their dog if it should happen to get loose. Your Boston may find a way to get over or under the fence, or through a gate that is left open unintentionally. If you happen to lose your BT, here are some things you can do to help find him:

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Contact your neighbors and give them a flyer with your dog's photo on it. Include your dog's name, breed, color, age, sex and method of dog identification. Also include the date your dog was last seen, as well as your name and phone number. Offer a reward and note if your dog needs any special medical care.

Check local shelters daily. Go in person instead of just calling. Most shelters limit the time they hold dogs before they are given up for adoption or euthanized. Keep checking back - it may take several days for your dog to come to a shelter if he is wandering or if someone tried to keep him.

Notify all local veterinarians - call and drop off flyers to post in their offices.

Call your breeder. Sometimes breeders are contacted when one of their dogs is found.

Contact your local Boston Terrier rescue group.

Contact local schools - children there may have seen your dog and reported it to a teacher or faculty member.

Post flyers wherever they are allowed. Try grocery stores, schools, veterinary clinics, groomers, gas stations and convenience stores.

Advertise in the newspaper or on the radio.